Friday, October 16, 2009 - ProductMan
The Aruba Poker Classic is officially over and we’ve crowned our new Main Event winner, Brandon Hall. Elliot Smoth won our Mercedes Sit & Go. It got down to three players, one being our very own Poker Ho. Congratulations to both players for their remarkable achievement and a special thank you to all the players that made their way to Aruba. We look forward to next year and hope everyone can make it back.
We also got some very much needed feedback during the event. We set up numerous focus groups with different players and appreciated their incredible input. We’re sifting through all the data right now and then we can begin developing a lot of the features that players requested. We’ll be releasing an automatic chop feature, enhanced hand history re-player, and an improved time bank very soon, but that’s only the beginning.
If you couldn’t make it to Aruba or were too busy partying to connect with us, this is your chance to let us know how you feel and what you’d like to see.
We always love hearing from you. What would you like to see added or improved? Post your feedback into the blog and help us build an even better UltimateBet.
Tags: Aruba, Aruba Poker Classic, feedback, Focus Groups, ub
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Friday, October 16, 2009 - Tiffany M
Man, I think I need a vacation from the insane vacation I just had! In case you weren’t partying and tanning it up with us in Aruba I took plenty of pictures so that you can feel like you were right there with us. If you like what you see I highly recommend being there next year. I have to say that it’s my all time favorite tournament and location… and I’m not biased! No need for me to keep preaching, just check out these pics for yourself!
BEAUTIFUL SIGHTS
THE ARUBA POKER CLASSIC KICK OFF PARTY
LOTS OF LAYING ON THE BEACH
BOAT RIDES WITH TEAM UB & FRIENDS
ROCKIN’ OUT WITH SCOTT IAN & PERFORMANCES BY THE DAN BAND
ENDING UP IN THE POOL AFTER A NIGHT OF PARTYING
AND LOTS OF THIS…
Tags: Aruba Poker Classic, Scott Ian, ub
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Friday, October 9, 2009 - ProductMan
What a week it’s been in Aruba. The main event started back on Monday and the action hasn’t taken even a brief breather. We had 475 players register for this year’s main event, which means that 1st place will bank $750k when it’s all said in done. With other cash events during the week, plenty of players will be leaving with way more than they came with. The Main Event final table happens tomorrow, but tonight is going to be massive. Stay tuned for pics from Phil Helmuth’s Penthouse Suite party!
If you didn’t make it to Aruba, hopefully we’ll see you next year. Of course we run phenomenal events all year long, so you won’t have to wait a whole year to live out your poker fantasies.
We have good news for all our online players, too. We’ve been gathering tons of feedback in Aruba and we’re ready to roll out amazing new features and tweaks that will make UltimateBet better than ever.
Tags: Aruba Poker Classic, ub
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Tuesday, October 6, 2009 - Fabio
Right now here in Costa Rica it’s raining a lot and it looks like it will never stop, meanwhile, sunny and beautiful Aruba is heating up the tables and the best live Poker it’s going on. Why am I comparing both places? Not sure… Costa Rica is the one I can refer to and actually, I just wanted you to picture the great time many poker players are enjoying over there.
Just a couple of days ago, my coworkers: Andrea, Mia and David were working around the clock to prepare everything for you and today it is a REALITY. I bet they are having a great time with you guys learning about your poker strategy and of course cheering you up while the game is on.
But, do you know what the most important thing is for them?
Well, that they are finally meeting face to face all those players that not only contact the VIP Department from time to time, but that have become important assets for our operation and of course our lives.
Certainly we do get to know you guys over the phone or chat, but you might agree with me, there is nothing like the “live” contact. Actually this is the main purpose of taking part of the VIP team over there. We want you to stop by and say hi!
As you know, the poker business and important events like the Aruba Poker Classic Tournament are built based on what you guys like and need and what a better way of keep building this empire than hearing what do you have to say. Oh yeah, you can talk about any other thing, too.
Many of you might have already met these guys and if you haven’t make sure to put it on your “Things I must do in Aruba” list. They are just great and have prepared many things for you.
Does the RAI$E Booth or the awesome ICON lounge tells you something? Yeah, I know you are enjoying all these perks and just FYI; you will be able to find the VIP ambassadors over there, too.
Its Wednesday, it’s the 3rd day of playing. The Welcome Party was a blast and many but many things are coming. I just wish you the best of luck and the best time.
