My favourite early poker experience was also at Binion's. I had set upon a goal of winning a Casino Employees Event, so I went to the trouble of getting a dealer's license and worked in a casino. At the Binion's Annual Poker Classic, I checked that its Casino Employees Event would be paid out in chips with no 30% withholding rape, so I was good to go.
There were some high level casino employees playing, including Binion's own head of poker. When we got down to the final table, we were treated to a private buffet dinner upstairs. She and I were the two biggest stacks, but she was drunk by the time the final table started. Before I could act on my turn, she drunkenly announced a big raise. Both the pretty female dealer and tournament director properly ruled that their BIG BOSS' out-of-turn action was binding, and I ended up with her chips.
The remaining players in the final table seemed to be dealers and were petrified of my chip lead. They shockingly started discussing about handing me the first place championship and money, and they would chop the rest! :o I didn't have to be an ICM expert back then to know that I should try to make the deal happen, so I offered around $100 off my first place money and they unanimously agreed! :D
Even back then, I left a tip so my good karma has continued since. Some of the other ITM dealers also left a tip as they personally know that dealers like our own JohnnieH rely on tips.
I have won bigger prizes before and after this championship, but this poker trophy is still my favourite.
Colin408;367231 wroteWith that being said what was your first memorable poker experience?