Canada’s Eliot Hudon has etched his name in poker folklore after winning the inaugural WPT World Championship and a massive US$4,136,000 first prize.
Hudon, from Montreal, outlasted a field of 2,960 starters at Wynn Las Vegas in an event that smashed all expectations and just about doubled the US$15 million guarantee. He also produced a memorable final table performance that saw him edge out start-of-day chip leader Benny Glaser, who finished runner-up, for the title.
With all six official final tablists earning themselves a seven-figure payday, Hudon said afterwards that he was desperate to score the win.
“At this point it wasn’t even about the money,” he explained. “If I’m going to make it this far, I kind of wanted to really win the trophy more than anything. I’m in poker for winning more than the money.
“I don’t deserve it any more than these guys, it’s just we all know how it goes, some people have more luck in some spots.”
While Hudon takes the glory, the WPT also walks away a winner with the inaugural WPT World Championship having broken the Main Tour record for both entries and prize pool.
“The success of the WPT World Championship at Wynn Las Vegas was a spectacular way to commemorate 20 years of global, WPT events and the many players who have made WPT what it is today,” said WPT CEO, Adam Pliska.
“We attempted to make this a true festival atmosphere and are so grateful for the overwhelming reception we received. On behalf of the WPT Family, we want to welcome Eliot to the WPT Champions Club and congratulate him on securing his honored role in the WPT legacy.”
FINAL TABLE PLACINGS ($10,400 buy-in, 2,960 entries, 371 players paid)
| Place | Name | Country | Prize (US$) |
| 1st | Eliot Hudon | Canada | $4,136,000 |
| 2nd | Benny Glaser | England | $2,830,000 |
| 3rd | Jean-Claude Moussa | USA | $2,095,000 |
| 4th | Adam Adler | USA | $1,608,000 |
| 5th | Frank Funaro | USA | $1,301,000 |
| 6th | Colton Blomberg | USA | $1,001,500 |
PokerMedia Australia was at Wynn Las Vegas for the inaugural WPT World Championship where we not only followed the progress of the strong Aussie contingent but also brought you plenty of action and colour from this memorable event.
To check out our daily blogs, follow the links below:
Be the first to comment