Oh how high stake cash games have changed since the unknown Swede, Isildur1, came on to the scene. Isildur1 has become a household poker name in very short time. This time Isildur1 battled one on one against Brian Hastings, in his usual $500/$1,000 pot limit Omaha. It was worst beating since Isildur1 showed up at the poker table. Brian Hastings reportedly won over $3.2 million in the 5 hour session the two played. Are you serious, Clark? Hastings delivered Isildur1 a major loss which was worse than any other player Isildur1 faced. I can't even win a race in a $24+2 tournament. Anyone else think Cedar Point's next roller coaster should be called Isildur1?

Bob Thompson, Former World Series of Poker Director, was laid to rest Thursday (Dec 10th) after passing away on Sunday. Thompson served as the tournament director from 1999 until 2002. Thompson was loved and respected by everyone who worked for him, and by everyone who knew him. Thompson was known for saving the World Series of Poker, and guiding the event through its 'dark days'. People that knew Thompson say it will be hard to imagine the World Series without him, because he was a true ambassador to the game of poker. Thompson was 80 years old.

The first ever United Kingdom and Ireland Poker Tour event, which was held in Galway, came to close as Padraig Parkinson is the only man left holding chips. Parkinson outlasted 258 players as he went on to win the first place prize of €125,000. Parkinson outplayed a tough final table, and he went heads up for the title against Paul Marrow. Parkinson’s ‘KQ’ held up against Marrows ‘52’ after Marrow made his move for all his chips. Parkinson will look to retain his title next year when the 2nd annual UKIPT gets underway.

Since the recent $3.2 million beat down Hastings gave Isildur1; it's quite obvious why we haven't saw Isildur1 at the poker table. Let me say that again. $3.2 MILLION. So what to do when Isildur1 isn't around to spread the pot-limit Omaha love? The answer is 7 Game. High stakes professionals including Tom Dwan, Patrik Antonius, Gus Hansen, 'Ziigmund' Sahamies, Brian Townsend, John Juanda, and a few others sat down for some high stakes 7 game. The winner on the night was Patrik Antonius as he walked away from the table up over $500k. Which meant someone had to lose. The biggest loser (no pun intended) of the night was Matt Hawrilenko who dropped over $400k. Though Isildur1 wasn't involved, high stakes is always worth watching.

PokerStars is introducing their brand new 'Team Pro Tuesdays'. A day in which you have the opportunity to watch or compete against your favorite PokerStars pros. 'Team Pro' Tuesdays' will feature two tournaments called 'Outlast the Pro'. 'Outlast the Pro' will be an $11 buy-in in your ultimate goal will obviously be to outlast the pros within said tournament. If and when every pro is eliminated from the tournament then a prize of $1,000 (courtesy of PokerStars) will be distributed amongst the remaining players. For instance if you were to go heads up with a PokerStars pro and win the tournament; you would be rewarded an extra $1,000 on top of your tournament earnings. Well played PokerStars, well played indeed.