The World Poker Tour (WPT) Choctaw Championship had a number of main storylines heading into Thursday’s closing desk, one in all them being that James Mackey may develop into a repeat champion after profitable the occasion in 2016. Historical past repeated as Mackey received his second WPT Choctaw title and $361,600 contained in the Hyper X Area in Las Vegas.
One other storyline was that Eric Afriat appeared to tie Darren Elias because the all-time WPT title holder, however he was denied a fourth title with a runner-up end price $235,000.
Mackey, a Kansas Metropolis resident who in 2007 grew to become the third youngest participant to win a WSOP bracelet, stated his second WPT victory ranked as one in all his proudest poker accomplishments.
“I’d say this one is method up there,” he instructed poker media after the victory, which additionally earned him a seat to the WPT World Championship in December. “Being one of many solely individuals to ever win a similar occasion twice, that’s particular. Being one of many solely individuals to ever do it means lots.”
The stacked closing desk additionally included high-stakes professional Adam Hendrix (third – $175,000) and Poker Increase star Erick Lindgren, who was after his third WPT title a decade after his final victory.
Learn Extra In regards to the WPT Choctaw Championship Remaining Desk
WPT Choctaw Remaining Desk Outcomes
“Very Powerful Remaining Desk”
Mackey hasn’t been enjoying a heavy poker schedule, however there was no method he was lacking this yr’s WPT Choctaw cease.
“It’s the one WPT that’s inside driving distance, so I ensure that to all the time go there,” he stated. ““However simply typically I really like enjoying in Choctaw. I feel the workers is nice and so they run actually good tournaments.”
Whereas Mackey confronted a “very powerful closing desk,” the 2016 champion had expertise on his facet.
“The extra of those closing tables you make, the higher it’s for you. As a result of generally all of the cameras, all of the interviews and photos and every little thing can form of throw you off of your recreation a bit of bit. So I feel simply the expertise of doing it helps.”
“Making these large closing tables is enjoyable. I wouldn’t say I get nervous anymore, however excited for positive. It’s so uncommon that you simply make one which it’s enjoyable each time.”
Remaining Desk Motion
The $3,800 buy-in Choctaw Championship, which drew 603 runners for a prize pool of $2.1 million, comes on the heels of a a lot louder and rowdier WPT Seminole Onerous Rock Poker Showdown Championship closing desk that performed out the earlier evening.
After a blinding entrance from the six closing desk gamers, Lindgren was first to go as his ace-nine could not maintain up towards the king-jack of Aube. “E-Canine” earned $75,000 for his sixth-place end.
Lindgren, who received WPT titles in 2003 and 2004 and completed runner-up for a 3rd title in 2013, has been out of the poker limelight for a while. The previous Full Tilt professional has greater than $10 million in dwell earnings however has had lows in his profession. Now, he is married and targeted on elevating his two sons.
“It was a enjoyable time, it was a whirlwind to be touring and enjoying all of the tournaments with the identical guys,” Lindgren instructed PokerNews about his glory days. “There was some big-time camaraderie, you see the younger guys working in teams. Earlier than you’ve got households, it’s extremely simple to run round and hold enjoying.”
Danny Marx was the subsequent participant to go as he acquired his chips in with ten-seven to be dominated by the king-seven of Sebastien Aube. A ten within the window gave Aube a commanding lead, however it was short-lived a merciless king on the river secured his fifth-place elimination for $99,000 to come back up simply wanting his second six-figure money.
It could be a number of hours earlier than the ultimate desk misplaced one other participant with a number of double-ups and chopped pots. Ultimately, Aube discovered himself all-in with ace-queen to be forward of the eight-seven of Afriat, who managed to hit a runner-runner to pair to substantiate Aube’s exit in fourth place for $131,000.
The largest rail of the match belonged to Hendrix, who was supported by a solid of notable poker gamers together with Justin Saliba, Stephen Tune, Michael Rossitto and the jovial Ren Lin.
“Let’s go Alaska!” Lin yelled as Hendrix scooped a pot. “Alaska primary! Snowman. Iceman.”
When Hendrix discovered himself all in with queen-nine towards the ace-five of Mackey, Lin maintained his constructive vitality. “He’s gonna want Woman Gaga. Woman Gaga one time!”
Hendrix could not hit the Woman Gaga as Mackey paired his ace to ship Hendrix out in third for $175,000 as he entered heads-up play with an insurmountable chip lead.
Afriat managed to get a couple of small doubles earlier than a closing confrontation the place his king-jack dominated Mackey’s king-jack. A flop of 9♠5♠5♥ left the Candian drawing to working jacks and the J♣ flip stored issues fascinating earlier than the 6♦ confirmed his runner-up end.
The televised closing desk with air at a future date and hand-for-hand updates of the occasion can be found on the WPT web site.
