My 11th year photographing the WOPT (World Oilman’s Poker Tournament) 2017
This was my 11th year photographing the WOPT tournament (World Oilmen’s Poker Tournament) in Las Vegas and each year I have had an even BETTER time, if that was even possible! It’s like a crazy family reunion or “My Big Ole Texas Reunion” whenever I see these guys! Basically, Cornerstone Acquisitions knows how to throw a fabulous party and show their clients a luxurious time. These guys are “working and networking” the entire time, which basically translates to: playing golf, poker till all hours of the morning, having fantastic catered meals, a private comedy show by Ron White and cabanas by the pool at Surrender, pool time, helicopter rides into the Grand Canyon, shooting machine guns in the desert (AND from helicopters!) and not to mention their own hospitality suite basically 24 hours a day…which means non-stop drinking and I get to come and “document” it all and have spa treatments at the Encore spa afterwards. It’s a tough job, but someone has to do it!:) I brought my token Texan, Jodee Debes to assist me in the insanity packed into 3 days in Vegas and she always brings her “A” and her Texas drawl and “dangs” come out in full effect with this crew!
As if this isn’t the most fun-filled, ridiculous week already, I got to drink tequila with Ron White, shoot machine guns from a helicopter, hit the jackpot with Jodee and Andy betting on the poker player to win it all (and winning!), having the most ridiculous roundtable dinner with Chris Aulds and the Pearl crew, and ending up luxuriating in the Encore spa. I always feel like I barely leave Vegas with my life after 3 days with this crew, but it’s always SO worth it!
Thanks again Kurt, Riki, and the rest of the Cornerstone crew for always being the ULTIMATE hosts!!
