1st Sam Valore Mt. Laurel, NJ $24,800 2nd Kenny ‘Action’ Gambella Ventnor, NJ $12,400 3rd Michael DeVeronica Hollywood, FL $6,200 4th Alan Miskin Laurel, MD $3,720 5th Vinnie ‘Whispers’ Condina Absecon, NJ $3,100 6th Robert ‘Tank’ Nicholson Ventnor, NJ $2,480 7th Steve Sommers Hallandale, FL $1,860 8th Rahzee Kamaza Severna Park, MD $1,240 9th Marina Lios Linwood, NJ $868 10th Greg Fondacaro Sewell, NJ $868 11th Daniel Bakker Hot Springs, AR $868 12th Paul McKinney Princeton, WV $868 13th Leonard Weissman Absecon, NJ $682 14th Harry Mangurian Jr. Ocala, FL $682 15th Ron Durante Sicklerville, NJ $682 16th Sazan ‘Sonny’ Lusha Staten Island, NY $682 Tournament Report Once upon a time in America, Sam Valore learned to play poker in the back room of a pool hall. Not only are his meatballs in demand, but bragging rights go to his homemade pasta sauce and the 1st place win in today’s Stud Event. But no dishes! This tournament win is a first for Sam, but he is the second player from their Sunday home game to make the top three in consecutive events. Sam is also a hot comodity with the FAA, where he is one of a few who still know how to operate the old computers. Sam is planning a country vacation to the Poconos. Congratulations Sam, this is a true American tale! This is dedicated to the one I love...mom, Lauretta, that’s you! Kenny ‘Action’ Gambella gives all the credit for his 2nd place win to his family and dear friends for all of their support. Looking through the magic mirror, Kenny ‘Action’ thanks Corinne and Christian, dad-Kenny, poppa in Florida, Mike and Eddie, Dean and Flip... but it was grandmom Dani who taught ‘Action’ how to play poker. This is the first year of Action’s professional poker life, and with all that support, how can there be anything but success for your future! A lover of Patsy Cline and country music, Michael Deveronica cannot sing, but he’s a headliner at the grand ole USPC! This furniture store owner did not fall to pieces when faced with the competition, but he went walkin’ after midnight with a 3rd place win in today’s Stud Event! -Paula Geletei

2002 U.S. Poker Championship