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South African player receives standing ovation as he departs World Series of Poker main event final table
Piggs Peak Swaziland’s All Africa Poker finalist, Raymond Rahme has overcome all odds with his phenomenal performance at the 2007 World Series of Poker, being the first South African to not only make the final table, but to finish in 3rd position, earning himself a cool $3 048 025. The 62 year old semi retired entrepreneur from Johannesburg was the oldest player at the final table.
The platform from which Rahme achieved this impressive status, was the 9th All Africa Poker Tournament, hosted by Piggs Peak in Swaziland in June 2007. Piggs Peak made it possible for him to participate at the World Series of Poker 2007, by sponsoring his seats as well as all related costs
Shortly before he played his final hand Raymond went over to Jack Effel, an ESPN reporter and asked: “Do you know who Nelson Mandela is?” “Yes I do” Jack said. “This is going to be on ESPN, yeah?” This Jack confirmed with a nod of his head. “Well you send a message and let him know that I’m going to bring the bracelet home for Africa!” Raymond said with confidence and a smile.
When play resumed, Jack granted Ray’s wish and lead the crowd in wishing Mandela a happy 89th birthday. When he was eliminated by the US player in the chip lead - California's Jerry Yang - Rahme received a standing ovation from the packed Las Vegas venue.
Ray may not have brought home the bracelet – but he certainly kept South Africa’s name high!
In his exit interview Ray had the following to say about the Piggs Peak Team: “The Piggs Peak Swaziland team kept me going and supported me all the way! Thank you Piggs Peak”.
“We can never lose site of what Ray has achieved – he has beaten out 6358 players to achieve a brilliant 3rd place finish in the biggest poker Tournament in the world!”, said Wendy Graaf, Group Marketing Manager of Piggs Peak Casino. |
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