Was a real pasting on the cards for Ross?
10:24am Thursday 14th August 2008
A poker game with a BIG difference was held in Walthamstow.
The event, billed as possibly the 'Most Dangerous Poker Tournament in the World', pitted more than 70 punters against the massive newly-crowned British Cage Rage Heavyweight Champion Mustapha Al Turk, who is also a dab hand on the poker table. The Guardian sent its very own cardsharp, sports reporter ROSS DAVIES, to try and win the special prize by knocking out Mr Al Turk.
IT’S a daunting prospect – preparing to go head-to-head with a 6ft 2in, 250lb fighting champion. And that’s just on the poker table.
So spare a thought for those who have to step in to a cage with Mustapha Al Turk.
Fortunately for me, I was just bidding to take the fighter’s money over a game of cards, rather than go toe to toe with him for his chunky golden belt, which he won at Wembley last month.
Mr Al Turk has enjoyed an impressive rise to fame with his powerful blows and excruciating submission moves earning him worldwide notoriety.
And as an ignorant reporter, it’s fair to say I was expecting something of a ruffian as I went along to his regular haunt, the Equal Chance club in St James Street, Walthamstow, to chance my arm in a game of Texas Hold’em.
Instead, I was greeted by an intelligent and reserved man, who has a degree in pharmacology to his name.
As nothing more than an occasional social player myself, being thrown into a 70-strong field seemed the equivalent of stepping into the ring with Mr Al-Turk.
I told myself I was not there to win, but I did have half an eye on the £100 bounty placed on the fighter’s head for knocking him out.
The tournament attracts an eclectic mix of players, making for a cosy, laid-back atmosphere, which calmed a few pre-game nerves.
Sitting opposite Mr Al Turk, I soon found myself handing over a mass of chips to him, as my deep flaws were painfully exposed.
The champ was moved around the tables to give everyone a shot at an exclusive knockout and later in the tournament I was presented with the chance to do just that, only to bottle it at the last second and shamefully fold my hand.
Miraculously, I made it to the final table, finishing a credible 10th and after five gruelling hours of poker, I too felt as if I had just emerged from a round in the cage.
But after an evening of entertainment in the company of a wonderfully welcoming group of people, I decided it was well worth it.
For more information about the Equal Chance club call 8521 2121 or email info@equal chance.co.uk