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2017 World Series of Poker

Event #73: $10,000 No-Limit Hold'em MAIN EVENT - World Championship
Event Info

2017 World Series of Poker

Resultado Final
Vencedor
Mão Vencedora
a2
Prémio
$8,150,000
Event Info
Buy-in
$10,000
Prize Pool
$67,877,400
Entradas
7,221
Informações sobre o nível
Nível
43
Blinds
1,500,000 / 3,000,000
Ante
500,000

Blumstein Takes Half the Chips in Play to Day 9, Hesp Suffers Cooler

Nível 38 : 500,000/1,000,000, 150,000 ante
Scott Blumstein
Scott Blumstein

At 5:30 p.m. local time, the final table of the 2017 World Series of Poker Main Event got underway. Nine hopefuls started, with a plan for six players to bag and tag, seeing three players exit on the first of three final table days.

Fan favorite John Hesp, who began the day second in chips, made his presence known right out of the gate. In the very first hand of play, Hesp opened the cutoff and called Antoine Saout's three-bet out of the small blind. He then min-raised Saout's continuation bet and showed a bluff as Saout folded. Hesp raised his arms in the air and cheered, his opponents at the table cheered with him, as did the crowd that went wild with such a fierce start from the Englishman.

Three hands later, the crowd would get even louder as the first all-in and call happened. Ben Lamb shoved with ace-nine suited out of the big blind against Jack Sinclair who had opened his button. Sinclair called with ace-queen and the board stayed clear of nines, flushes and straights. Lamb was the first one out, in the fourth hand of play. After a 3rd place finish in 2011 ($4,021,138), Lamb added a 9th place finish in 2017, scoring an even $1,000,000.

The John Hesp show continued after Lamb's departure, with the amicable Brit being the center of attention. Hesp took over the chip lead for a moment, but it was the double-ups for Saout (ten-nine against the king-eight of Sinclair) and Dan Ott (ace-jack to Blumstein's queen-ten on a jack-high board) that got the crowd really going.

As Pollak started to move up in the ranks, the biggest pot of the tournament would be played between the only two players who still topped him. Hesp and Blumstein, the two biggest stacks at the final table, clashed - and they clashed hard. Blumstein opened the hand from under the gun for 2.2 million and Hesp called from the big blind. Both players checked on ace-seven-five rainbow and an off-suit ten hit the turn. Hesp checked again and Blumstein bet 3 million. Hesp check-raised to 7 million and saw Blumstein three-bet to 17 million. Hesp shot up out of his chair, then moved all in. Blumstein snap called, making it the biggest pot of the tournament. Hesp had top two pair with ace-ten suited but was drawing dead against the top set of aces of Blumstein. The meaningless three of clubs hit the river and Hesp lost the 156 million pot, left with just 24 million. Blumstein was still stacking chips when the next hand was over.

John Hesp

While Hesp had lost the chip lead and had doubled his nearest opponent, he was by no means the shortest player after that. He still had more chips than Bryan Piccioli, Saout, and Sinclair, as play continued. After Saout got a shove through and Hesp lost another pot, Sinclair would end up next on the rail. He shoved with king-jack suited right into the aces of Piccioli. The flop brought a king to keep Sinclair hopeful, but the turn and river bricked to see Sinclair exit in 8th place, for a payout worth $1,200,000.

Play continued for 35 more minutes, but no players were eliminated. Just as the clock hit 11 p.m., the tournament organizers called for the bags to come out and play was halted for the day. Instead of the original plan of playing down to six players, the wrapping up began with seven still players remaining. They will return to the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino Friday at 5:30 p.m.

After play was over, we caught up with Bryan Piccioli. He talked about what he did in preparation for the final table, and broke down his thoughts on today's play, including the big knockout of Jack Sinclair with aces.

"Obviously I wanted to do some studying up," Piccioli said. "I didn’t do as much as I had hoped to I guess. I was super focused on making sure all my friends and family were able to get out here and making sure they were settled in. I wasn’t sweating it super hard obviously this is the main event but I mean I’ve played big ones before and this honestly isn’t too different. I’m very comfortable with my position at the table."

He continued, "I had a few close spots where I made some tight folds I’m sure people saw on the stream but with my stack and being kind of short but having other stacks that were shorter than me. So yeah I basically had enough to keep me out of trouble. Then Jack (Sinclair) moved in and obviously when you see a guy all in in front of you you always dream to look down at aces and that happened. The flop was a bit scary could have been scarier but I’ll take it."

Scott Blumstein heads into the second day of the final table as the overwhelming chip leader and was asked what was going through his mind. "A lot of thoughts, and a lot of nothing. It's overwhelming. I didn't expect tonight to go as well as it did. That hand was pretty brutal for John. He had two pair on the driest board and I was lucky enough to have top set. I accumulated around 80 million chips, how I could be upset with that?"

Blumstein had quite the celebration when he got involved in the big pot with Hesp and he explained his reaction. "It was nice knowing he was probably drawing dead. In poker, not very often do you get to celebrate when the chips get in the middle. It was nice playing a big pot with aces, and if I was going to play a big pot with John, it was going to be with top set.

