The field of the World Poker Tour (WPT) Seminole Hard Rock Tampa Main Event was trimmed from 16 to just six on Tuesday as the final table is now ready to go. The remaining players will gather on Wednesday afternoon to battle it out for the $615,500 first prize and their name on the WPT Mike Sexton Champions Cup.
It should be a heck of a chase for the crown, as blinds are steep and the chip stacks are tight. Leading the charge is Steven McKoy with 13.350 million chips. McKoy has over $1.2 million in live tournament earnings, but is seeking his first World Poker Tour title. He has had some success lately, finishing 321st in the World Series of Poker Main Event for $40,900.
Hot on McKoy’s heels are Brock Wilson with 12.100 million chips and Fred Paradis, the chip leader going into Tuesday’s play, with 11.075 million. David Tuthill is also just below the eight-figure mark, going into the final table with 9.850 million chips.
The short stacks are Corey Wade, who has been at or near the top of the standings for most of the tournament, with 6.550 million chips, and Seth Berger with 5.025 million.
There were some dramatic moves near the end of Day 4. David Tuthill is in great shape, but barely made it to the final table. In a late hand, Kevin Ragusa raised pre-flop and Tuthill made a stand, moving all-in for 4.200 million with 9-9. Ragusa made the quick call, and no wonder, has he had K-K. The flop was uneventful, but the turn brought a third 9 for Tuthill and he was able to double-up when Ragusa couldn’t find a King on the river.
Then it was Brock Wilson’s turn. After donating a chunk to Tuthill, he woke up with A-A when Ragusa shoved for 4.050 million pre-flop. Ragusa had 9-9 and had just seen Tuthill suck out on him with the same hand, but it wasn’t to be. None of the community cards improved either hand and Ragusa, sporting the old school “Creamsicle” Tampa Bay Buccaneers cap, was out on the final table bubble while Wilson jumped into second place.
The final table is just about to begin at the Seminole Hard Rock Tampa poker room. The first person to be eliminated wins $130,000, but they all have their eyes on the big prize.
WPT Seminole Hard Rock Tampa Main Event – Final Table Chip Counts
- Steven McKoy – 13,350,000
- Brock Wilson – 12,100,000
- Fred Paradis – 11,075,000
- David Tuthill – 9,850,000
- Corey Wade – 6,550,000
- Seth Berger – 5,025,000
