2007 WSOP Event 26 - H.O.R.S.E. $5,000

  Usually the words "he's a quiet guy and tends to keep to himself" describe somebody who has keeps the heads of their in-laws in the lettuce crisper. This also describes the sort of guy that comes to work one day with a Smith & Wesson product, determined to administer some well deserved cubicle justice on Larry from accounting for the crime of cheating during the sack race at the company picnic. Although nobody expects to find the noggins of peripheral relatives stored in the fridge of Ralph Schwartz, one of our newest World Series of Poker bracelet winners does (according to his friends) fit the description of somebody who is quiet and keeps to themselves.  After being awarded the WSOP jewelry for winning the $5,000 H.O.R.S.E. tournament, he made a point of sidestepping anybody who was interested in sticking a microphone in his face and getting his feelings on the victory. He made his quick escape out a side door with his only parting words being, "I really need a smoke".  Now most people who suddenly find themselves in possession of a WSOP bracelet can be forgiven for needing some private time with a cigarette, according to Event 26 runner-up Bill Gazes, Schwartz probably had more on his mind than simply enjoying something from the Phillip Morris factories.  As the heads up match between Gazes and Schwartz was reaching a conclusion, and it was becoming obvious who the victor would be, Bill Gazes offered to continue their game after the tournament, but this time to play for "real money". Ralph declined the offer. Apparently beating Gazes for the bracelet was satisfying enough to not only need a smoke, but also no further validation was needed against this opponent. His last words to Bill, and some of the last words spoken that evening were, "Nah, after this, I think I'm gonna go party". After a victory like this, he deserves it.1Ralph Schwartz$275,6832Billy Gazes$153,4083Yuebin Guo$99,2644Phil Ivey$65,4245Robert Mizrachi$49,6326Alexander Jung$37,9017Thomas Schultz$28,8778Jeff Campbell$20,7559Alexander Kravchenko$14,438