Here in rainy but still beautiful Costa Rica, we will be anxiously waiting for great news, pictures and EPIC stories. I bet Andrea, Mia and David will have some… 
Tags: Aruba, Aruba Poker Classic, Costa Rica, Icon, Poker Poker Poker, raise, VIP
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Tuesday, October 6, 2009 - Debo34
A few days ago this were my thoughts… three days from now I will be on a plane heading to Aruba. This year it really snuck up on me. I can’t believe that this will be my 7th time going there for the APC. We are taking the red eye 10:30 pm flight out of Portland on Wednesday with 1 stop at JFK in the wee hours of the morning on Jet Blue. I’m sure we will be a bit tired when we get in but will fight the temptation of taking a nap as soon as we run into all the old faces. I see an Aruba Ariba and a crazy 1/2 NL game in my future. So how about them Ducks. Saturday I went up to Eugene to watch Oregon absolutely stomp #6 ranked Cal 42-3. This was the first time in almost 2 years that Oregon was a home underdog. They were a 6 point underdog and won by 39! All I can say is welcome to Autzen Stadium. What was amazing is that they held Cal’s stud running back Jahvid Best to 55 yards on 16 carries. Despite losing, Jahvid was a pretty good sport, and gave us a little attention and took a picture. Congrats to Joe Sebok on recently signing with UB. I don’t know Joe all that well yet, but he has always been a good guy at the tables and a terrific player. He will be a great fit for the team, and I am looking forward to getting to know him better in Aruba. Time for me to get packing for Aruba, and of course watch The Amazing Race that I tivo’d last night. Can’t wait to see team UB’s own Tiffany Michelle kick some butt. Goooooo Tiffany!! Hope to see you in Aruba Debo
Tags: Aruba, Aruba Poker Classic, The Amazing Race, Tiffany "Tiffany M" Michelle, ub
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Friday, October 2, 2009 - ProductMan
I know it doesn’t start until tomorrow, but I think it is pretty safe to call the 2009 Aruba Poker Classic the party of the decade. Obviously there’s only 3 months left in this particular decade, but we’re talking about endless poker action, tropical weather, non-stop parties, cool players, major money, and unfathomable surprises.
Of course, it isn’t all fun and games for UB staffers, who will be getting down to business in paradise. We’ll be making sure everything runs seamlessly and outstandingly! Our events are always a great opportunity to meet face to face with our players. We’ll be socializing and gathering feedback to make the entire UB experience even better. Feel free to let us know what you think. You can even post your comments and opinions into the blog. I’m guessing you brought your laptop!
If you’re staying on the mainland, you can follow all the action right here.
Check out the schedule and enjoy all the latest news, photos, video, and comments from poker paradise.
Tags: Aruba Poker Classic, ub
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Monday, September 28, 2009 - P0ker H0
Six days and counting. Every day we get closer, I get more and more excited. A few nights ago UltimateBet gave away a free Aruba package to one of my Rounders Radio listeners. Congrats to ” _MARTY_”, you’re coming to Aruba. On top of that, you’re coming to Aruba for FREE BABY. Marty won his seat through a free-roll promotion. He listened to the Ultimate Poker Show 9pm Sunday nights on http://roundersradio.com/ And now is on his way to Aruba to hang out with Phil, Annie and the rest of us for what I guarantee will be the best week of his life. Not only will Marty get his 3k for travel and a $5500 main event seat to the Aruba Poker Classic, but also a weeks worth of parties, beaches, great food, non-stop poker/drinking…and the best part of all, the people he will meet. Friends for life…now that’s priceless 
Congrats again Marty cya there.
Last weekend I was in Vegas teaching at the http://www.wsopacademy.com/ with Mark Seif, Paul Wasicka and Joe Navarro. I love to teach along side of these instructors. I get to learn so much at each Academy and it’s so good for my game. Don’t tell these guys but I would do it for free. We are going to be running a new free-roll promotion on Rounders where one of our listeners will win a free trip to attend one of these camps. Do yourself and your game a favor and win this trip. It is the best way to take your game to the next level
A few days later we had our annual poker bash at my bar here in Madison. It was a blast. Susie Q and Scott brought up their crew from Chicago and Evil Crusher came up from Atlanta, along with 50 more from the area .I want to thank all who came and my bar manager Wendy for making it a great weekend. And congrats to “Momma H0″ for winning the tourney, good job mom!
Tags: Annie Duke, Aruba, Aruba Poker Classic, Joe Navarro, Mark Seif, P0ker H0, Paul Wasicka, Phil Hellmuth, rounders radio, ultimate poker show, ultimatebet, Vegas, WSOP Academy
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Thursday, September 24, 2009 - Tiffany M
What an exciting few weeks behind and ahead of me! I was thrilled to see The Amazing Race win their 7th consecutive Emmy on Sunday for Outstanding Reality Series. I am so grateful to be apart of such a wonderful TV family and quality reality show that doesn’t merely entertain but challenges people, strengthens relationships, and exposes audiences to world travel and a variety of cultures.
