PROFILE
Name: Phil Collins
Age: 26
Hometown: Aiken, South Carolina
Online Handle: USCPhildo
No, he’s not that Phil Collins. But you will hear dreadful versions of the popular musician’s songs during the WSOP Main Event final table, as Collins’ rowdy friends will definitely create an entertaining atmosphere for the 26-year old pro in November.
It is Collins’ group of poker friends that could be his most dangerous weapon come November. The group — which includes Jason Mercier, Brent Hanks, Allan Bari, and Dan O’Brien, among others — is virtually conjoined during tournaments around the world. They’re constantly discussing hands and providing each other with invaluable analysis that most poker players would only dream of receiving.
Oh, and Collins’ backer is Erick Lindgren. He’s pretty good, too.
Collins is best known for his achievements as “USCPhildo” in the online arena, where he’s amassed more than $3 million in tournament earnings. But he’s played the biggest live tournaments on the planet — including the $25,000 World Poker Tour Championship at Bellagio — so he’s no stranger to high-pressure poker.
Collins has eight career cashes at the WSOP and more than $125,000 in live earnings, but his biggest career cash is on the horizon. He enters the final table with 21,425,000 chips, placing him fourth overall, and is guaranteed a minimum of $782,155 as a member of the November Nine. He has to be considered one of the favorites to collect the gold bracelet and first place prize of more than $8.7 million when play resumes on November 5.
HOW HE GOT THERE:
Day 1: 71,225
Day 2: 236,900
Day 3: 436,500
Day 4: 1,077,000
Day 5: 4,109,000
Day 6: 7,240,000
Day 7: 13,805,000
Day 8: 23,875,000
KEY HAND: Collins claimed the chip lead on Day 6 after steamrolling the ESPN feature table. Moments after eliminating 2010 November Niner Joseph Cheong from the tournament, Collins sent Lance Steinberg to the rail to increase his stack to an astounding 10 million.
With the blinds at 12,000/24,000 and a 3,000 ante, Steinberg raised to 66,000 from early position and Collins called from middle position. The flop brought Qh-Tc-7s and Steinberg’s bet of 122,000 was called by Collins. The turn was the 8h and Steinberg bet 250,000. Collins moved all in, having Steinberg’s remaining stack of 900,000 easily covered. Steinberg studied his options for awhile before deciding to call with Jh-Th for second pair and flush and straight draws. Collins, though, turned a straight with his Jd-9d, and dodged the flush and higher straight on the river to extend his chip lead over the field.
Steinberg was the fourth player eliminated by Collins during a single level on Day 6.
WHY HE CAN WIN: With his supporting cast of poker pros behind him, Collins will be well prepared going into the final table. He’s played as many hands as just about any tournament player in the game and understands the fundamental concepts that go along with winning a major event. He’s been waiting for this moment all his life… so to speak.
