LAS VEGAS — Two Elwha River Casino regulars were among the best slot machine button smashers during a national slot machine tournament in Las Vegas, and came home with rather large checks as a result.
Mike Baker of Port Angeles took second place, earning $150,000, and another local, who asked not to be named, took home third, claiming a $50,000 check.
For two locals to place in the top three was a surprise to casino staff, considering 143 people representing casinos from all corners of the United States participated in the 2016 TournEvent of Champions on Sept. 28 at the XS NightClub in Las Vegas.
“We were shocked,” Baker said. “We were one of the smallest casinos in the whole tournament.”
The Elwha River Casino is the first to have two competitors place in the top three at the tournament, said Rena Barkley, players club manager.
Baker plans to spend his winnings on becoming debt-free and on his kids. Though he didn’t win the $1 million top prize, he said he couldn’t be happier with the results.
In the tournament, competitors have two minutes to earn as many points as possible on a slot machine. Because they have unlimited credits for those two minutes, it comes down to quick button smashing and looking for extra points on the screen.
Baker’s strategy that earned him $150,000: “Just hit the button as fast as you can and watch for things on the screen,” he said, adding there wasn’t much more to it.
The two participated in qualifying rounds at the Elwha River Casino before they were selected to go. Once they arrived in Las Vegas, they had to participate in more rounds before qualifying for the finals.
While in Vegas, all their expenses were covered.
Baker said even if he hadn’t placed it still would have been a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Baker’s transportation and food costs were covered for the trip. He was given $1,000 to spend and stayed at a five-star resort for the weekend, he said.
Baker hopes his slot-machine skills will take him back to the tournament next year.
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Reporter Jesse Major can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 56250, or at jmajor@peninsuladailynews.com.
