The Seminole Hard Rock Poker Open has established itself as one of the most highly anticipated summer poker festivals not only in the US but also around the world. This year’s edition of the event was concluded in a spectacular manner. There were four televised final tables of four separate events to be played on the very last day of the Seminole Hard Rock Poker Open. The Big 4, as called by organizers, featured $7.5 million in guaranteed prize money.
The $5,250 No-Limit Hold’em Championship was quite expectedly the highlight tournament on the schedule, and part of the Big 4. Poker pro Jason Koon emerged victorious in the event to scoop the first-place prize of $1 million and the tournament trophy. It is interesting to note that Koon played heads-up against his friend and former roommate Seth Davies.
This year’s Seminole Hard Rock Poker Open Main Event champion is a player with quite an impressive poker portfolio and more than $4.2 million in live tournament winnings. Most recently, he topped the field of another prestigious event – the $25,000 Bellagio High Roller, collecting a payout of more than half a million dollars.
The $5,250 Championship attracted as many as 847 entries, the tournament’s Freeze-Out format did not allow re-entries. The event featured a guaranteed prize pool of $5 million and the top 150 finishers dropped by the payout table to receive a portion of the money.
The final table of nine was played on Tuesday at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Hollywood. Koon kicked off the day third in chips, followed by Davies. The eventual champion emerged as the chip leader after busting Paul Balzano in 7th place and maintained his lead until the very end.
Shortly after winning the tournament, Koon told interviewers that he felt fantastic about his victory and the fact that he played head-up against a close friend of his made the moment even more special. Two-handed play kicked off with Koon holding a slight chip lead over Davies. He gradually extended his advantage until he defeated his fellow poker player.
Hand #154 was the very last one to be played within the tournament. Koon raised to 900,000 to see Davies move all in. Koon called with [Ad][8d] against his opponent’s [Qc][Jh]. The board ran out [As][7s][3c][3h][8c], securing Koon with the pot and the title. Davies earned $575,000 for his deep run in the event.
Tim Burt took 3rd place for $310,000. Roman Valerstein finished 4th for $220,000. Tom Midena collected $180,000 for taking 5th place. Joseph Serock was paid $150,000 for his 6th place in the event. Paul Balzano finished 7th, good for $125,000. Ryan Fair took 8th place for $100,000. Rounding out the official final table, Zo Karim scooped a payout of $75,000.
