Chen and Waxman Bag WSOP Bracelets

Chen and Waxman Bag WSOP Bracelets

Wednesday, 5 June 2013

Another busy day inside the Rio saw two new bracelets winners crowned and another potentially enthralling final table set.

First to etch his name into the WSOP history books was Benny Chen. The American grinder managed to overcome one of the largest fields the WSOP has ever seen to scoop the top prize in the $1,500 Millionaire Maker. Having garnered an impressive 6,343 entries, the unique tournament certainly lived up to its promise as Chen’s win over Michael Bennington furnished him with a bankroll boost of $1,198,780.

In the shadows of Chen’s victory, Matt Waxman was able to force his way past a tough final table to claim his first WSOP bracelet. Having started the finale of Event #7 trailing the chip leader, Amit Makhija, Waxman put in an assured performance and held firm as those around him fell.

Indeed, after watching the likes of Jason Koon and Makhija hit the rail, Waxman had to use all of his experience to make it past Eric Baldwin. After battling back-and-forth for seven hours, Waxman was finally able to break the deadlock with A 5s.

After a desperate all-in from Baldwin with 7h 4h, Waxman made the call and watched with a smile as the board rolled out: Ad Th 3s 6s 6c. As the final pot was pushed his way, the American pro was able to scoop the $305,952 as Baldwin had to settle for a consolation prize of $189,200.

While bracelets were being decided, the final table of Event #9 was being set. The $3,000 shootout attracted some of the game’s best players and tomorrow’s final is certainly a testament to that fact.

Indeed, among those vying for the lion’s share of the $1,302,210 top prize is the likes of Tim West, David “Bakes” Baker, Cliff “JohnnyBax” Josephy, Max Steinberg and Chris Klodnicki.



Tags: WSOP 2013, Benny Chen, Matt Waxman, Eric Baldwin