CCPT 2024 – Year End Event Summary

CCPT 2024 Year-End Event: A Night to Remember

On January 18, the Carleton County Poker Tour (CCPT) wrapped up another thrilling season with its year-end event. The evening, marked by camaraderie, competitive spirit, and a delicious catered meal, saw friends old and new come together to celebrate yet another unforgettable season of poker.

The CCPT Tradition

Since 2004, a group of dedicated poker enthusiasts have met every two weeks to engage in heated, yet friendly, poker battles. These regular meet-ups have become more than just games—they’ve evolved into a tradition that bonds the community. Players accumulate points throughout the season based on their finishes, and the culmination of all their hard work and strategic gameplay takes place at the year-end event. It’s not just about winning the tournament; it’s about celebrating the season’s best and crowning the CCPT champion.

The Race for the Top

As the leaderboard tightened, the competition for the top spots was fierce. The season-long race culminated in a dramatic showdown. Here’s how the final leaderboard looked heading into the event:

1. Joe – 15,400 points

2. Mark – 14,500 points

3. Tony – 12,800 points

4. Luc – 12,200 points

5. Asbell – 11,400 points

6. Ben – 10,650 points

7. Pete – 10,500 points

8. John – 7,150 points

9. Duane – 6,800 points

10. Tyler – 6,450 points

11. Allan – 5,850 points

12. Keith – 5,600 points

Throughout the 2024 season, Joe and Mark had been at the forefront of the leaderboard, consistently staying in the top spots, but Mark’s steady performance, ranked second every week except one, ensured that he was in prime position for the final showdown. Joe had a strong grip on the top spot, having led the leaderboard through most of the season, but it was Mark who had the momentum and the calm demeanor that would prove to be key in the year-end event.

The Year-End Showdown

The big night arrived, and the stakes were higher than ever. Players took their seats around the table, nerves and excitement mixed in the air. A professional dealer, Danna, was hired to ensure smooth gameplay, and the catering from Eileen kept everyone fueled for what would be an intense battle for the top spot. As players sat down, the anticipation of the evening’s events was palpable.

The final two players, Joe and Mark, had been battling it out all season long, with Joe holding onto the top spot and Mark staying consistently close behind in second. As the night drew to a close and the endgame neared, the tension in the air was thick. With the pot sitting at $289, Joe, ever the gracious player, offered to split it with Mark. However, Mark was resolute—he wanted to battle it out until the very end, no deal, no compromises.

But there was an extra layer to the night’s drama. A bounty had been placed on Joe’s head due to his dominant performance throughout the season. Every player who entered the event contributed $5 to the bounty pool, which amounted to $55. If anyone took Joe out of the tournament, they would claim the bounty, but if Joe emerged victorious, he would pocket the entire amount. Mark was determined not just to win the first-place pot but also to take down Joe and claim the bounty.

The Battle to the End

With the cards dealt and the chips stacking up, Mark dug deep, playing with precision and calculated aggression. The two friends fought back and forth, with Joe holding his ground, but Mark’s resilience and focus carried him through. As the final hands were dealt, it became clear that Mark was on the verge of a victory, not only securing first place but also taking the bounty.

In the end, it was Mark who emerged victorious, having held strong and outlasted Joe. His final hand sealed the deal, earning him not only the championship title and the first-place pot, but also the $55 bounty that had been placed on Joe’s head. It seemed like Mark really wanted that bounty—and with good reason. His victory was a culmination of a season of solid play and determination.

Awards and Recognition

While Mark claimed the coveted champion’s title, the night also celebrated other standout performances. Player-voted awards highlighted the contributions of players throughout the season:

Stats – Worst Player Of The Year Award – Asbell

Stats – Basement Award aka Fewest Points Won Per Game Played – Keith

The Spirit of CCPT

What makes the CCPT so special isn’t just the competitive nature of the game—it’s the friendships that have formed over the years. Whether you’re playing your first hand or have been part of the group for a decade, the community is what keeps everyone coming back. The poker games, the laughs, and the shared experiences create a bond that goes far beyond the cards dealt at the table.

As the evening drew to a close, there was already talk of next year’s season, the rivalries that would grow, and the strategies that would be refined. For now, though, Mark was the champion, having earned the right to bask in the glory of his hard-fought win—and his bounty.

Looking Forward

With the 2024 season in the books, the stage is set for another exciting year in 2025. The CCPT has become more than just a poker league; it’s a tradition that continues to bring people together for great poker and even greater memories. As the first cards of the new season were shuffled, players were already eyeing next year’s title, with Mark’s victory setting a high bar for everyone else.

Thank you to Danna for dealing the cards with precision and skill, and to Eileen for catering an unforgettable evening.

Mark, as the 2024 champion, has set the bar high, but as history has shown, the race for the top spot will always be fierce. Whether you’re playing for the glory of victory or the joy of the game, the CCPT will undoubtedly continue to provide countless memorable moments for years to come.