Just 16 months ago, Eric Stevenson was unable to walk, unable to feed himself due do staph infections attacking his body, damaging heart valves so badly they needed replacement – and friends feared for his life.
Fast forward to today, and Stevenson a Peppermill Poker Room dealer, closes out Lee ‘Rooster’ Viloria heads up to win the Spring 2025 $300,000 Guarantee Poker Palooza $1,000 Main Event at Peppermill Reno.
Cheers and celebratory confetti cannons echoed through the spacious tournament arena as Stevenson wins $70,000, with Viloria collecting $51,500 as the runner up.
Stevenson’s recovery began a year ago at the Spring 2024 Poker Palooza, where just weeks after being ale to start reduced work hours, he won the Casino Employee event.
Back to full strength after extensive rehab, Stevenson played a handful of events this spring, including a fourth-place finish in the $100,000 Guarantee $600 Mystery Bounty.
“Wow, this is for REAL money,” Stevenson said when he looked up at the scoreboard three-handed to see he was guaranteed at least $33,000 in the Main Event.
“This is amazing,” he added after winning the tournament. “This is THE best feeling.”
Here is the Official Order of Finish
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