Since the airing on television of the 2008 WSOP 50K HORSE event there has been a great degree of controversy over the bevaviour of eventual winner Scotty Nguyen at the final table.

Scotty was seen faily inebriated, demanding more cocktails, and swearing and baiting his opponents.   None of this behaviour is really acceptable, but no action was taken by the tournament director to penalize him.  Erick Lindgren was so incensed that he said at the table that he’ll never be on “Team Scotty”, a reference refering to the fact that he’s not a great fan and wont be cheering him to win.    As he busted out of the event in a very credible 3rd, he was heard saying that he hoped “the kid” wins, a reference to Michael DeMichelle.

At first sight the lack of penalty smells a little of favouritism of a big poker name, but I think some of the media attention following the airing of the event has been slightly sensationalist.  Yes he was a bit over the top, but we all know Scotty talks to get into the heads of opponents more than almost anyone of the top pros, perhaps Tony G notwithstanding.

The network showing the coverage inevitably chases the ratings and they therefore are quite naturally selective over the most dynamic footage.  The effect this can have is that often soundbites are played a little out of context with a lot of “before” and “after” missing.  We cant really criticize the network, as the footage is there to be utilized, but I think it is more likely that the reason the tournament directors didnt take any action is that when seen in context the coffee-housing wasnt really viewed as that much of an issue.

Scotty has apologized following the shown coverage, but really this is a media frenzy gone bananas rather than a true reflection of one of the game’s great eccentrics.

Scotty Nguyen beat a very impressive field of big name pros to win the prestigious $50K HORSE event

WSOP Event 45 - $50K HORSE - 148 entrants
1 $ 1,989,120 Scotty Nguyen  
2 $ 1,243,200 Michael DeMichele  
3 $ 781,440 Erick Lindgren 
4 $ 568,320 Matt Glantz  
5 $ 444,000 Lyle Berman  
6 $ 355,200 Barry Greenstein 
7 $ 284,160 Huck Seed 
8 $ 230,880 Patrick Bueno  
9 $ 177,600 Ralph Perry  
10 $ 177,600 Raymond Davis  
11 $ 159,840 David Bach  
12 $ 159,840 Phil Ivey 
13 $ 142,080 Daniel Negreanu
14 $ 142,080 Joseph Michael  
15 $ 124,320 Andy Bloch 
16 $ 124,320 Doyle Brunson