"We didn't even knock out the amount of people we were supposed to. I'm not going to be counting any chickens before they hatch, you can't in this game."

Blumstein was not getting too far ahead of himself looking towards the next couple days and what could be a big pay day for him. "Having a big stack is obviously imperative and I'm just excited I can come back tomorrow and play my game," he said.

SeatPlayerCountryChip CountBig Blinds%Trend Since Start
1John HespUnited Kingdom22,475,00018.76%-63,225,000
2Scott BlumsteinUnited States178,300,000148.649%+81,050,000
3Antoine SaoutFrance14,550,00012.14%-7,200,000
4Benjamin PollakFrance77,525,00064.622%+42,350,000
5Damian SalasArgentina15,625,00013.04%-6,550,000
6Bryan PiccioliUnited States35,750,00029.810%+1,950,000
7Dan OttUnited States16,350,00013.65%-10,125,000
PositionPlayerCountryPrize   
8Jack SinclairUnited Kingdom$1,200,000   
9Ben LambUnited States$1,000,000   

The Biggest Hands of Day 8 of the 2017 World Series of Poker Main Event

Ben Lamb Eliminated in 9th Place ($1,000,000)

Hand #4: Jack Sinclair raised to 1.6 million on the button and Ben Lamb jammed all in from the big blind. Sinclair quickly made the call and the cards were tabled. Lamb showed {a-Hearts}{9-Hearts} and Sinclair was in a dominating position with {a-Clubs}{q-Hearts}.

The flop came {6-Clubs}{5-Diamonds}{4-Hearts} and Sinclair was still in the lead. The turn brought the {3-Clubs} giving Lamb some chop outs as well. The river landed the {10-Hearts}, giving no help to Lamb as he became the first elimination on the final table.

The remaining eight players are guaranteed at least $1,200,000 from here on out.

PlayerCountryChip CountTrend
Jack SinclairUnited Kingdom37,200,000+17,000,000
Ben LambUnited StatesBusted 

Blumstein Scores Huge Double Through Hesp

Hand #47: Blumstein raised it up to 2.2 million from under the gun, and it folded around to Hesp in the big blind. He called, and they went heads up to a flop of {a-Clubs}{7-Diamonds}{5-Hearts}. Both players checked, and the {10-Spades} hit the turn. Hesp tapped the felt again, and Blumstein fired 3 million. Hesp check-raised to 7 million, and Blumstein didn't take long to reraise to 17 million. Hesp shot up out of his chair, then moved all in. Blumstein snap called, making it the biggest pot of the tournament.

Blumstein: {A-Diamonds}{A-Spades}
Hesp: {A-Hearts}{10-Hearts}

Blumstein and his rail went crazy when the cards were flipped, as Hesp was drawing dead with his two pair to the top set of Blumstein. The meaningless river was the {3-Clubs}, and Blumstein scored a massive double up to 156,050,000, while Hesp tumbled down to 24,225,000.

PlayerCountryChip CountTrend
Scott BlumsteinUnited States156,050,000+75,625,000
John HespUnited Kingdom24,225,000-75,000,000

Jack Sinclair Eliminated in 8th Place ($1,200,000)

Hand #64: Jack Sinclair moved all in for 15.6 million from middle position and Damian Salas asked for a count. Eventually, he folded. Bryan Piccioli was in the cutoff and moved all in over top for 18,750,000. Everyone else folded and the cards were on their backs.

Jack Sinclair: {k-Spades}{j-Spades}
Bryan Piccioli: {a-Spades}{a-Diamonds}

The flop came {k-Hearts}{4-Clubs}{3-Hearts} and Sinclair picked up a pair of kings for a chance to improve. The dealer put out the {8-Diamonds} on the turn, and Sinclair needed a king or a jack to stay alive. The river was the {6-Hearts} and Sinclair was eliminated, sending him home in eighth place for a hefty payout worth $1.2 million.

The remaining seven players are guaranteed $1,425,000 from here on out.

Bracelet & TV Final Table Set

Tags: Antoine SaoutBen LambBenjamin PollakBryan PiccioliDamian SalasDan OttJack SinclairJohn HespScott Blumstein

Jack Sinclair Eliminated in 8th Place ($1,200,000)

Nível 38 : 500,000/1,000,000, 150,000 ante
Jack Sinclair
Jack Sinclair

Hand #64: Jack Sinclair moved all in for 15.6 million from middle position and Damian Salas asked for a count. Eventually, he folded. Bryan Piccioli was in the cutoff and moved all in over top for 18,750,000. Everyone else folded and the cards were on their backs.

Jack Sinclair: {k-Spades}{j-Spades}
Bryan Piccioli: {a-Spades}{a-Diamonds}

The flop came {k-Hearts}{4-Clubs}{3-Hearts} and Sinclair picked up a pair of kings for a chance to improve. The dealer put out the {8-Diamonds} on the turn, and Sinclair needed a king or a jack to stay alive. The river was the {6-Hearts} and Sinclair was eliminated, sending him home in eighth place for a hefty payout worth $1.2 million.

This is what he had to say after his bust out.

