So far, for all three of them, the plan seems to be working. Harris confided that they have provided lots of helpful advice about how to minimize expenses and maximize opportunity – which is not easy on today’s poker tournament trail.

Harris’ network of supporters and confidants includes David Clark (two-time gold ring winner) and La Sengphet (three-time gold ring winner) – who is (you guessed it)….also from Dallas. Instead, he treats the game as it should be treated by those who want to be successful at it – as a business. He doesn’t dive into the biggest games or play over his head. He makes modest goals and so far has achieved them. For those who may be snickering at the prospect (many try and most fail), Harris’ game plan is grounded in a patient one-step-at-a time process. Harris is a 32-year-old former casino manager who is now aspiring to play tournament poker full-time. So, for those who are counting – five out of the last 19 gold ring events at Harrah’s Rincon have been won by players from the Dallas area – which is more than the host city of San Diego. His colleague Mstr Lunch won two gold rings and the “Best All-Around Player” Honor. In March 2011, Seneca Easley (who is actually from nearby Fort Worth) won the Main Event. The two victories by Texans come one year after another pair of Dallas players dominated last year’s WSOP Circuit, played here at Rincon. David Clark, another player from Dallas finished second in an event three days ago.

Harris became the second winner at this series from Dallas, following Josh Evan’s victory two days earlier. Harris collected $16,004 in prize money, plus his first WSOP Circuit gold ring. He won the $345 buy-in No-Limit Hold’em tournament, which was Event #9 at Harrah’s Rincon. Despite the 1,000-mile separation, several Texas-based players have made the trip west during the last few seasons, and have taken lots of prize money and gold rings back to the Lone Star State.

Rincon Reservation, CA (March 23, 2012) – Texans continue to dominate the World Series of Poker Circuit at Harrah’s Rincon.

Harrah's rincon casino poker tournament