World Poker Endurance Record Plunged Into Chaos
February 8, 2011 12:17 pmTwo months after playing poker for 117 hours to break Phil Laak’s previous endurance record by two hours, New Zealanders “Chopper” Te Moananui and Christie Teki-Reu have been left feeling dismayed after their record attempt has yet to be officialised.
Also compounding the player’s woes is the fact that none of the money raised by the duo for their chosen charities has been released by the event’s organisers.
Originally, the participants were allegedly told that record breakers would be listed in the Guinness Book of Records, but now one of the organisers, Rhonda McKenzie, has stated that the tournament had attracted fewer participants than expected and that its set-up cost was $960. She then explained:
“It brought in $600, so we are down $300.”
Rhonda McKenzie further explained that she was only helping out her ex-partner Heiko Zoglauer to organise the event, although Zoglauer now claims that McKenzie was responsible for the business side of things and that he knows nothing about the financial arrangements.
Wanganui tournament director Mike Hills further added that the charity event was “run as straight as a ruler” and that he too, had nothing to do with the money side of things.
As well as the money dispute, apparently the organisers are leaving it up to the players to arrange getting their names listed in the record book, which is likely to be a problem without video footage of the complete 117 hour marathon.
Commenting on the matter, Mrs Teki-Reu’s sister, Jade Teki, said there were clear gaps in the tournament’s financial records. She also said:
“The whole thing is really embarrassing. It’s not just the fact that the money didn’t go to charity. It was a big effort staying awake that long. They did so well and now they have nothing coming of it.”
Te Moananui and Christie Teki-Reu have now taken their concerns to Wanganui police who are currently investigating their claims.
Broadcaster Brooke Howard-Smith volunteered his services at the time to support the charity and has added his voice to the dispute by saying:
“I’m extremely proud of both Chopper and Christie’s achievement and hope they receive the recognition they deserve from Guinness.”