The remaining seven players are guaranteed $1,425,000 from here on out.

Jogador Fichas Oscilação
Profile photo of Bryan Piccioli us
Bryan Piccioli
37,750,000
18,800,000
18,800,000
WSOP 2X Winner
Profile photo of Jack Sinclair gb
Jack Sinclair
Eliminado
WSOP Main Event Champion
WSOP 1X Winner

Tags: Bryan PiccioliJack Sinclair

Hands #44-47: Blumstein Scores Huge Double Through Hesp

Nível 37 : 400,000/800,000, 100,000 ante
Scott Blumstein
Scott Blumstein

Hand #44: John Hesp raised it up to 3 million from middle position, and Benjamin Pollak called on the button. Both the blinds folded, and Hesp and Pollak saw a flop of {10-Hearts}{6-Diamonds}{5-Clubs}. Hesp bet 3 million, and Pollak quickly called. The {4-Spades} hit the turn, and Hesp bet 3 million again. Pollak again called, and the {7-Spades} hit the river. Hesp checked this time, and Pollak didn't take long to bet 10 million. Hesp thought about it for nearly three minutes before calling, and Pollak showed {8-Spades}{8-Diamonds} for a rivered straight. Jack Effel announced that Hesp showed ace-ten, and Pollak scooped a big pot.

Hand #45: Hesp raised it up to 2.5 million, and Scott Blumstein called next to act. It folded to Jack Sinclair on the button and he shoved for his final 12,350,000, and it folded back to Hesp, who laid it down. Blumstein was next, and he thought for about a minute before releasing his hand, giving Sinclair the pot.

Hand #46: Action folded around to Bryan Piccioli in the small blind, and he limped in after eyeballing Dan Ott's stack. Ott then raised it up to 2.8 million, and Piccioli released his hand, giving Ott the pot.

Hand #47: Blumstein raised it up to 2.2 million from under the gun, and it folded around to Hesp in the big blind. He called, and they went heads up to a flop of {a-Clubs}{7-Diamonds}{5-Hearts}. Both players checked, and the {10-Spades} hit the turn. Hesp tapped the felt again, and Blumstein fired 3 million. Hesp check-raised to 7 million, and Blumstein didn't take long to reraise to 17 million. Hesp shot up out of his chair, then moved all in. Blumstein snap called, making it the biggest pot of the tournament.

Blumstein: {A-Diamonds}{A-Spades}
Hesp: {A-Hearts}{10-Hearts}

Blumstein and his rail went crazy when the cards were flipped, as Hesp was drawing dead with his two pair to the top set of Blumstein. The meaningless river was the {3-Clubs}, and Blumstein scored a massive double up to 156,050,000, while Hesp tumbled down to 24,225,000.

John Hesp
Jogador Fichas Oscilação
Profile photo of Scott Blumstein us
Scott Blumstein
156,050,000
75,625,000
75,625,000
Main Event Champion
WSOP Main Event Champion
WSOP 1X Winner
Profile photo of Benjamin Pollak fr
Benjamin Pollak
72,875,000
18,450,000
18,450,000
Profile photo of Dan Ott us
Dan Ott
28,300,000
950,000
950,000
Profile photo of Bryan Piccioli us
Bryan Piccioli
25,100,000
-2,750,000
-2,750,000
WSOP 2X Winner
Profile photo of John Hesp gb
John Hesp
24,225,000
-99,425,000
-99,425,000
Profile photo of Antoine Saout fr
Antoine Saout
20,100,000
-750,000
-750,000
Profile photo of Jack Sinclair gb
Jack Sinclair
19,750,000
6,600,000
6,600,000
WSOP Main Event Champion
WSOP 1X Winner
Profile photo of Damian Salas ar
Damian Salas
14,175,000
-2,100,000
-2,100,000
Day 4 Chip Leader
WSOP Main Event Champion
WSOP 1X Winner

Tags: Benjamin PollakDan OttJack SinclairJohn HespScott Blumstein

Hands #30-32: Ott Doubles Up with Two Pair

Nível 37 : 400,000/800,000, 100,000 ante
Dan Ott
Dan Ott

Hand #30: Damian Salas moved all-in for 11,625,000 on the button and both blinds folded, sending the blinds and antes towards Salas.

Hand #31: Bryan Piccioli raised to 2.2 million on the button and John Hesp called from the big blind. The flop came {a-Diamonds}{q-Clubs}{4-Diamonds} and Hesp checked the action over to Piccioli who checked behind. The {j-Diamonds} fell on the turn and Hesp led out for 3 million. Piccioli called to see the {a-Clubs} on the river. Both players checked and Hesp tabled {k-Hearts}{6-Spades}. Piccioli showed {9-Hearts}{9-Diamonds} and scooped a pot from the chip leader.

Hand #32: Dan Ott raised it up to 2.2 million on the button and both Hesp and Scott Blumstein called from the blinds. The flop was {j-Hearts}{8-Diamonds}{2-Hearts} and the action was checked to Ott who bet 3.5 million. Hesp pushed his cards to the muck and Blumstein shoved all-in. Ott quickly called for his remaining 14,525,000 and was the player at risk.

