Recent EPT winner, Simon Brandstrom, has become the latest World Poker Tour (WPT) champion after leading from pillar-to-post in the UK main event.
Entering the final day as chip leader at Nottingham’s Dusk Till Dawn, Brandstrom was in control from the start.
Having already seen off 681 players, the final nine were guaranteed at $36,000. However, with each entrant putting up $3,300 to play, those that made Day 3 on October 6 were most interested in the $330,000 top prize.
Brandstrom Continues Momentum at WPT UK
For Brandstrom, winning that cash and a WPT UK title was possible, but by no means a formality. With German hotshot Manig Loeser and British veteran Paul Jackson in the mix, victory wouldn’t come easy.
With a victory at EPT Barcelona in September adding to his confidence, it wasn’t long before the Swede got to work.
With Jackson’s stack fading fast, he took his chance to get back into contention with A♠2♦. Despite the relative strength of his hand, the Englishman was in trouble against Brandstrom’s A♣Q♦.
A queen on the flop virtually ended the hand before a blank turn and river sent Jackson home in ninth.
With the deadlock broken, Leo Worthington-Leese and Loeser fell before Paul Siddle and Maria Lampropulos dropped in quick succession.
That series of eliminations forced the final four to put the brakes on. As caution took hold, 60 hands passed before Ryan Mandara picked off Matthew Eardley with A♣9♠.
Swedish Pro Dashes Local Hopes
Three-handed play didn’t last for long as Mandara continued his hot streak. This time he used pocket sevens to oust James Rann and his A♦2♥.
Heads-up, Mandara had the momentum, but it was Brandstrom who started best. Seizing the early pots, the Swedish pro gradually got a hold over his opponent.
Eventually, the end came after just six hands. After semi-bluffing the flop and turn with J♠T♣, Mandara pushed all-in on the river.
With the board showing 9♣7♣3♦4♣K♥, Brandstrom took a few seconds to think before calling with 9♥7♠.
WPT UK Main Event Result
- Simon Brandstrom – $330,000
- Ryan Mandara – $221,650
- James Rann – $168,500
- Matthew Eardley – $128,500
- Maria Lampropulos – $98,500
- Paul Siddle – $76,000
- Manig Loeser – $58,500
- Leo Worthington-Leese – $46,000
- Paul Jackson – $36,000
Two pair was more than enough to top Mandara’s bluff and earn Brandstrom the WPT UK title, and a $330,000 payday.
