EVAN CARAVELLI / Arizona Daily Wildcat Cell biology and anatomy graduate student Allie Hays reacts to an opponent's hand during a round of poker in the Games Room in the Student Union Memorial Center. Hays bowed out in the final round.

Amid the sullen calm shortly before the raging storm that is finals week, 28 students were invited to attend the end-of-year championship poker tournament.

This year, more than 200 students have participated in the games that take place every Wednesday and Friday night during the regular academic year at the Games Room in Wilbur's Underground in the Student Union Memorial Center, said Simran Nirh, Games Room manager.

"All throughout the semester student response has been outstanding," Nirh said. "At first everyone comes just for fun, prizes don't weigh in until the very end."

Now, those lucky few who accumulated the most points have gathered to compete for a prize pool worth more than $2,200.

"Sponsors were solicited from across campus and from local donors, who have always been supportive of university activities," said Adnan Qadri, Games Room student manager and tournament director. "All of our sponsors were very generous in their donations, especially STA Travel, Replay and Pepsi."

Nine students from the UA, Games Room poker champions, went to the Association of College Unions International games championships Feb. 17 and placed first in poker and ping pong and placed third for chess and pool, Nirh said.

The top contenders from this event will be invited to attend the national championships, Nirh said.

Observer Dave Morehouse, an education freshman, said he was excited about the tournament and more than willing to show his support.

"The tournament is a great idea. I really like how they even let students who are under 21 participate," Morehouse said.

This year, the first place winner was David Medina, a first year medical student. Medina chose a $200 gift certificate donated by STA Travel as his prize.

"I got pretty lucky towards the end, but the tournament and poker games really helped relieve some (finals) stress," Medina said. "The games could get pretty tense, but they were wonderful."

Nirh said the games will start again the second week of the fall semester and she encourages all students to participate.

"This is all for fun, but it is all about decisions in life and making the right choices," said Mike Birrer, the second- place winner and former UA student.