ClubWPT Qualifier & Circuit Champion Vogel Makes Comeback

Summary:

• 2010 WSOP Circuit ring winner Paul Vogel made his comeback at the 2024 WPT Seminole Rock ‘N’ Roll Poker Open Championship. 
• Vogel stepped away to focus on raising his family of seven for several years.
• Vogel’s trip to the RRPO Championship came courtesy of ClubWPT. 

Paul Vogel may not have secured a cash finish in the 2024 World Poker Tour (WPT) Seminole Rock ‘N’ Roll Poker Open Championship at the Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood, but that’s of little concern to him. 

For the 57-year-old resident of Merrick, New York, the thrill of returning to poker after years away was reward enough.

Ex WSOP Circuit Ring Winner Prioritized Family

A former World Series of Poker (WSOP) Circuit ring winner in 2010, Vogel stepped back from the game to prioritize his family of seven. 

Although his opportunities to play have been sparse since, he made the most of his South Florida trip, diving into satellites, side events, and cash games with enthusiasm.

During one of those side events, Vogel took a moment to reflect on his journey, which included a notable cash finish at the 2022 WPT World Championship in Las Vegas. 

I feel like I’m back

Married at 19, Vogel has always been family-focused. While he once won $61,599 and a Circuit title in Atlantic City, the upheaval of Black Friday led him to choose a steadier path.

I had to drop out, I’ve got five kids and a wife. And I make all the money for my family, so I kind of had to take a little break for a while… I dropped out for like six, seven years. I was just working hardcore… I had to pay for my house.

Despite his poker skill and love for the game, Vogel acknowledged that his wife isn’t a fan of the game. 

“She hates cards, She never wanted to come to Vegas or other poker stops. It’s perfect that way,” he joked, since he can this way benefit from pure play time with no distractions.

“I Want to Play Some Cards.” 

In the Hard Rock ballroom, Vogel balanced answering questions with checking on his hands during a $400 side event. “I want to play some cards” he said with a smile.

Vogel’s trip to the RRPO Championship came courtesy of ClubWPT, and he’s no stranger to success on the site. 

Reflecting on his near-miss during a $5 million freeroll satellite, he said,

That night when I came in second place, holy sh**. I know the money is so much different and all that, but it’s what you’re into at the time.

While he didn’t cash in the main event, Vogel left Florida with plenty of good memories, ready to resume family life in Merrick, but likely grinning about his poker adventure all the way through the holidays.