A Maryland poker professional won the World Series of Poker main event, outlasting his final opponents in a marathon card session of nearly 12 hours for the $8.53 million title on Wednesday. A Maryland poker professional won the World Series
A Maryland poker professional won the World Series of Poker main event, outlasting his final opponents in a marathon card session of nearly 12 hours for the $8.53 million title on Wednesday.
Greg Merson emerged with the title before dawn in Las Vegas after a session that proved a showcase for his skills amid the unpredictability of tournament no-limit Texas Hold ‘em.
On the last hand, Merson put Las Vegas card pro Jesse Sylvia all-in with a king high. Sylvia thought hard, then called with a suited queen-jack.
“This whole stage is nothing you could ever prepare for,” Merson said.
Merson’s hand held through the community cards — two sixes, a three, a nine and a seven — to put his name alongside former champions including Doyle Brunson, Phil Hellmuth and Johnny Chan.
After an exhausting session, he’s ready to join them.
“I feel pretty good — got all the tears out so, now I feel relaxed,” Merson said.
The 24-year-old Merson pushed past Hellmuth for the series’ Player of the Year honors, proving himself the top performer throughout this year’s series of card tournaments in Las Vegas and Europe. Merson also won a tournament bracelet this summer in Las Vegas for a no-limit Texas Hold ‘em 6-handed tournament.
The 26-year-old Sylvia won $5.3 million for second place.
Merson’s victory came after the pair outlasted the last amateur at the table, 21-year-old Jake Balsiger. The Arizona State senior hoping to become the youngest World Series of Poker champion was eliminated in third place, more than 11 hours into the marathon.
