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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On a momentous Friday night, the CAD $1,100 World Poker Tour (WPT) Prime Playground Championship concluded with an exhilarating finish. The tournament showcased a remarkable display of skill, strategy, and nerve as it attracted 1,587 competitors over four starting flights. Ultimately, it crowned Yunkyu Song as its champion, earning him a coveted CAD $241,620 first-place prize, along with a seat in the upcoming WPT World Championship at Wyn Las Vegas this December. PokerNews provided onsite coverage, delivering real-time updates and insights from the heart of the action.

Capturing the Action

The WPT Live Reporting Team — featuring stalwart reporters Liam Gannon, David Salituro, and Ryan Lashmar — meticulously documented the crucial moments that shaped this riveting tournament. Among these moments were five pivotal hands that stood out, showcasing the high-stakes drama typical of WPT events.

A Heroic Call by Vijayaratnam

During Day 2, amidst an intense Level 23, Senthuran Vijayaratnam delivered a hero call that proved instrumental in his tournament journey. With 34 players remaining, Timothy Rutherford min-raised from the cutoff, while Vijayaratnam defended his big blind. The flop revealed 10 7 4, prompting Vijayaratnam to check-call Rutherford’s bets on both the flop and a later 8 turn.

When the river showed 2, Vijayaratnam faced an 850,000 bet from Rutherford. He took a time extension, contemplating the hefty wager before eventually calling with a fourth pair – Q 4. Unbeknownst to him, his instincts were solid; Rutherford was bluffing with A J. This champion step fortified Vijayaratnam’s stack and propelled him to 111 big blinds, ultimately sending Rutherford home in 31st place.

The Cooler: Song vs. Gundela

As the tournament progressed to 30 players, tension escalated at Level 24. Yunkyu Song made a move with a 100,000 raise from the cutoff, only to face a formidable all-in from Srikanth Gundela for 705,000 from the button. After the blinds folded, Song swiftly called.

The showdown revealed the stakes: Gundela held pocket queens (Q Q) while Song had pocket kings (K K). The flop illustrated the high-stakes nature of poker: 10 9 J gave Gundela a straight flush draw but he was in a precarious position needing an 8 of spades to complete his dreams. The turn and river sealed Gundela’s fate as 10 and 10 presented no help, sending him out in 30th place with a payout of $6,287.

Kings Fall: Raymond Carter’s Set Up

As the tournament neared its climax on Day 3, with just 13 players remaining, Raymond Carter experienced a devastating blow. After an under-the-gun bet of 300,000, he faced a raise to 850,000 from Zeyu Huang. Carter decided to go all in for 3.6 million and Huang made the call.

The tension in the air was palpable as Carter revealed pocket kings and Huang flipped A 9, a prospective flush draw. The flop delivered a K assisting Carter, but a 3 on the river secured Huang a flush, propelling Carter to a 13th place finish with CAD $15,400.

Huang’s Disappearance

The final table witnessed a significant reduction of players as the stakes heightened. The hand that would ultimately eliminate Huang occurred during four-handed play. After Yunkyu Song faced a bet from Huang, the flop of Q 6 3 activated significant tension. Huang pushed all-in, but Song snap-called with a set of sixes. Huang departed in fourth place, earning CAD $85,000.

The Final Showdown: Rivest vs. Song

The spectacle culminated in a riveting heads-up between Kevin Rivest and Yunkyu Song. After Rivest’s raise to 1.5 million, Song escalated to 5.5 million. Rivest’s all-in return pushed him to 12.5 million, leading to a showdown of aces versus Song’s ace-jack.

In a dramatic turn of events, the flop opened with K J 5, which paired Song. Rivest’s hopes dwindled with an unhelpful 3 and 4 turn and river. Rivest concluded in second place, securing CAD $152,000, while Yunkyu Song claimed the championship.

Conclusion

The WPT Prime Playground Championship was a masterclass in high-stakes poker, showcasing exceptional skills and nail-biting moments that kept spectators and participants alike on the edge of their seats. As PokerNews prepares to cover more upcoming events, the poker community looks forward to the next round of high-stakes excitement. Whether through dramatic hands or triumphant victories, the spirit of competition ensures that poker remains as captivating as ever.

Photos courtesy of World Poker Tour (WPT) / Alicia Skillman

Written by: Chad Holloway, PR & Media Manager at PokerNews, podcast host, and 2013 WSOP Bracelet Winner.

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In a thrilling display of skill and perseverance, Yunkyu Song emerged as the champion of the 2024 WPT Prime Playground poker tournament, securing a remarkable $164,251 prize. The tournament, held in Canada, saw an impressive turnout of 1,587 entries, far surpassing its $800,000 CAD guarantee and culminating in a prize pool exceeding $1.1 million CAD.

Tournament Highlights

The championship featured four starting flights and two days of intense competition. Song, hailing from Washington State, showcased his expertise on the felt throughout the tournament. This victory marks a significant milestone in his poker career, as he now boasts over $1.1 million in career earnings.

Song’s journey to the top was nothing short of remarkable. He entered the final day in the middle of the pack, facing a tough competition with just 16 players remaining. As the final table was set, Song found himself as the second-shortest stack, but he quickly turned his fortunes around. A key moment came when he courageously doubled up, overcoming an opponent’s A-K with his A-Q, which propelled him into a stronger position.

