Robert Clarke Turns a Freeroll Into an 888poker LIVE London Main Event Shot
Summary
Robert Clarke, a teaching assistant and youth worker for children with special educational needs (SEN), managed to convert a string of 888poker freeroll satellites into a seat for the 888poker LIVE London Main Event — a £1,250 buy-in tournament with a £250,000 guarantee. Clarke balanced his busy work life with online play, advanced through the freeroll into the main satellite and won the live seat. He played Day 1b, built a stack (peaking around 75–90K after a big pot where he turned a set with pocket tens), faced established players including John Duthie and Dean Clay, bagged for Day 2 but ultimately busted near the money bubble. Clarke recommends freeroll routes to players who want to experience live events without the upfront buy-in cost.
Key Points
- Clarke qualified for the 888poker LIVE London Main Event by progressing from freeroll satellites to the final satellite win.
- He balances poker with two jobs working with SEN children — he credits patience from his work as helpful at the tables.
- During Day 1b he collected several big hands (pocket aces and pocket queens among them) and surged to roughly 75–90K chips.
- A pivotal pot saw Clarke turn a set with pocket tens against Geore Gergely’s KJ, boosting him to about 90K.
- Despite bagging for Day 2 and facing tough opponents, Clarke busted close to the money but urges others to try freerolls as a pathway to live events.
Context and Relevance
Author style — Punchy: this is a neat, human-interest piece rather than breaking poker news. It spotlights an accessible route into live poker via freerolls and satellites, something recreational players often overlook. The story underlines how operator promotions (like 888poker’s satellites) can open real-life tournament opportunities for players who can’t afford direct buy-ins, and it feeds into the broader trend of online qualifiers feeding live series across Europe.
Why should I read this?
Fancy a feel-good poker tale? Clarke’s story shows you don’t have to be a pro or bankroll-heavy to get to a big live event — freerolls and satellites still work. It’s short, encouraging and saves you the time of sifting through the tournament results yourself.