Gregory Cook Wins The $1,150 Mix Max Event For $51,230
Aussie Gregory Cook took down Event #5 No Limit Holdem Mix Max inside the Crown Poker Room on Tuesday, defeating Ari Engel heads up to win a $51,230 first-place prize and an LK Boutique Aussie Millions Championship ring.
The event drew 196 entries on Monday, playing full ring until they were down to 36. The final 36 played six-handed until after 2 a.m., returning with 25 players Tuesday.
Once they reached the final eight they split off into seeded heads-up matches based on the chip counts.
Martin Finger beat John Apostolidis and Craig Blight eliminated Felix Kramer to push through to the semifinals. Cook beat Cameron Couch, and despite starting as the eighth seed, Engel came back to upset chip leader Errolyn Strang to move on.
Engel then made short work of Blight and Cook pushed past Finger setting up the final.
Engel began the final heads-up match with the chip lead, but Cook took control winning the first couple of big pots in the first level to take close to a 2:1 advantage. Engel ran hot and pulled into a 2:1 lead of his own come the second level and increased that lead before doubling up cook with top pair versus bottom two heading into the third. Engel kept the pressure on and built the lead back up before Cook doubled again, getting it in with middle pair versus a flush draw and holding.
The lead went back and forth until Cook finally inched ahead and Engel called off with an outkicked ace allowing Cook to capture his first Aussie Millions title.