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The 2024 PokerStars North American Poker Tour Las Vegas $5,300 Main Event attracted 895 runners, of which 115 had won PokerStars $10,000 Gold Passes via different routes such as Path to the NAPT Satellites, supporting live events, and partner promotions

Of those, 20 managed to make the money cashing for a combined $241,600! Unfortunately, Houston’s Luis Rivera, who has won his Gold Pass via a PokerNews Podcast giveaway, was not one of them.

Despite not cashing the event, Rivera and his wife had a great week-long experience at Resorts World Las Vegas and the NAPT, which was just his second-ever live poker tournament.

PokerNews caught up with Rivera, who primarily plays online, to talk a bit about what it was like being a Gold Pass winner at the 2024 NAPT.

Making His Way to Vegas

The 35-year-old Rivera, originally from Florida and now works for a software company, had to adjust some plans after being randomly selected in the PokerNews Podcast Gold Pass giveaway.

“We had travel plans to see her family like the week of the entire NAPT, and so we had to cut that short,” Rivera told PokerNews at the NAPT Player Party. “We still went to see them but had to cut it short so we could hop back to Houston and then to Vegas. But oh my god, it’s been so exciting every single day knowing I was coming here. I can’t believe this happened, and I can’t believe we’re here.”

“I bluffed Toby Lewis a couple of times. I didn’t know who the guy was until I looked him up.”

He continued: “It’s been incredible. All the people I’ve met, I got to hug Jennifer Tilly. She’s great. I love her. She’s so sweet. She is one of my favorite people. I really want to do the go-karting and the karaoke nights.”

What might Rivera sing at a karaoke night?

“Sometimes Queen’s Don’t Stop Me Now,” he shared. “That is one of my go-to songs.”

Unfortunately for Rivera, his actual NAPT playing experience, which remember was just his second-ever live tournament, didn’t go as well as he’d hoped.

“I was card dead almost the entire time. I got pocket kings once, but everyone folded after I just minimum-raised, you know, like you can’t do anything about that. I got pocket eights a couple of times, but the flop would be like 10xJxAx, so it was a combination of being card dead and just not hitting. I can’t do much about that. I bluffed Toby Lewis a couple of times. I didn’t know who the guy was until I looked him up and I’m like, ‘Oh, he’s made like almost $10 million.’”

His Final Hand

Rivera played in the Day 1b flight and unfortunately bowed out in Level 6 (300/600/600). That is when reporter Brett Slezak picked up action on the turn in a hand between Rivera, who was in the cutoff, and Alexander Greenblatt in the big blind.

With the board reading K*♠8♥5♦J♣*, Greenblatt led for 3,000 and Rivera called.

On the 7*♥* river, Greenblatt led for 6,200 effective to put Rivera at risk. Rivera contemplated for about 30 seconds before he announced that he would call.

Luis Rivera: J*♠10♦Alexander Greenblatt: K♦4♦*

Greenblatt had top pair and Rivera called down with second pair putting an unceremonious end to his NAPT tournament.

Despite not cashing the 2024 NAPT, Rivera was grateful for the experience the Gold Pass afforded him, a week full of memories he and his wife will never forget. Oh, he’s also keen to continue his poker journey in the live realm.

“Yeah, I’m going to see what’s left, what other events,” he said when asked if we might see him in future tournaments. “If it’s like a $500 buy-in you might see me in those.”

Rivera also chatted with PokerNews Ambassador Keith Becker after busting the tournament and you can watch that segment in the latest episode of the PokerNews Podcast (which also includes another giveaway):

PR & Media Manager for PokerNews, Podcast host & 2013 WSOP Bracelet Winner.

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