Scott Blumstein: {q-Hearts}{10-Clubs}
Dan Ott: {a-Clubs}{j-Diamonds}

The turn was the {6-Hearts}, giving Blumstein a flush draw to go with his straight draw. The river brought the {a-Spades} and Ott scored a full double up.

Dan Ott
Jogador Fichas Oscilação
Profile photo of John Hesp gb
John Hesp
124,050,000
-7,850,000
-7,850,000
Profile photo of Scott Blumstein us
Scott Blumstein
82,825,000
-17,175,000
-17,175,000
Main Event Champion
WSOP Main Event Champion
WSOP 1X Winner
Profile photo of Dan Ott us
Dan Ott
36,850,000
18,175,000
18,175,000
Profile photo of Bryan Piccioli us
Bryan Piccioli
33,050,000
5,950,000
5,950,000
WSOP 2X Winner
Profile photo of Benjamin Pollak fr
Benjamin Pollak
29,625,000
-450,000
-450,000
Profile photo of Antoine Saout fr
Antoine Saout
20,350,000
-450,000
-450,000
Profile photo of Jack Sinclair gb
Jack Sinclair
19,800,000
-450,000
-450,000
WSOP Main Event Champion
WSOP 1X Winner
Profile photo of Damian Salas ar
Damian Salas
14,025,000
2,250,000
2,250,000
Day 4 Chip Leader
WSOP Main Event Champion
WSOP 1X Winner

Tags: Antoine SaoutBenjamin PollakBryan PiccioliDamian SalasDan OttJack SinclairJohn HespScott Blumstein

Hands #25-27: Saout Doubles Through Sinclair

Nível 37 : 400,000/800,000, 100,000 ante
Antoine Saout
Antoine Saout

Hand #25: Action folded all the way around to Scott Blumstein in the small blind, and he thought it over for a bit before giving the short stack Antoine Saout a walk in the big blind.

Hand #26: John Hesp raised to 2 million from the cutoff, and Blumstein reraised to 5.2 million on the button. The blinds ducked out of the way, and Hesp quickly four-bet it to 20 million. Blumstein checked his hole cards a few times before folding, and the two exchanged in a bit of playful banter, with Hesp trying to fist bump Blumstein at the end. Blumstein leaned away, and Hesp jokingly went for a punch. Both players laughed it off as they moved on to the next hand.

Hand #27: Action folded around to Saout on the button, and he moved all in for his final 9.7 million. Jack Sinclair quickly called in the big blind, and the cards were tabled.

Saout: {10-Diamonds}{9-Diamonds}
Sinclair: {K-Spades}{8-Spades}

Saout would need some help to survive, and he got it right away, as the flop came down {10-Hearts}{10-Clubs}{4-Clubs}, giving him trip tens. Sinclair would need running kings now to win the hand, and the {8-Diamonds} on the turn sealed the double up for the former November Niner. Sinclair caught the {K-Hearts} on the river to rub some salt in the wound, as Saout doubled to over 20 million.

Jogador Fichas Oscilação
Profile photo of John Hesp gb
John Hesp
132,200,000
7,450,000
7,450,000
Profile photo of Scott Blumstein us
Scott Blumstein
94,900,000
-6,150,000
-6,150,000
Main Event Champion
WSOP Main Event Champion
WSOP 1X Winner
Profile photo of Benjamin Pollak fr
Benjamin Pollak
30,375,000
-1,950,000
-1,950,000
Profile photo of Bryan Piccioli us
Bryan Piccioli
28,400,000
-450,000
-450,000
WSOP 2X Winner
Profile photo of Antoine Saout fr
Antoine Saout
21,100,000
12,150,000
12,150,000
Profile photo of Jack Sinclair gb
Jack Sinclair
21,050,000
-10,150,000
-10,150,000
WSOP Main Event Champion
WSOP 1X Winner
Profile photo of Dan Ott us
Dan Ott
18,975,000
-450,000
-450,000
Profile photo of Damian Salas ar
Damian Salas
13,575,000
-450,000
-450,000
Day 4 Chip Leader
WSOP Main Event Champion
WSOP 1X Winner

Tags: Antoine SaoutJack SinclairJohn HespScott Blumstein

Ben Lamb Eliminated in 9th Place ($1,000,000)

Nível 37 : 400,000/800,000, 100,000 ante
Ben Lamb
Ben Lamb

Hand #4: Jack Sinclair raised to 1.6 million on the button and Ben Lamb jammed all in from the big blind. Sinclair quickly made the call and the cards were tabled. Lamb showed {a-Hearts}{9-Hearts} and Sinclair was in a dominating position with {a-Clubs}{q-Hearts}.

The flop came {6-Clubs}{5-Diamonds}{4-Hearts} and Sinclair was still in the lead. The turn brought the {3-Clubs} giving Lamb some chop outs as well. The river landed the {10-Hearts}, giving no help to Lamb as he became the first elimination on the final table.

The remaining eight players are guaranteed at least $1,200,000 from here on out.







