Year in review

By Grant Levy
24 December 2009

Well it is this time of year when I look back in reflection of what I have achieved and failed to achieve so far.

2009 has been a mixed bag for me, with a lot of disappointments and close calls, but a few solid results to prop up the spirits.

It all started with Aussie Millions, where I had my best series to date, playing in 5 events, cashing 3 with one final table and a super deep run for 13th in the Main Event. It was a very solid start to the year and had me thinking what could be if I could make a good 80k a month for the rest of the year.

Following the Aussie Millions, and running for a good 6 months, was the PokerStars ANZPT Season 1. This series was probably my biggest regret of the year, failing pretty dismally going 0 from 5 and not even causing a ripple in the POY race. This was especially disappointing as the fields in the ANZPT were as soft as any I have played in.

In June and July I once again travelled to Vegas for the WSOP, and once again came away empty handed. I played in 6 events (one was the Bellagio Cup 5k and not a WSOP event),and again could't find the luck needed to make the money. In fact, of the 6 events, I had huge stacks in 3 before being monumentally unlucky, as well as having a decent stack late on Day 2 of the Main Event before losing a massive flip with QQ on one of the last hands of the day. A win there would have given me a very large stack going into day 3 and a good chance of making some solid money.

I played much better in Vegas in 2009 and made a couple of day 2's (a step better than the year before). It still remains unfinished business, and I won't be fulfilled without making some inroads there at some stage.

The second half of the year was more successful, with a 5th in the Macau High Rollers for around $60k. This was a little disappointing however, as I had a significant chip lead with 6 players left before once again running pretty horribly to bow out shortly thereafter.

I also managed a cash in the Sydney APPT Grand Final (my favourite tournament for obvious reasons). Once again I ran pretty horribly when it mattered towards the end with my AT losing a pretty big pot all in pre flop against KJ, and similarly my AK losing a decent sized pot to KQ all in pre flop to pretty much end my run. Despite this, it is always good to be in the money at Star City and I hope to run well in one of the three majors there in 2010.

Online has been pretty ordinary this year and I have definitely not enjoyed the same amount of success I had in 2008. I only managed one significant cash, a 4th in the big PokerStars $100 rebuy for $30k back in May.

All in all, I have travelled a hell of a lot this year. I've been to Melbourne 6 times, Vegas, Adelaide, Christchurch, Auckland, Queenstown, Brisbane, Gold Coast and Macau. Each time it becomes increasingly harder to leave my family at home as I gain the most enjoyment when my family are able to travel with me.

I'm not sure what 2010 has in store for me by way of success, it is always the great unknown. What I do know, is that there are two beacons out there that signal huge unfinished business. One being the WSOP, and the other being the ANZPT. As one of the sponsored PokerStars Pro's, I really want to do well on the ANZPT in 2010. With an extra couple of stops on the tour, and the fact that I will be playing at each of the stops, I am going to give myself every opportunity of performing well. I have set my goal as finishing the Season as the points champion, and will consider any other result a failure.

I also still have a bitter taste in my mouth after a heartbreaking finish at the Aussie Millions in 2009. I hope to go a few better with a final table appearance there. I'd also like to take the opportunity in wishing good mate Stewart Scott the best of luck in his title defense. I think Stewart has done a great job this year in proving why he is the Aussie Champ, with a bunch of solid results this year. I wish him all the best in 2010.

Finally I'd like to give a few of my awards for this year.

Player of the year: Jarred Graham in a canter.
Breakthrough of the year: Stewart Scott
Online Player of the year: Jay Kincade, with honorable mention to Kennl
Watch this space award: Brendan Rubie

Finally I'd like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. I hope to see you all in January.