Jesse Sylvia Heads Into World Series of Poker Final Night

As the Island watched Hurricane Sandy flood its streets and smash against its shores Monday night, one of our own was high and dry on the other side of the country playing for millions of dollars in the 2012 World Series of Poker Main Event.

At the July 17 2012 World Series of Poker Main Event Sylvia emerged as chip leader -making him the lead of the final nine players who met again on October 28 playing for the $8.7 million top prize. At the end of the night, Sylvia, along with Greg Merson and Jake Balsiger, were left. The three remaining will return to the table tonight to play the final hands.

Whether or not Sylvia wins the $8.53 million dollar jackpot tonight, he is assured a win of at least $3.8 million.

Sylvia, 26, is a Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School graduate and a Martha’s Vineyard Public Charter School founding student. Sylvia now lives in Las Vegas and is a fulltime high-stakes player. This is his first time as a finalist in one of the biggest and most prestigious poker tournaments in the world.

The event will be televised tonight on ESPN beginning at 9 pm.