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 thank Ken Lambert( First Poker room manager that had enough confidence in me to promote me to Tournament Director of Horseshoe), Jack McCleland( For teaching me all the ins and out 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

A little sooner than I expected I thought you were doing poker next year. Do you have a location for the auction house yet?

Southaven, across from Dales Restaurant.

Jimmy,

Sorry to hear that. You have been one of the best in the business. What will happen with PTC? Ill see you in Tunica most likely.

Great my favorite auctioneer and good food close . By the way how does it feel being a grandpa? Is that in the strip center where the antique store was?

Thank you for all you have done to improve the state of tournamnet play! You only have to experience bad tournament direction once to appreciate good direction. Sad for us that one of the really fine directors is stepping aside, but the reasons you list sound like it will be good and right for you. When I see pictures of my brother with grandchildren on his knee, I see I look of happiness that is hard to surpass. All the very best!!!

Bill will take over PTC, and it should continmue to be the best in the business.

Yes, next to smith and Brumley.

Thanks, PTC will continue with the supervisors that I trained...

I'm sad to hear this, but I know that PTC will be in very capable hands with Bill & company at the helm . You'll be missed Jimmy!

Jimmy,

Comgrats grandpa!! Thanks for everything. Gl in your new endeavor.

Jimmy,

All the best in your future endeavors! As everyone said, thanks so much for drastically improving the state of tournament poker. I was nervous when you said you were stepping down, because I had visions of Caesars and the WSOPc thinking they could save some money by running in-house more often and hiring less experienced people (just as they've done to destroy every cash game room they have in AC and Las Vegas). But I was relieved when you said Bill and the rest of your staff would be continuing.

Thanks again!

Played my first WSOP this past year, and it was an amazing experience. Thanks for putting together such a great event; looking forward to perhaps meeting you at Choctaw and Tunica.

Good luck and thank you. Yes. You made a difference. Big shoes to fill.

Congratulations Jimmy and Good Luck with retirement it sounds great!