A Michigan man competing in that state's WSOP festival won an online bracelet and $20,193 in prize money earlier this month, just 11 months after being charged with intent to commit murder.
Rudy Gavaldon, who reportedly plays online in the ring-fenced Great Lakes State under the screen name of "Flyheim86," was arrested on July 30, 2022 for the brutal assault of his wife, Lara Gavaldon. The alleged beating resulted in extensive injuries to Lara, including the loss of one of her eyes.
At the time of the incident last year, Michigan-based websites such as UpNorthLive.com detailed Gavaldon's arrest and booking in the Grand Traverse County Jail. Tying in the arrest with the WSOP victory was the work of PokerNews.com.
The Arrest
In the early morning hours of July 30, 2022, police were called to Blair Township amid reports that a man was knocking on the doors of neighbors and stating that he was dying. When the cops arrived on the scene, Gavaldon was seen carrying a small child, but appeared to be uninjured.Gavaldon reportedly told the authorities that it was his wife who was dying. Upon further investigation, police found Lara in distress and in serious need of medical care. She was promptly taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.
Officers took custody of the baby that Gavaldon was holding, as well as another child in the home. Rudy was placed under arrest and arraigned the following day.
The victim has since undergone several surgeries, according to a GoFundMe page launched by one of her friends. Lara also gives the impression of being positive and upbeat, according to her Instagram account, despite the loss of her eye.
Poker Skills
Gavaldon, who apparently bonded out last August and is awaiting trial, is listed as an electrician on his Facebook page. His Hendon Mob resume includes one other online cash for $1,242 when he landed in 10th place in the $500 buy-in WSOP Bankroll Builder in early June.The premiere tournament-tracking website isn't fully updated, however, as Gavaldon also has a 3rd place finish in a WSOP.com Circuit ring event for $2,858 in the $215 buy-in $20,000 NLH PKO 6-Max on June 12.
WSOP launched its regulated Michigan site in March, 2022. The opportunity for players to win WSOP gold bracelets and Online Circuit rings has been a boon to the operator, even though Michigan players remain segregated from the tri-state network of Nevada, New Jersey and Delaware.