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