Speaking of The Amazing Race, the season premiere is THIS SUNDAY, 8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT on CBS. I hope you all will set your Tivos for Sunday nights and enjoy watching Maria Ho and I journey around the world.
Another thing I’m looking forward to in the next week or two is jetting off to the Caribbean for the Aruba Poker Classic. I seriously can’t hype this tournament and location enough so I’ll just ask you to picture what it’d be like playing poker in PARADISE. Last year my daily schedule looked something like this: Wake up, have breakfast on the beach, lounge by the pool and play a game of water-volleyball with my poker pals, play some poker, jet ski, sit in the sand and sip on a blended drink while watching the sunset, meet familiar faces at the hotel restaurant/bar for dinner and drinks, play a little blackjack or get a H.O.R.S.E. game going in the casino, bedtime…
and do it all again the next day. Don’t believe me? See for yourself… be there, Aruba… October 3rd!
I’ve started getting back into the poker groove. I’ve had a long sabbatical from the online poker tables but now I’m back! I came 16 people away from winning an $8500 Aruba package, ahhh poker… at least the trip was planned regardless of where I finished in that tournament. I’m back at my trusty ‘ole $1/$2 NL table as well, trying not to lose my entire bankroll a few bucks at a time. Be sure to keep your eyes pealed for some really fun promotionals and tournaments that I’ll be hosting on UB soon. I really enjoy the online UB poker community and I appreciate all of you who come play and chat with me. Hopefully I’ll see ya in Aruba and definitely at the online tables!
(With all this Aruba talk, I thought I’d share some pictures I took last
year!)
Tags: Aruba, Aruba Poker Classic, BC, CBS, Emmy, Maria Ho, Online Poker, Poker Poker Poker, The Amazing Race, Tiffany "Tiffany M" Michelle, ub
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Friday, September 11, 2009 - ProductMan
I feel like writing an obituary for the summer that never was, but why dwell on the past, especially when talking about the weather. Even if it is still technically summer, autumn is where the action is, especially with no shortage of major happenings at UltimateBet. Do you realize that we’re only three weeks from the 2009 Aruba Poker Classic?
If you want to win your way to paradise, then you should probably get on that right now. It isn’t too late to win your $8,500 Aruba prize package, unless you are reading this from the archives. Aruba is always mind-blowing, but this is going to be the kind of party that redefines the word massive. Play in what is easily the best poker tournament on the tour while you party under the sun with tons of pros.
We’re always treating you like a pro at UltimateBet. We’ve made some changes to RAI$E, our industry-leading loyalty program, and players will now earn up to 31% on their cash. You’ll now be awarded UltimatePoints based on your level of activity on the site, which will be fairer to our players.
Even if you haven’t made a deposit, you can now earn UltimatePoints. If you’ve earned cash through promotions or freerolls, you will now accumulate UltimatePoints when playing in our real money games.
Feel free to post your Aruba fantasies into the blog, but you should probably keep it respectable.
Tags: Aruba P, Aruba Poker Classic, RAI$E, ub, Ultimate Points
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Friday, September 4, 2009 - Michaelbinger
Hi all!
I’m writing this from 30000 feet! Flying Virgin America from Vegas to NY. Great airline… I decided to splurge for first class since they have wireless onboard and I figured I could pay for the upgrade through online poker winnings. 4 hours into the flight and I’ve shown a nice profit. Success! I played some of the no limit tables on Ultimate Bet with the bonus for winning with 2-7. Quite fun, except when you find yourself bluffing hundreds of dollars chasing that bonus .
Oh yes, and I finally can play UB on my MacBook! They have Apple compatible download now.
Anyhow, I am starting off a 5 week trip away from home. Headed to the Hamptons tonight. A friend rented a posh house there for the labor day weekend and invited me. Thanks D!
After that I’m going to Raleigh to see Mom and family and then NY to see friends. Then to Philly for a good friend’s wedding… I’m a groomsman. Then to Atlantic City for Borgata tourney, followed by London for the WSOP Europe. And finally… phew, let me catch my breath… to Aruba the first week of October for the UB Aruba Poker Classic. That is always great fun.
Oh by the way this week I went to Spago in Caesars Palace Forum shops for the first time… one of the best meals I’ve ever had. I was shocked how good it was.
Also, this week I’ve gotten back to working on some poker math projects. Doing some cool stuff with 2-7 triple draw now.
Best of Luck,
Michael Binger
Tags: Aruba, Aruba Poker Classic, Caesars Palace, Poker Poker Poker, ub, UB Mac, Ultimate Bet, Vegas, WSOPE
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