Jason Hardebeck outlasted a field of 396 players to capture the $100+20 No-Limit Hold’em event in the "Scotty Nguyen Challenge", at the Cherokee Casino. Hardebeck collected $11,044 for 1st Place.

"The Cherokee Casino puts on a heck of tournament," Hardebeck said, "a player feels like he´s won an important event if you score here. I know I sure do." The Oklahoman´s victory came after more than 10 hours of card combat.

The third annual "Scotty Nguyen Challenge", May 17-30, has set new attendance records. "Just about every event is up over last year," reports Sr. Manager of Poker Tony Armstrong, "the tournament is already a big success."