The king has been overthrown and the Aussie Millions LK Boutique A$250,000 Challenge has its new big champion for the first time in three years. Poker pro Phil Ivey has topped the field of the prestigious high roller event for three consecutive years. However, odds were not in his favor this year and his place was taken by Irishman Steve O’Dwyer. The player took home A$951,960 for his exquisite performance.
This year’s edition of the LK Boutique A$250,000 Challenge attracted 15 unique entries and 1 re-entry. Those created a prize pool of A$3,920,000 and the money was to be distributed to the top 3 finishers. However, the four remaining players struck a four-way deal, with everyone taking nearly A$1 million.
The LK Boutique Challenge was a two-day event, with 2015 GPI Player of the Year Byron Kaverman leading the 12 survivors from Day 1 into the tournament’s final day. Canadian Mike McDonald was the only player to take advantage of the late registration option and joined his peers from Day 2. The official nine-handed final table was set with O’Dwyer as the chip leader with 650,000, followed by Kaverman with 585,000.
After several hours of play, a deal was made between the four remaining players at the table. The survivors agreed for each to take nearly or a little more than A$1 million.
German Fabian Quoss, who topped the field of the Aussie Millions Poker Championship A$100,000 Challenge a few days ago, was then eliminated in 4th place. His payout from the LK Boutique Challenge amounted to A$956,896. Shortly after, Connor Drinan hit the rail in 3rd place for A$1,021,909.
And O’Dwyer had to face David Peters heads-up. Two-handed action started with the Irishman holding 2,284,000 in chips against his opponent’s 1,716,000. Although chips swung back and forth for some time, O’Dwyer managed to retain his lead.
On what turned out to be the last hand in play, the eventual champion raised from the button with [Qc][10s] and Peters called with [Qd][7c]. The flop came down [Qh][6h][3s], securing both players with a top pair. Peters checked to see O’Dwyer bet 115,000 and called. The [10d] appeared on the turn and Peters called a bet of 230,000. The [7d] came on the river and thus, both Peters and O’Dwyer had a two pair. However, O’Dwyer’s was the better one.
Peters checked and his opponent moved all in. The player snap-called only to see that he would have to settle for the runner-up finish. The American collected the amount of A$889,236.
As for O’Dwyer, he took home a payout of A$951,960. The LK Boutique Challenge victory was the latest addition to the player’s quite impressive collection of titles. He has previously won an EPT Grand Final Main Event, a PCA $100,000 Super High Roller, an EPT €50,0000 Super High Roller, and many more.
