This is the second World Series of Poker title for Lund, who claimed his first gold bracelet in the 1978 tournament. "It seems like that was 12 decades ago," he commented. With 15 in-the-money finishes at the World Series, Lund currently ranks No. 14 on the tournament roster of all-time money winners. He has been playing poker since childhood - "no kidding," he said - and has to his credit numerous titles from other major competitions.
Placing second in the Ace-to-Five Draw event and winning $41,055 was John Henson, a 28-year-old telecommunications specialist from Temple City, California. A recreational player, Henson holds a title from the Legends of Poker tournament and has finished in the money two additional times in this year's World Series, including placing third in the Omaha High-Low Split event on May 3.
Larry Steinhauer, a 49-year-old self-employed telemarketer from Thousand Oaks, California, finished in third place and won $21,420. A poker player for three decades, Steinhauer made his first trip to the World Series this year.
The 1996 World Series of Poker continues at the Horseshoe through May 16. The $3,000 buy-in limit Texas Hold'em event begins today at noon, followed by the $2,500 buy-in limit Seven Card Stud competition on May 6.
More than 4,000 entrants - representing at least 20 countries - are expected to participate in this year's World Series, and the total money distributed is anticipated to be in excess of $11 million.
