PCA Action Includes UFC Champ and Poker Fan Tito Ortiz

Former UFC fighter Tito Ortiz talks poker at the PCA. (Image: Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC/Getty)

PokerStars Caribbean Adventure (PCA) welcomed a star from another sport yesterday in the form of MMA star and the former UFC light heavyweight champion, Tito Ortiz.

Following the growing trend of sportspeople migrating from their respective disciplines to the poker table, Ortiz actually found his way to the Bahamas via live satellite in LA.

After sitting down alongside a field of more than 200 players for a charity poker tournament to raise money for Lupus, the professional fighter managed to bob and weave his way to the title and a free trip to the PCA.

A Few Rounds with Ortiz

Despite being an amateur looking to take a shot at the big leagues, Ortiz was happy to work alongside PokerStars in order to host some special events for players and members of the poker media. First up was a Q&A session, during which he touched on subjects such as poker, MMA and how to live as a professional sportsperson.

In addition to being something of a knockout artist in charity tournaments, Ortiz also said that he’s been playing a lot of play money poker through the PokerStars.net platform over the last 12 months.

He was asked how he’s managed to survive in the world of MMA for 17 years and what advice he could give to poker players that want to enjoy a long career. Although it’s something few poker players rarely consider, Ortiz advised that starting a proper health and fitness regime is crucial for focus, decision-making, and longevity.

With that in mind, Ortiz also agreed to host a training session on Saturday for anyone wanting to improve their fitness and improve their EV at the felt. Set to take place on the beach and start at 10:00 am, the exclusive workout might be a little too energetic for many of poker’s tournament regulars.

Meanwhile, O’Dwyer Wins $100K

However, for the likes of Eugene Katchalov, Mike McDonald and Andrew Robl, all of whom take their health very seriously, the opportunity to train with an MMA legend was one that was too good to miss.

While Tito Ortiz was holding court at the PCA, Steve O’Dwyer was etching his name in the history books by winning this year’s PCA $100,000 Super High Roller. Despite entering the final table in the shadow of Sorel Mizzi, O’Dwyer managed to rally himself and come from behind to collect the $1,872,580 top prize and yet another live accolade.

Having seen off the likes of Scott Seiver, Bryn Kenney, Andrew Robl and the aforementioned Mizzi, O’Dwyer took control heads-up against Roger Sippl. Starting the match with the chip lead and gradually wearing his opponent down, O’Dwyer eventually caught his opponent bluffing on a Qh 8d 8c 2s board with Js Td.

Despite only holding Ah Tc, O’Dwyer went into the tank before calling Sippl’s all-in. With the cards on their backs, the 3s on the river brought the match to a close and gifted O’Dwyer the first PCA title of 2015.

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