by Mario Alfonsi | Published on Jan 7, 2012 | Updated on Jan 7, 2012Founder of Poker Tournament Consultants, Mr. Sommerfeld has frequented some of the best poker tournaments in North America and helped direct them as well. After almost 20 years in the poker industry Sommerfeld has announced his retirement. Sommerfeld was a key part of many recent World Series of Pokers and has helped that and many other tournaments run so effectively. His official statement was released on the 2+2 Forums and goes like this:“I started in the poker business some 18 years ago, because I was a bad 1-5 seven card stud player. Yesterday, I turned in my resignation as Tournament Manager for the WSOP. I will be resigning the WSOPCE effective March 1, 2012. I will be the Tournament Director at the upcoming circuit events at Choctaw, Tunica, and Palm Beach.This decision was based solely on the fact that I want to spend more time with my wife, 3 daughters and my first grandchild that was born this morning. I want to than Ken Lambert (First Poker room manager that had enough confidence in me to promote me to Tournament Directors of Horseshoe), Jack McClelland (For teaching me all the ins and outs of directing Major Tnmts), Jack Effel (For allowing me to be Poker Manager at the WSOP), All the staff and dealers that work for PTC (For their hard work, dedication), and a special thanks to all of the players that have supported me and PTC. There are also many other people in the business that have been an inspiration to me. I hope that somewhere in my 18 year career, that I have made a difference for the Poker Industry.”“Thanks to all, and I hope to see you in Choctaw, Tunica, and Palm Beach!Jimmy Sommerfeld”Mr. Sommerfeld has most definitely left an indelible mark on the industry and one cannot blame him, after 18 years of excellent service, for wanting to spend time with his family. We wish Mr. Sommerfeld the best of luck in the future.
