His story sounds like something out of a country song, but this Coral Springs poker player whose chips were down is hoping to change his luck at the World Series of Poker in Vegas.
At 51 years old, Kevin Schaffel will be the oldest person sitting at the final table of nine at the Poker Championship in Sin City in November, but the South Florida cardshark will be bringing plenty of experience to the table.
The divorced father of two had been a sort-of wandering gambler in the months since he had to close up shop on his family's printing and mailing business earlier in the year, until he qualified as one of nine finalists in the tournament.
"It's totally unexpected. It's just been an amazing month," Schaffel said from his favorite casino, the Hard Rock in Hollywood.
Schaffel sits in 6th place, with 12,390,000 in chips. He's already guaranteed a cool $1.2 million, but he's aiming for the grand prize of $8.5 million.
And he'll have some stiff competition. Sitting to his right will be one of the best players in the world, Phil Ivey.
"It's a good thing that he doesn't have a lot of chips, at least now, and it's a good thing he's on my right," said Schaffel.
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Schaffel keeps a mini dog statue at his side as a lucky charm at all times, and said he draws inspiration from an unlikely source: Venus and Serena Williams.
"They just said they just try to keep their patience and stay calm, but sometimes when you look down and you see two aces you can get a little excited," Schaffel said.
The South Florida gambler said he plans on staying down here, even if he cashes in big.
"I'll probably buy just a little bit nicer house," Schaffel said. "I'm not gonna buy a Ferarri, I'm not gonna buy a fancy car."
Schaffel had some advice for other gamblers who are hoping to make it big at the Vegas tournament.
"If I can get there, anybody can, trust me," he said.