Rising Through the Ranks

The final table was a testament to Song’s growing prowess in competitive poker. Not long after his initial double-up, he engaged in a big hand against Rene Gauvin that saw him flop trips with 10-9, ultimately ringing in his victory over Gauvin, who was knocked out in sixth place, earning $35,413.

As the tournament progressed, Song’s strategic gameplay continued to pay off. During a four-handed battle, he managed another double-up against Zeyu Huang, which set him up for a face-off against Alexander Wong. With his A-J holding strong against Wong’s K-J, Song surged into the heads-up showdown against Kevin Rivest.

The Final Showdown

Heading into heads-up play, Song held a strong stack of 37,500,000 against Rivest’s 27,300,000. The final hand encapsulated the essence of high-stakes poker. Rivest opened the action with AQ, but Song responded with a three-bet holding AJ. Following Rivest’s four-bet shove, Song made the call, setting the stage for a climactic showdown. The board revealed KJ534, giving Song a winning pair of jacks and securing him the championship title. Rivest left the tournament with a respectable runner-up prize of $109,852.

Player of the Year Points

Song’s triumphant win also earned him 1,080 Card Player Player of the Year (POY) points, pushing him to a substantial total of 3,804 points and landing him in 36th place in the ongoing 2024 POY race presented by Global Poker. This victory is particularly notable as it is Song’s first title after previously making nine final table appearances this year, which included impressive third-place finishes at both the World Series of Poker and the Borgata Winter Poker Open.

Conclusion

Yunkyu Song’s victory at the 2024 WPT Prime Playground is not just a testament to his skill but also a symbol of how quickly fortunes can change in the world of competitive poker. As he continues to climb the ranks, both in prize money and recognition, the poker community eagerly anticipates what the future holds for this rising star.

Here is a detailed look at the payouts and POY points awarded at the final table:

With each hand dealt and every chip exchanged, the 2024 WPT Prime Playground left an indelible mark on Song’s career and the broader poker scene, reminding us of the endless possibilities that await in the pursuit of excellence at the poker table.

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The poker world was abuzz on Friday night as the World Poker Tour (WPT) crowned a new champion at the CAD $1,100 WPT Prime Playground Championship held in Montreal. With an impressive turnout of 1,587 participants over four starting flights, the tournament culminated in a thrilling finale where Yunkyu Song emerged victorious, claiming a first-place prize of CAD $241,620 (approximately USD $164,251) and securing a coveted seat in the upcoming WPT World Championship at Wynn Las Vegas.

A Tournament to Remember

The WPT Prime Playground Championship attracted a diverse field of contestants throughout its duration, making for an unforgettable competition. After an action-packed Day 2, just 16 players returned for what would be the final showdown, with each already guaranteed a minimum payout of CAD $12,700 (around USD $9,178). Notably, Hayk Hartounian and Kevin Rivest led the chip counts, setting the stage for an exciting afternoon of poker.

The tournament’s structure allowed players to compete in a high-stakes setting, providing not only financial rewards but also prestige within the poker community. The atmosphere was electric as fans and competitors alike awaited the action to unfold.

Dramatic Eliminations and a Final Table Setup

As the final day commenced, it didn’t take long for the first elimination to occur. Rishi Makkar found himself in a precarious situation when his pocket aces were unexpectedly outplayed by Hartounian’s queen-ten, which flopped top pair and eventually turned into two pair. The unexpected start foreshadowed the intensity of the sessions to come.

As the bar rapidly dropped toward the final table, prominent players like Baron Ha, Michael Farrow, and Scott Carragher faced early exits, each factor contributing to the rising tension. By the time the final table was reached, talented poker players had been whittled down, showcasing the high level of skill required at such competitive events.

Once the final table action began, it was breathtaking to witness the shifts in fortunes. An early critical hand saw Matwej Troitschanski eliminated when attempting a risky play against Senthuran Vijayaratnam, who held a set of tens.

The Final Battle: A Show of Skill and Nerve

The final table featured a series of nail-biting confrontations as the remaining players put their skills to the test. David Quang was eliminated when he lost a race against Alexander Wong, and the previously leading Hartounian slipped away to a seventh-place finish.

Over the course of the final table, eliminations came quickly, with Wong and Zeyu Huang both exiting the contest, setting the stage for a heads-up duel between Song and Rivest. The tension was palpable as Song faced Rivest, who had fought valiantly to reach this stage.

In a decisive moment during the heads-up play, Song’s ace-jack outdrew Rivest’s ace-queen, sealing his triumph. The pot not only brought him the championship title but also the juicy reward that came along with it.

Honoring the Final Table Performers

Here’s a summary of the final table results and the prizes awarded:

Looking Ahead: The WPT World Championship

With the trophy now in hand and the sizable prize money secured, Yunkyu Song has cemented his name in poker history, earning the admiration and respect of peers within the community. As the 2023 WPT World Championship in Las Vegas approaches, anticipation builds not only for Song’s appearance but for the remarkable talent that these competitions continue to foster.

The WPT Playground Championship stands as a testament to the growing popularity of poker, showcasing not only the skill involved but also the sense of community that surrounds the game. PokerNews will be on-site for the event, offering daily updates and exclusive content, ensuring players and fans are integrated into the dynamic atmosphere.

As we celebrate Song’s victory, the outlook for future tournaments remains bright, filled with potential stories of triumph, competition, and the everlasting allure of the game itself.

Photos courtesy World Poker Tour (WPT) / Alicia Skillman

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