Black Friday at the Tables; John Jarema Visits Seminole Hard Rock for First Casino Tournament

By Sean Chaffin

Much of the country is heading to stores and malls or staying online all day looking for deals, but at the Seminole Hard Rock, players are battling it out at the poker table this Black Friday in the WPT Seminole Rock ‘N’ Roll Poker Open. This is the first time that the $3,500 buy-in event has been included on the WPT Main Tour.

In an event with a $2 million guarantee, players will be looking for much more than a nice deal on a big-screen television or Xbox. With Day 1a action underway, WPT asked a few players about their usual Black Friday plans and what they hoped for during the holidays. That includes a player making his first tournament appearance.

John Jarema 

While he’s played poker most of his life, today’s tournament is the first major tournament for Jarema. The owner of an industrial supplies business in Columbia, South Carolina, Jarema owns a condo in Hollywood. He’s originally from New Jersey and began playing as a kid.

“When I was a kid we used to play a lot,” he says. “We had a friend with a big house, and in high school, after we’d go down and play poker in the basement.”

Despite being a longtime player, Jarema’s never been in a tournament at a casino, but has always wanted to. Today is the day and the location makes it easy.

“I can come down here, play in this tournament, and if I lose in 15 minutes, which probably will happen, I’ve at least already got a place to stay,” he says with a laugh. “I’ve lived my dream and it hasn’t cost me a ton of money.”

Usual Black Friday plans: He steers clear of anything to do with shopping. “It’s insane,” he says, and spends his day off usually at home.

Christmas gift wish: “I’m pretty much a guy that when I see it, I get it,” he says. Coming up with a gift wish wasn’t easy, but he adds: “How about peace and quiet?”

Poker gift wish: His is simple: “I’d like to win this tournament.”

Harry O’Brien

The 56-year-old poker player from Port St. Lucie, FL, is retired and only began playing a few years ago. He just scored his first major cash in September at the Seminole Coconut Creek, where he finished third in the $1,700 WSOP Circuit Main Event for $101,219. O’Brien worked in the printing business for 35 years and even owned his own company, but is now retired and hoping his hot streak continues here at the Hard Rock.

Usual Black Friday plans: Many may be hunting for deals on Black Friday, Harry O’Brien is still bringing in the feel of the Thanksgiving holiday. “I’m usually still eating turkey and just watching football,” he says.

Christmas gift wish: He aims big and hopes for a new car – a new truck to be specific. O’Brien said winning the Rock ‘N’ Roll Poker Open would help make that happen.

Poker gift wish: He hopes to keep the poker going, and would love a buy-in to another major poker event.

Luciano Nardi

Originally from Brazil, Nardi now lives in Delray Beach, FL. He runs an import and export business dealing with industrial maintenance products. He’s a recreational player and has several cashes at the Seminole Hard Rock and Coconut Creek.

Usual Black Friday plans: While he may not be out among the shopping masses today, Nardi is not averse to venturing out for some retail savings. His usual target? Like many, he’s been known to look for a deal on electronics.

Christmas gift wish: He’s a jewelry guy, and says a ring or some other bling would be nice.

Poker gift wish: It may not be available for a discount on Black Friday, but Nardi would wish for a buy-in to the WSOP Main Event. He’d also like to win enough at the WPT Rock ‘N’ Roll Poker Open to fund the purchase of a new car.

Matt Millisor 

Originally from Ohio, Millisor (shown at the Season XVI bestbet Bounty Scramble) is a regular player at WPT events and is hoping for a deep run here at Seminole Hard Rock. He works in independent business development for the oil and gas industry. Earlier this month, he finished 15th at a WSOP Circuit $1,700 Main Event for $16,438 and hopes to improve on that this weekend.

Usual Black Friday plans: Millisor is completely averse to venturing out for some shopping. “I would rather be eaten by cannibals,” he says.

Christmas gift wish: At a complete loss for words, he’s a man of few wants and couldn’t come up with anything.

Poker gift wish: If Millisor could have any poker-related gift, more WPT comes to mind. “How about an entry into the Five Diamond?” he says. “That would be a Christmas gift and a birthday gift since my birthday’s that same week.”