NBC National Heads-Up Poker Championship 2010: Predictions and Surprises

The NBC National Heads-Up Poker Championship started on March 5, 2010, at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. The tournament featured 64 participants, including poker professionals, celebrities, and seven satellite qualifiers. The youngest participant was 21-year-old Annette Obrestad, and the oldest was 76-year-old Doyle Brunson.

Before the tournament, Daniel Negreanu shared his predictions in his blog. Some of his predictions were spot on, while others were surprisingly off. In the group club, Chris Moneymaker advanced as predicted by Negreanu. However, Leo Wolpert defeated Eric Baldwin, contrary to Negreanu's prediction. David Williams won against Joe Cada, despite Negreanu's prediction that Cada would lose with a pair of aces. Eric Sidel advanced despite Negreanu's prediction that he would lose due to poor past performance. Erik Lindgren, known as E-dog, won his match against Den Ramirez. Peter Eastgate advanced against Bertrand Grospellier, as predicted by Negreanu. Ted Forrest lost to Stephen Quinn, contrary to Negreanu's prediction. Jamie Gold won against Dario Minieri, contrary to Negreanu's prediction.

In the group spade, Phil Ivey defeated Gavin Smith, despite Negreanu's prediction that Smith would be motivated and win. Scott Seiver defeated Richard Edwards with his signature line, 'Your call here will be your last, baby!'. Joe Hachem won against Shawn Rice, contrary to Negreanu's prediction. Gabe Kaplan advanced against John Chen, as predicted by Negreanu. Daniel Negreanu lost to Jason Mercier, who was described as a tough opponent with a strong will to win. Peter de Korver won against Mike Sexton, contrary to Negreanu's prediction. Phil Gordon won against Tom Dwan, despite Negreanu's prediction that Dwan would win due to his high-level regular play. Phil Laak advanced against John Juanda, as predicted by Negreanu.