In an epic head-to-head matchup containing all the drama and theatrics of a World Series Game 7, Albert "SANDSSTORM" Sands defeated friend/rival and ITH creator Matthew Hilger  heads-up in the No-Limit Main Event  last Saturday at the ITH Convention to conclude two exciting days of festivities at the Imperial Palace in Las Vegas, Nev. Sands outlasted a field of 35 ITHers - including 2005 champion, Roy Zentz (third place) - to take home the grand prize at this year's convention.

For much of the night, Saturday's ME appeared it would be a runaway for ITH creator - and esteemed poker author - Matthew Hilger. Hilger, who fashionably sported krazytxan's stylish red sunglasses equipped with flashing red bulbs of illumination, frequently reminded the tournament field of his authoritative presence, shouting on numerous occasions with supreme, mocking confidence, "WHO'S THE CHIP LEADER?!". And the answer to that question for much of the night was: Matthew Hilger. At one point, Hilger possessed 40 percent of the total chips in play.

But an endless, flowing river of Heineken ale and a relentless SANDSSTORM, would eventually spell Hilger's demise. In a turn of events that could not have possibly been scripted any better, Hilger and Sands - who final tabled three of the four overall events - bested the other eight final table contestants to meet heads-up for the 2006 ITH Convention ME crown. With a throng of ITHers brimming with anticipation huddled near the final table, the bystandards watched as the chip lead changed hands on a few occasions prior to the decisive final hand of the night.

With the SANDSSTORM holding a slight chip lead, he made a healthy raise from the small blind. Matthew, vision blurred from dark lenses and ounces on end of sweet Heineken (and Coors Lite) nector, went in the tank before eventually announcing an all-in reraise. The SANDSTORM thought briefly, but quickly made the call to put Matthew's tournament life at stake.

The ITH crowd erupted as Matthew flipped over 53o. The storied ITH hand, the same one that helped Matthew reach the WSOP $1,500 NL FT just nights before, was met with a raucous collection of approving cheers. Albert responded by showing J10o and, although he was a favorite in the literal sense, the SANDSSTORM expressed concern at the site of the 5 of diamonds and 3 of hearts resting face-up in front of Matthew.

As if destiny took hold of the sixth floor convention center at the Imperial Palace, the flop came 954, eliciting a deafening explosion of whooping and hollering from the ITH contingent. With Matthew's pair of 5's holding a lead, the SANDSSTORM watched in bewilderment as the turn brought the 8 of hearts. At that point, Albert possessed a straight draw and several outs (7, J, Q, 10) to claim the pot and victory, and the 7 on the river completed the J high straight and the victory for the SANDSSTORM. It took many in attendance a moment to realize that Albert had rivered a victory, including Matthew, who tagged his friend with such labels as "lucky" and "suck-out" during a post-tournament interview. When asked if he felt any remorse for defeating Matthew and the famed 53o hand with running cards, Albert responded with an emphatic, "Hell no!".

During the daytime session on Saturday, nsidestrate took first place in the $30 Limit Holdem Event. nsidestrate, who was recognized during the day by ITH for his boundless contributions to the growing online commuinty, was also presented with a trophy commemorating his devotion to ITH over the past year. John "niin" Price ($30 Limit) and Steve "torch" Taylor ($60 No-Limit) were the two event winners from Friday. Jim "TwoDuxx" Bush cashed in both Friday events.

Special thanks go out to ITH's Tanya Peck - whose shenanigans alone were worth the price of admission - and the Imperial Palace staff for organizing and accommodating such a wonderful event. Suffice it to say, the ITH team looks forward to next year, which is sure to meet - if not surpass - the fireworks and overall enjoyment of 2006 for all in attendance!

Please find a complete listing of all the ITH convention cashers below.

Friday August 11, 2006

Event 1: $30 Limit Holdem

1st – niin ($516)

2nd – taz115 ($309)

3rd – TwoDuxx ($206)

4th – Tanya Peck ($154)

5th – Becky Dorsett ($105)

Event 2: $60 No-Limit Holdem

1st – torch ($840)

2nd – BanditDad ($504)

3rd – John Bentley ($336)

4th – Steve Griff ($252)

5th – TwoDuxx ($168)

Saturday August 12, 2006

Event 3: $30 Limit Holdem

1st – nsidestrate ($396)

2nd – Dan Whitcomb ($238)

3rd – SuitedPair ($158)

4th – Frank Pratt ($118)

5th – SANDSSTORM ($80)

Event 4: $100 No-Limit Holdem (Main Event)

1st – SANDSSTORM ($1,190)

2nd – Matthew Hilger ($840)

3rd – royze1 ($630)

4th – Leigh Bentley ($490)