November Nine:

Cada out to make history

Cada could become youngest player to ever win Main Event

Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2009 | 2:05 a.m.

Associated Press

Joseph Cada claps after finishing in the final nine of the World Series of Poker at the Rio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas on Wednesday, July 15, 2009. Cada will play in the final table in November in Las Vegas.

Darvin Moon — 58,930,000
Eric Buchman — 34,800,000
Steven Begleiter — 29,885,000
Jeff Shulman — 19,580,000
Joe Cada — 13,215,000
Kevin Schaffel — 12,390,000
Phil Ivey — 9,765,000
Antoine Saout - 9,500,000
James Akenhead — 6,800,000

World Series of Poker 2009

For the second year in a row, history could be made at the World Series of Poker Main Event final table.

Last year, 22-year old Peter Eastgate became the youngest champion of all-time. This year, 21-year old Joe Cada has a shot to break that record.

“I think about getting the bracelet more than the record,” Cada said. “The age is a bonus, but the bracelet is the main thing.”

Cada, a poker professional from Michigan, enters the final table fifth in chips. Of course, this is his first Main Event because it is the first year he’s eligible to participate.

“I’m pretty fortunate to make it this far on the first time,” Cada said.

Cada said he learned to play poker as a child and always enjoyed it. Like many players in his age group, however, Cada started playing more frequently in 2003 after Chris Moneymaker won the Main Event.

He played in games with friends multiple times per week and usually dominated. Before long, Cada was entering high-stakes cash games despite his age.

“It was the thing to do,” Cada said. “Everyone was playing poker at the time. It just transitioned from there.”

Cada has fared well in a number of online tournaments. The Main Event will be his finest showing in a live tournament.

He has amazed many in the poker community with his mastery of the game at such a young age. One thing Cada hasn’t figured out, however, is what he would do if he won the $8.5 million in prize money.

“I haven’t really thought about it,” Cada said. “I guess it’s pretty high-stakes.”