It started with 300 employees.

Seven lucky employees made the final cut.

Only one took home the $600 grand prize.

Celebrating 11 years, the annual Employee Blackjack Tournament at Turning Stone Resort and Casino gives employees the chance to relax and enjoy some friendly competition, right at home.

“Typically, games dealers, just like most resort employees, don’t play the tables except once a year at this event,” Sharlene Lascelles (Bear Clan), Human Resources employee program coordinator, explained. “This gives the dealers, and all our employees, a special treat. Plus, they do win a prize with first place earning $600 to $50 for seventh place. That is pretty good considering it’s a free tournament. There is no buy in.”

Pit 6 on the gaming floor was home to the tourney, which began on March 22 and 23. Quarterfinals were held March 30 and 31, with semi-finals following on April 1.

Dave Ernenwein (Turtle Clan), assistant shift supervisor for games, was among the employees and resort guests watching the action. Although Dave did not participate in the tourney, he did have special interest in this final. “My boss (Ron Olshemski) is dealing,” he said. “I wanted to stop by and check on him.”

Vying for the top spot during the final round, which was over in less than an hour, were floor supervisors Todd Wood and Bradley Cox; dealers Maly Achkhavong, Fadil Becirevic, Champathong “Champ” Southammavong and Anthony Zimecki; and Peter Procopio from the Poker Room.

After 25 hands, Fadil captured seventh place, finishing with $700 in tourney chips and earning a $50 prize. Edging him by $100 to capture sixth place was Pete, who earned $75. Brad finished in fifth place with $880 in tourney chips. He took home $100. With $5 more in her favor Maly -- who said she never played blackjack before -- earned fourth place and $150.

In third was Anthony, who finished with $930 at the table, taking home $250. Champ was second with a $1,000 finish, boosting her purse by $400. Todd captured first place when he finished with $1,180. He took home the $600 top prize.

“I played in the tournament a few times; this was the first time I made it to the finals,” said Champ, whose strategy consisted on focusing on each hand. “I would play again.”

“I’ve played off and on for the past nine years -- dealing it, playing it -- sometimes both,” said Todd. “I’ve finished in the semifinals and finals before. I was hoping to make it to the finals this time.”

His strategy was classic slow and steady -- not betting anything too big, or too small.

As for his plans for his winnings -- quality family time: “My wife and I are going to take a vacation. We’re going to visit the coast of Maine.”

Also on hand during the event were Elmer Hester, games tournament coordinator, and from Human Resources, Sharlene, Shari Ruffalo and Juliann Haarman.