The WSOP in Las Vegas includes 95 in-person events and an additional 20 online events highlighted as part of the list, but only in Nevada. However, the site also operates in three other U.S. locations and offers bracelet events during that time. In Michigan, a champion drew attention, but because of a police report.
Rudy Gavaldon won Event 03 ($500 NLH Turbo 6-Max) at WSOP.com Michigan to take home $20,193 and a bracelet. Leading US media site PokerNews did the research and using the information they got from the WSOP (full name and city of residence) they found that there is only one Rudy Gavaldon in the state. They found a player who was in trouble on the court.
Gavaldon, a 36-year-old man from Traverse City, is awaiting trial and is a repeat defendant on charges of attempted murder in an incident that occurred on July 29 last year. In 2011, he pleaded guilty to burglary and trespassing. He was sentenced to 11 months in prison and 36 months of probation.
The report sought to ascertain whether Gavaldon was not in custody on the day of his bracelet victory (June 18), but he has been at liberty awaiting trial since last August. Rudy won the event on WSOP.com under the moniker “Flyheim86”. The number refers to 1986, the year the accused player was born.
The allegations in this case are very serious. He himself called the police for his wife, saying she was “in critical condition and in need of medical attention”. While Rudy was traveling with one of the couple’s children, his wife Lara was found and taken to the nearest hospital. Due to her serious injuries, she was later airlifted to another man while he was in custody.
Rudy was taken to the Grand Traverse County Jail on charges of “assault with intent to murder.” Last September, a friend of Laura’s started an online fundraiser to raise $50,000 for medical expenses. So far, over $29,000 has been raised.
In October, Lara posted about the case on Instagram. The American said she had never been attacked by Rudy before and that Rudy was under the influence of strong drugs and alcohol on the fateful day. She was blind in one eye and had multiple fractures in her face. Laura had to undergo three delicate surgeries. Nearly a year after her fall, she has recovered, despite the lasting effects of the domestic violence she suffered.