Ben Lamb after his elimination:

Jogador Fichas Oscilação
Profile photo of Jack Sinclair gb
Jack Sinclair
37,200,000
17,000,000
17,000,000
WSOP Main Event Champion
WSOP 1X Winner
Profile photo of Ben Lamb us
Ben Lamb
Eliminado
WSOP 2X Winner

Tags: Ben LambJack Sinclair

The WSOP Main Event Resumes Today; Final Nine Battle at 5:30 p.m.

Final Table Nine
Final Table Nine

The 2017 World Series of Poker Main Event is down to a final table. Only nine players remain of a field of 7,221, all guaranteed $1,000,000 at this point. Instead of a months-long hiatus like in recent years, this time play continues after just two days off. The November Nine is no more; the summer survivors return to the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino this evening to battle it out for $8,150,000 and the coveted WSOP Gold Bracelet.

The nine remaining players return to action today at 5:30 p.m. local time to commence the final table. When play gets under way, the clock will have 68 minutes and 30 seconds left in Level 37 (400,000/800,000 with a 100,000 ante). Play is scheduled to continue until six players remain, with Friday reserved for playing down from six to three. On Saturday, the three remaining players will play down to a winner.

WSOP Main Event Final Table Seat Draw

SeatPlayerCountryChip CountBig Blinds
1John HespUnited Kingdom85,700,000107
2Scott BlumsteinUnited States97,250,000122
3Antoine SaoutFrance21,750,00027
4Benjamin PollakFrance35,175,00044
5Jack SinclairUnited Kingdom20,200,00025
6Damian SalasArgentina22,175,00028
7Ben LambUnited States18,050,00023
8Bryan PiccioliUnited States33,800,00042
9Dan OttUnited States26,475,00033

Payout

PositionPrize
1$8,150,000
2$4,700,000
3$3,500,000
4$2,600,000
5$2,000,000
6$1,675,000
7$1,425,000
8$1,200,000
9$1,000,000

Career Earnings and More Stats for the finalists

PlayerCountryWSOP CashesWSOP BraceletsCareer EarningsGPI Ranking
Antoine SaoutFrance130$5,551,412341
Ben LambUnited States141$7,207,83016,828
Benjamin PollakFrance160$2,967,781116
Bryan PiccioliUnited States301$1,909,374471
Damian SalasArgentina140$919,525494
Dan OttUnited States20$3,65664,460
Jack SinclairUnited Kingdom20$13,50014,761
John HespUnited Kingdom00$2,20821,184
Scott BlumsteinUnited States30$312,1421,682

How to Follow the Action

PokerNews will be your primary source for live updates of all the action, so be sure to check back for your minute-by-minute poker fix. We'll have details of all the hands, live and without delay as play unfolds in the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino.

ESPN will bring you live coverage of all three days of the final. The live World Series of Poker broadcast will begin on Thursday, July 20 at 9 p.m. ET on the ESPN and ESPN+. WatchESPN and ESPN Play will broadcast the final table via TV network simulcasts.

PokerCentral has announced that PokerGO will be broadcasting the World Series of Poker Main Event final table to non-ESPN markets for all three days of this week's tournament to areas that don't carry ESPN or networks affiliated with ESPN.

CanadaThe Sports Network (TSN) will provide live coverage of the WSOP Main Event final table throughout Canada, with the exclusion of Quebec. TSN2 will join the progress of the final table on Thursday, July 20 at 9:30 PM ET, with complete coverage on Friday and Saturday. TSN GO will broadcast the final table via TV network simulcasts.
United KingdomBT Sports will provide live coverage of the WSOP Main Event final table throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland. The live coverage will also stream on BT Sports’ internet and mobile service.
AustraliaESPN will broadcast the final table in Australia.
BalkansArena Sport HD will provide live coverage of the WSOP Main Event final table in Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro and Macedonia. The live coverage will also stream on Arena Sport HD’s internet and mobile service.
IsraelOne Sport HD will broadcast the WSOP Main Event final table in Israel. The live coverage will also stream on One Sport HD’s internet and mobile services.
Rest of WorldPokerGO will provide live coverage of the WSOP Main Event final table throughout the rest of the world. Countries with access to PokerGO’s live stream include Germany, France, Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Switzerland, Denmark, Belgium, Finland, Czech Republic and Japan.
MainEvent Bracelet
Jogador Fichas Oscilação
Profile photo of Scott Blumstein us
Scott Blumstein
97,250,000
Main Event Champion
WSOP Main Event Champion
WSOP 1X Winner
Profile photo of John Hesp gb
John Hesp
85,700,000
Profile photo of Benjamin Pollak fr
Benjamin Pollak
35,175,000
Profile photo of Bryan Piccioli us
Bryan Piccioli
33,800,000
WSOP 2X Winner
Profile photo of Dan Ott us
Dan Ott
26,475,000
Profile photo of Damian Salas ar
Damian Salas
22,175,000
Day 4 Chip Leader
WSOP Main Event Champion
WSOP 1X Winner
Profile photo of Antoine Saout fr
Antoine Saout
21,750,000
Profile photo of Jack Sinclair gb
Jack Sinclair
20,200,000
WSOP Main Event Champion
WSOP 1X Winner
Profile photo of Ben Lamb us
Ben Lamb
18,050,000
WSOP 2X Winner

Seat 1: John Hesp

John Hesp
John Hesp

Chip Count: 85,700
Hometown: Bridlington, England
Age: 64
Seat: 1

The John Hesp Show has invaded the World Series of Poker. Taking the series by storm, his style, humor, personality, and unlikely run have made the 64-year-old from Bridlington, England, a fan favorite. His story emerged on Day 4 and his craftiness has carried him all the way to the final table where he now sits second in chips.

