MSPT & WSOP Champion Found Zip-Tied, Allegedly Held Captive For 35 Days
A Michigan poker player and four-time World Series of Poker Circuit (WSOPC) Ring winner was allegedly kidnapped and held captive for more than a month as part of a two-year extortion scheme that federal investigators are apparently looking into.
According to local news reports on Dec. 21, George Janssen of Bad Axe, Michigan was found on a rural road in Meade Township bloodied and with his hands zip-tied after flagging down a passerby.
“Suspicious situation, a dispatcher stated, as reported by ABC 12. Guys hands were zip-tied, says he was held captive for a month.
It is believed that Janssen, a poker player and former car dealership owner with $440,763 in Hendon Mob earnings, has been the victim of an extortion scheme for the past two years. A family member told local media that Janseen claimed he was abducted by two or three people and held captive in the basement of a home in the Toledo area for 35 days before being driven back to Hurron County on Dec. 16.
Janssen’s family first reported him missing on Nov. 13, according to ABC 12. A family friend eventually found Janssen’s car and police photos show a few $50 bills scattered on the floor of the car.
Janssen Had Recent Poker Success
Janssen’s poker success includes four WSOP Circuit Ring victories, including a win in the WSOP Michigan Circuit Super Series Event #3 - $20,000 NLH 6-Max earlier this year for $6,281.
More recently, Janssen, who plays under the username “georgejanssen” on WSOP and “georgjanssen” on PokerStars, took down the MSPT Venetian $1,600 Main Event in September for a career-best $82,823. Just weeks earlier, Janssen finished third in the MSPT Ohio Poker State Championship for $79,861.
Janssen’s first live poker cash dates back to October 2015 from a 30th-place finish in the MSPT Battle Creek Main Event for $2,704.
Local reports about the alleged abduction noted that Janssen “has made quite a bit of money playing poker” and referenced his MSPT earnings.
Tags
Related Players
FAQ
Can you withdraw from WPT Global?
Can you withdraw from WPT Global? Before making your first withdrawal, WPT Global, as a licensed operator, requires new customers to verify their account by providing the necessary documentation. This includes: Documentation that proves your identity such as a driving licence or passport.
Can I use tracking software or a HUD?
Can I use tracking software or a HUD? No, the use of third party software is prohibited.
What are some famous roulette scandals and controversies throughout history?
What are some famous roulette scandals and controversies throughout history? 1. The Eudaemons – In the 1970s, a group of physics students at the University of California Santa Cruz used a computer to predict the outcomes of roulette games in Nevada casinos. They called themselves “The Eudaemons” and made significant profits before their operation was shut down. 2. The Ritz-Carlton Scandal – In 2004, a team of Eastern European gamblers used a laser scanner and a computer to predict where the ball would land on the roulette wheel at the Ritz-Carlton casino in London.
What is the origin of the name Roulette?
What is the origin of the name Roulette? The origin of the name “roulette” is French and it means “little wheel”. The name is derived from the fact that the game is played on a small wheel that spins around, with players betting on where the ball will land. The word “roulette” was first used in its current context in the 18th century, although the game itself dates back much earlier.
Are WPT Global deposit or withdrawal fees?
Are there deposit or withdrawal fees? No, WPT Global does not charge fees for depositing or withdrawing.