The world of poker witnessed another thrilling chapter unfold at the recently concluded World Poker Tour (WPT) Prime Paris Championship, held at the iconic Club Circus Paris. This prestigious event, featuring a €1,100 buy-in no-limit hold’em format, attracted an astounding 1,242 entries, culminating in a prize pool of nearly $1.3 million. Players from across the globe came together, creating a competitive atmosphere fueled by the allure of victory and substantial cash prizes.

Hugues Girard Emerges as Champion

When the dust settled, Hugues Girard, a French poker pro, emerged victorious, walking away with the coveted trophy and a top prize of $183,294. This remarkable win marks Girard’s second six-figure payout of the year; earlier in March, he finished second in a €500 event at the Winimax Poker Tour Grand Finale, earning $137,340 from a field of 3,448 entries. Such impressive performances have significantly bolstered Girard’s stature in the poker community.

This victory not only adds to Girard’s accolades—making it his first title of the year and his fourth final-table finish—but also propels him into the rankings of the 2024 Card Player Player of the Year (POY) standings. The 960 POY points he secured with this win have propelled him into 123rd place, reflecting his impressive performance over the year.

The Journey to Victory

The tournament began with five starting flights, ultimately merging into one competitive day where only eight players remained. Girard held a commanding chip lead, positioning him as a formidable contender right from the onset. As the final day progressed, the eliminations came swiftly.

• Samuel Fournier was the first to exit the final table, finishing in eighth place for $26,416. His aggressive A-K failed to hold against Etienne Oliveira’s A-Q.
• Next, Ludovic Amblard fell in seventh place ($32,777), with his pocket fives unable to withstand Baptiste Audoli’s pocket jacks and queens.

Girard’s strategy shone, emphasizing his ability to read the table and capitalize on opponents’ weaknesses. He knocked out Oleksii Ievchenko in sixth place ($41,079) after cleverly maneuvering with a pair and a gutshot against a drawing hand, enhancing his robust chip stack.

Tension at the Final Table

As the final table unfolded, Girard displayed not only skill but also patience, pitting his strategy against that of his remaining opponents. His victory continued when he eliminated Etienne Oliveira in fifth place ($52,508) and Baptiste Audoli in fourth place ($68,681). Each elimination further demonstrated Girard’s escalate in power, giving him a solid foundation as the tournament neared its conclusion.

Heads-Up Battle

The showdown for the championship came down to Girard and Mathieu Goncalves. Girard entered the final stretch with a significant 5:1 chip lead, but Goncalves proved to be a fierce competitor, even managing to wrest the lead temporarily during a grueling match that lasted over 100 hands.

However, fate turned in Girard’s favor when he called Goncalves’s all-in bet with a hand of K-7 against Goncalves’s K-9. The board revealed three 7s, culminating in Girard securing the title with sevens full. Goncalves earned a commendable $126,279 for his runner-up finish, adding to the excitement of this high-stakes encounter.

Final Payout Overview

The tournament concluded with a thrilling payout structure that ensured all final table participants walked away with substantial winnings. Here’s a recap of the final table payouts and POY points awarded:

Conclusion

Girard’s triumph at the WPT Prime Paris Championship serves as a testament to his skills and determination as a poker player. With total tournament earnings now exceeding $583,000, the outcome of this tournament not only bolsters his legacy but also adds significant momentum as he moves through the 2024 tournament circuit.

As the poker community reflects on this incredible event, one can only anticipate what future tournaments will hold, especially with rising stars like Girard continuing to make their mark on the ever-evolving landscape of professional poker.

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The vibrant city of Paris recently played host to the second edition of the €1,100 WPT Prime Paris Championship, an event that attracted a robust field of poker enthusiasts from around the globe. Held at the bustling Club Circus Paris, the tournament garnered a remarkable €1,192,320 (approximately US $1,285,559) prize pool, showcasing the growing popularity of the game in Europe.

A Stellar Turnout

Running over five starting flights, the tournament witnessed 1,242 entrants, reflecting the allure of the World Poker Tour (WPT) brand. This impressive turnout brought together both seasoned professionals and recreational players, eager to test their skills in the competitive atmosphere that only an event like this can offer. The top 156 finishers were in the money, an indication of the high stakes and fierce competition at play.

The Final Table: A Battle for Glory

After three exhilarating days of intense poker action, French player Hugues “Hugo” Girard emerged victorious, nearly going wire-to-wire at the final table. With his exceptional skill and strategic gameplay, Girard clinched the first-place prize of €170,000 (approximately US $183,294), along with a coveted seat in the 2024 WPT World Championship at Wynn Las Vegas.

The journey to victory was not without its challenges. The final table commenced with eight players, which required a grueling 124 hands to determine the heads-up competitors. For the concluding duel, Girard faced off against Mathieu Goncalves. The action reached a climax during Hand #242, where Goncalves, holding king-nine, jammed his short stack, only to be called by Girard with a superior king-seven. The flop produced two more sevens, sealing Goncalves’ fate and securing Girard’s triumph.

Girard’s Career Milestone

This victory marked a significant milestone for Hugo Girard, as it became his largest tournament payday to date. Previously, he had secured second place in the 2024 Winamax Poker Tour Grande Finale Event #5, earning a respectable $137,772. With over $770,000 in lifetime tournament earnings according to Hendon Mob, Girard is clearly a rising star in the world of competitive poker.

WPT Prime Paris Championship Final Table Results

Streaming and Other Highlights

The final table action was broadcast live, allowing fans to experience the excitement from the comfort of their homes. The stream was aired on popular platforms such as Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook, featuring a 30-minute security delay to ensure the integrity of the competition.

Beyond the finalists, several notable players made their mark throughout the tournament, including Kevin Garcia (10th – $17,251) and WPT Global Ambassador Conor O’Driscoll, who faced dramatic moments during the gameplay, including a gripping encounter with Kostya Zaks that ultimately led to his elimination in 31st place for $7,332.

Conclusion: Looking Ahead

As the dust settles in Paris, the World Poker Tour prepares to move on from France. The tour will next convene in Montreal, wrapping up at Playground Poker Club, before heading to Florida for the $5,000 WPT bestbet Scramble Championship from November 15-19. With passionate players like Hugo Girard rising to prominence, the future of poker looks bright, filled with thrilling competitions and unforgettable moments.

In a world where every hand deals new possibilities, the story of Hugo Girard serves as a reminder that in poker, as in life, perseverance and skill can lead to remarkable victories. As he celebrates his win, the poker community eagerly awaits his next move in the high-stakes arena.

Photos courtesy of World Poker Tour (WPT)

About the Author

Chad Holloway is a seasoned PR & Media Manager for PokerNews and has made a significant mark in the poker community as a podcast host and a champion, having won a WSOP bracelet in 2013. His passion for the game and insights into the world of poker provide readers with invaluable perspectives on tournaments and players alike.

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