After making the final table, bagging chips, completing his ESPN interview, and taking some final photos, Hesp was astonished by his accomplishment.

"I've used every adjective in the book, it's crazy – it's spooky," he said.

Throughout the tournament, Hesp was talkative, showed his winning cards, and was generally jovial with his fellow pros. As he continued on, he began to see socializing as a way to add some fun and entertainment to the game – a common theme from many throughout the summer.

"I'm a people person, I like socializing, and talking to people," he said. "The whole week has been about interacting with players. Some of the professionals are normally very quiet and speak very little. Even they've been opening up and smiling and starting to laugh. And they're all coming up to me now and saying, 'Well done John.' If I have achieved anything I like to think I've managed to get some of them to lighten up and have fun while they're working."

While socializing is part of his personality, as a former salesman Hesp says he can get a read off some players from body language and their communication. And in an age when math plays so much of role in the game, Hesp says he plays more on feel and instinct.

"It all has a part to play in how I make my decision whether I raise, call, fold," he said. "I can't explain technically how I should play in this position. It's just the guts and the head combined and I just do what I think needs to be done at the moment. Through the combination of the gut and the mind, I make my decision based on that. But to put into scientific words, I don't think I can."

With the final table cranking up on Thursday, Hesp planned two days of rest. Energetic at the tables, he's only been getting three or four hours the last few nights.

"My adrenaline is just working overtime at the moment," he said. "The natural excitement is just keeping me electrified really."

Hesp's is an unlikely story. Right from the start, his poker attire, a sports jacket and shirts with differing hues and patterns of geometric shapes, flowers, and more accented with a Panama-style hat, set him apart from the rest of the field. The wardrobe became his lucky charm and made for some interesting viewing for poker fans.

"This shirt and this jacket and two other shirts … were loaned to me by a good friend who lives back home in Bridlington," he says. "I commented on how much I liked his shirts the last time we were here in Vegas and he offered to loan them to me for the trip this time. They so far have brought me very good luck."

A semi-retired businessman who owns a company that rents caravan vacation homes, he has a management team that looks after the company. The father of four and grandfather of seven has only $2,207 in tournament winnings with all his final table appearances (and his only recorded win) at Napoleon's Casino & Restaurant in Hull, U.K. A recreational poker player for 20 years, Hesp now plays about once a month – although he played a bit more in the months leading up the Main Event.

Hesp's everyman story resonated with fans. This is his first trip to the WSOP and he's never even played a large tournament. Playing in the Main Event has been a goal for years and this summer he decided it was time.

"I've never played a big competition like this, but it's one of the things I've had on my bucket list for a while now," he says. "I said to my wife about three months ago, 'Would you mind if I went and played?' and came with a pal of mine from Bridlington."

The friend who joined him to play in the WSOP busted on Day 3 and headed back home. However, since his story broke he hasn't been going it alone. Fans have cheered him on in the Rio, and he's heard from players all over the world. Fans on social media have expressed their love for his game.

"It's unbelievable, it's indescribable," he said on Day 6. "I tried to get some sleep last night and my phone's going ping-ping-ping as I get messages coming from all over the world – China, Russia, South America. I'm thinking, 'Who are these people wanting to get connected with me from all over the world.' Something's happened ... it just looks as though I've become an international poker celebrity in the span of 48 hours. How did that happen? I'm just a simple guy that's come to achieve my wish on my bucket list and I'm here."

He's more than just here – Hesp has become one of the stars in this play. A family man, his wife Mandy was on standby to jump on a plane and make the trip to Sin City should he make Friday's action. His family has been watching the PokerGO stream back in England, which is on a 30-minute delay.

"I guess it's probably about now they'll be raising the roof and finding out what's going on," he said after bagging his chips. "Clearly, it was totally unexpected not only by myself, but my whole family, friends, and circle back home. I think it's just been a whole amazing experience from Day 1 to now."

No doubt Mrs. Hesp has packed her bags to be on the rail cheering him on. For John Hesp, having her at his side seems like a fitting way to end this amazing poker story.

HOW HE GOT HERE

DayEnd-of-Day Chip CountRank
162,6002,487/5,519
2312,100152/2,572
3613,000166/1,084
41,394,000106/297
54,060,00040/85
620,880,0006/27
785,700,0002/9
John Hesp

KEY HAND

One hand stands out that shows some of the instincts Hesp has displayed throughout the tournament. On Level 24 in Day 5 with blinds at 20,000-40,000 with a 5,000 ante, there was 700,000 in the pot and a board of {Q-Clubs}{8-Diamonds}{4-Clubs}{4-Diamonds}{7-Spades}. Hesp moved out a 300,000 from the big blind. In middle position Wen Zhou raised to 900,000. Contemplating his decision for a few minutes, Hesp made the call.

