ClubWPT.com Qualifier George Koutris Plays in Memory of his Late Mother at WPT Borgata Winter Poker Open

By Sean Chaffin

It’s not easy seeing a loved one in the latter years suffer. For George Koutris (pictured), it meant putting his life on hold for a while to care for his ailing mother Mary. There were good days and bad days for his mom. Some days she’d struggle, but other days they could talk and converse.

The 59-year-old from Newport News, Virginia, won his way into the WPT Borgata Winter Poker Open after winning a ClubWPT qualifying tournament. Mary had been quite a gambler and enjoyed visiting casinos – and made quite an impression on her son. No doubt, she’d be excited he’s playing here today in this event.

Mary had been an active woman and played golf and tennis until age 83. After a 30-year career in real estate, Koutris wouldn’t trade the time he took away from his job for anything.

“I was out of it for about six years taking care of my mom,” he says. “I was her caregiver. She just passed away this October. I gave up part of my life, but I don’t regret it. I had a good time with her. I used to play penny-ante poker with her, my dad, and her friends. She loved poker and loved playing the slots.”

A longtime fan of the WPT, Koutris watches the show each week and began playing on ClubWPT.com in May. The site is the tour’s official subscription online poker game with users paying a monthly subscription fee for a chance to win a share of $100,000 in cash and prizes each month as well as seats to WPT events.

Initially, Koutris began playing on the free side and had some luck before signing up for the real sweepstakes tournaments. He had some decent months, winning $95 and $75 another month after he got his mother to bed for the night. He viewed it as a way to have some fun and pass some time. If he made a few bucks, so much the better.

After July, his mother’s dementia worsened and he stopped playing altogether. After she passed away, Koutris didn’t play again until December 2. A big Baltimore Ravens fan, he decided he’d play some poker while watching the team take on the Atlanta Falcons. It was a wise decision.

“I saw this tournament was going on, so I reissued my membership and won the tournament the day I joined,” he says.

Not only did the Ravens score a nice victory, but Koutris topped a field of 2,500 players to win the tournament and a trip here to Borgata. This wasn’t his first major win in a qualifying tournament, however. Eleven years ago, Koutris won a shot to play in the Aussie Millions. While he made Day 2, he didn’t cash in the event but scored in another $350 tournament for $3,300.

Poker rooms or casinos aren’t legal in Virginia, but he plays in home games with friends. As the BWPO approached, he also joined a poker league to practice his game and prepare. So far, he’s enjoyed his time at Borgata and attended the player’s party on Sunday night. He’s hoping his luck from ClubWPT continues here today in Day 1b at Borgata.

“I’ve got two or three styles I like to play,” he says. “Right now it’s just going to be to sit and wait. This is long and drawn out. I haven’t played a lot in these long tournaments, so you just have to be patient.”

Sean Chaffin is a freelance writer in Crandall, Texas. His work appears in numerous websites and publications. Follow him on Twitter @PokerTraditions.

Looking to win your way to a World Poker Tour event for your shot at becoming a WPT champion? Play for your chance on ClubWPT.com, where eligible VIP Members can play for over $100,000 in cash and prizes each month, including seats to WPT events, no purchase necessary.