Zhou showed {5-Hearts}{5-Diamonds} and Hesp tables {k-Diamonds}{8-Hearts}. Hesp shouted "Yes!" and pumped his fists after making a great call for significant pot.

"I guess I picked the wrong time to bluff," Zhou said.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

While he has been playing poker for 20 years, Hesp has never played a big tournament. He'd never played at the WSOP, and only plays once a month in micro buy-in tournaments at his local casino. While he hasn't faced competition at this level, the big stage hasn't phased him and he's had no problem mixing it up with opponents – raising and re-raising.

Throughout the tournament, Hesp's unorthodox style and unexpected moves have confounded opponents and his instincts have also been good. When he senses he has the best hand, Hesp is not afraid to fearlessly make a move, but also makes nice laydowns when necessary. His game is under control and he has a knack for getting paid off with the best of it. Throughout the tournament, Hesp would often show his hands on a win. Does he plan to continue the practice?

"I don't know," he said. "It depends on how I feel. But really I've just got to keep calm and stay with it."

As the Hesp legend grew on later days, Hesp took the bright lights and cameras in stride, unconcerned about the pressure of the situation. While many have said poker at this stage is a young man's game, Hesp has defied that notion. He is spry and talkative at the table, ready for action and loving playing against younger pros with tons of skill.

Throughout the tournament, his multi-colored, multi-patterned outfits have caught players' eyes, but so has his fun attitude. His social game is working and a big run at the final table would truly prove the notion that anyone can get on a run and play with the best in poker.

Profile by Sean Chaffin.

Jogador Fichas Oscilação
Profile photo of John Hesp gb
John Hesp
85,700,000

Tags: John Hesp

Seat 2: Scott Blumstein

Scott Blumstein
Scott Blumstein

Chip Count: 97,250,000
Hometown: Morristown, NJ
Twitter: @SBlum2711
Age: 25
Seat: 2

Scott Blumstein, an East Coast tournament grinder, had a plan for this summer: Come to Las Vegas for the first time, enter the World Series of Poker Main Event for the first time, and win it.

Chris Horter, one of Blumstein's very vocal friends on the rail, confirmed that this was Blumstein's plan. "He said, I'm going to skip all of the WSOP, and I'm just going to win the Main."

Things seem to be going according to plan so far. Blumstein will enter the Main Event final table with the chip lead. And while his experience in many small buy-in tournament will certainly provide some help, this is the Main Event, and he has some serious competition standing between him and gold.

Blumstein has been playing poker professionally for about four years and was able to enter the Main thanks to a first-place finish in a $560 no-limit hold'em tournament at the Borgata for $199,854, which accounts for two-thirds of his live tournament winnings.

Blumstein might be well known on the East Coast circuit, but not much is known about him here in the desert. He started playing professional poker four years ago after graduating from Temple University with a degree in accounting.

“I never really had a 'real' job. I started watching and playing poker when Moneymaker won. I was just a kid. I know that sounds a bit cliché. Being here now and playing under the lights is so surreal. Day 7 was the first day I was on a feature table. I had to get used to the lights and cameras, but I settled in quickly and just tried to focus on the poker. A tournament is just a tournament and at the end of the day, it’s all poker.”

It’s hard to compare playing the Main Event when playing on the East Coast. Blumstein makes a point of letting people know he feels comfortable here.

“A tournament is still a tournament, and tournaments are tough. But this is the Main Event, so that makes it special. I just felt like I was ready to play the Main Event this year. It’s still sort of surreal to be here.”

Blumstein has the chips everyone will be coming after once the final table returns to action. There are only a few days to prepare, and a tournament grinder, no matter where they hail from is sure to have a plan to maximize on the time off.

“It's crazy with only a few days break. It'll be quite different than the last few years, I didn't really plan what I was going to do. You can't really plan for something like this. I feel amazing, I can't believe it's real. I have a great group of guys and we're going to get to work and prepare for Thursday. This is one of the biggest moments of my life. And I'm super excited.”

HOW HE GOT HERE

DayEnd-of-Day Chip CountRank
186,2001402/5.519
2375,10062/2,572
31,340,0008/1,084
42,016,00044/297
56,845,00014/85
618,125,0008/27
797,250,0001/9
Chipleader Scott Blumstein

KEY HAND

Every player has a hand during a tournament that shifted momentum in their favor. For Blumstein, it was a big hand against Valentin Messina on Day 6. He recounted it for us:

“I raised under the gun and Messina called. The flop came jack-four-deuce. I flopped a set and bet. Messina called. The turn was a six and I checked. Messina bet over a million and of course, I called. The river was a three. I was taking a chance by checking, but I was pretty sure he would bet and he did. He bet almost 3 million and then I check-raised him to 7.2 million. I felt like he took forever to call. But he did.”

Here's the hand, as reported by the PokerNews Live Reporting team:

Scott Blumstein raised to 650,000 from under the gun and Valentin Messina called from the cutoff. The flop fell {J-Clubs}{4-Spades}{2-Diamonds} and Blumstein bet 500,000. Messina called and the turn brought the {6-Diamonds}. Blumstein checked, Messina bet 1,200,000, and Blumstein called. The river was the {3-Spades} and Blumstein checked. Messina bet 2,800,000 and Blumstein check-raised to 7,200,000, sending Messina into the tank. He eventually called and Blumstein tabled {2-Spades}{2-Clubs} for a flopped set. Messina mucked and Blumstein took the pot.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

Blumstein nearly gave his tournament away after the dinner break on Day 7. He five-bet shoved preflop with king-jack jack against Dan Ott, who had him dominated with ace-king. Suddenly, Blumstein was left with only 17 million in chips and danger of missing the final table.

It was a rare slip-up for Blumstein, who had been focused for most of the tournament up to that point.

“I made a pretty big mistake after playing really well for seven days. I have no excuses. I made a misstep, but the good news is sometimes you get a second chance. A couple of hands later I got kings and was able to double up and I was right back in it."

Thankfully for Blumstein, he was able to recover after getting a pep talk from his huge supporting cast on the rail. He will have a few days to rest up and prepare for the finale, but it will be interesting to see if he "goes for the gusto" again with so much on the line.

Profile by Kim Yuhl.

Jogador Fichas Oscilação
Profile photo of Scott Blumstein us
Scott Blumstein
97,250,000
Main Event Champion
WSOP Main Event Champion
WSOP 1X Winner

Tags: Scott Blumstein

Seat 3: Antoine Saout

Antoine Saout
Antoine Saout

Chip Count: 21,750,000
Hometown: Morlaix, France
Twitter: @tonio292
Age: 33
Seat: 3

Antoine Saout’s Main Event story really started back in 2009 when a little-known French player made the final table of the WSOP Main Event. With three players left, Saout had the chip lead. He was the first French player to make the WSOP Main Event final table and it looked like he might become the first French Main Event champion. He had the eventual champion Joe Cada in a bad spot holding pocket queens against Cada’s pocket twos. Cada hit a set to double and would later knock out Saout and go on to win.

“Nobody knew me the first time. It was my first $10,000 tournament. I played great, I was chip leader and I was unlucky at the end. I almost won it.”

Last year, Saout made it to day seven of the Main Event. He was now a professional poker player with tons of experience and looking to improve on his previous Main Event run. Unfortunately, he was eliminated early in the day, finishing 25th. He three-bet shoved pocket sevens and got action from queens and aces. On the turn, he actually took the lead, but was eliminated when the river was an ace.

This year, Saout was a little worried coming into Day 7 with 9 million chips. He went down to about 4 million and doubled through Richard Gryko with pocket nines. From that point on, Saout wasn’t at risk again and he will start the final table with 21,750,000.

Despite accruing more than $6.5 million in live tournament winnings, he has only won a single live tournament. In 2011, he won a daily tournament in France for $15,968.

“I feel good. Last year I finished early in the day. I don’t have any big live wins; if I can win this one for my first live tournament that would be great.”

HOW HE GOT HERE

DayEnd-of-Day Chip CountRank
191,900752/5,519
2341,400107/2,572
31,529,0003/1,084
42,318,00030/297
58,260,0008/85
69,945,00015/27
721,750,0007/9
Antoine Saout

KEY HAND

Saout said that the Main Event has a great structure and was very confident, saying he had played a great tournament. He also understands that you need a little luck and, probably, his biggest break came on Day 3. He got all in against Scott Seiver with pocket kings against Seiver’s pocket aces. He hit a king on the river and then rode that wave all the way to the final table. He is happy to be joined there by countrymen and friend Benjamin Pollak, but wants to be the first French Main Event champion.

“I really want to be the first (French Main Event Champion). I was the first to final table. It’s not like an EPT. This is the biggest tournament. I really want this.”

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

Unlike his last Main Event final table appearance, Saout is a seasoned professional player now. He speaks very openly about his ability and is confident in his play. He mentioned several times that he played great and acknowledged the fact that he got lucky during the tournament. He also mentioned he is used to playing long hours and, based on his success in the tournament, it seems like the Main Event is well suited to his style.

The days might end up being shorter the rest of the way, and he will enter the table seventh in chips behind two big chip leaders. He plans on using the two days off to review the footage of the other players and said he doesn’t care about the size of the break. He did said he prefers the shorter break between Day 7 of the Main and the final table.

"I prefer this because there are some players with less experience. It is better for me because I am more experienced."

Saout definitely has a chance to win the Main Event. Both he and Ben Lamb have been in this spot before and that will perhaps make them more prepared for what comes next. A lot of people felt Saout probably should have won the first time he was at the Main Event final table, and now he has a chance to perhaps make up for the mistakes and/or poor luck that saw him fall in third place in 2009.

Profile by Brent Harrington.

Jogador Fichas Oscilação
Profile photo of Antoine Saout fr
Antoine Saout
21,750,000

Tags: Antoine Saout