The 2008 Ultimate Bet Aruba Poker Classic wrapped up on Saturday night from the Radisson Casino and Hotel on the sunny island. Matt Brady emerged victorious from the pack of 551 players en route to a $1 million payday in the online poker room’s marquee live event. Brady defeated Johan Storakers heads-up. The runner up took home a $486,000 consolation prize.
In the tournament’s final hand, Storakers pushed all in over the top of a raise by Brady holding A-J on a flop of J-10-10. Sure enough, Brady held 10-7, leaving Storakers needing two running jacks or running cards to make a flush to win. Neither occurred and the 2008 Aruba Poker Classic was officially over. Brady joins an illustrious list of players who have won the Aruba Poker Classic. Others included Travis Rice (2007), Devon Miller (2006), Freddie Deeb (2005), Eric Brenes (2004), Erick Lindgren (2003), and Juha Helppi (2002), who was the first ever Aruba Poker Classic winner.
Jeff Papola hit the rails in third place, cashing for $250,000. On a flop of 10-6-4 with all spades, Papola shoved with K-K (holding the king of spades). However, Brady had already flopped a flush, leaving Papola needing a fourth spade to make a higher flush. A two of diamonds on the turn and four of clubs on the river sealed the deal for Papola, sending him packing off of the tournament’s island stage.
Allie Prescott was bounced from the tournament in fourth place. He found himself all in pre-flop with A-K against Storakers’ pocket jacks. The board did not improve Prescott’s hand and he headed towards the exit. The hand featured an out of turn raise by Prescott, which escalated the action pre-flop. His fourth place finish was worth $150,000. The tournament had a buy-in of $5,500.
Brandon Terry was eliminated in fifth place from the Aruba Poker Classic. He moved all in with A-9 of diamonds, but was called by Brady, who held pocket aces. Already a big underdog pre-flop, the board did not help Terry, who was sent home in sixth place, but $116,400 richer.
Brian Malczewski was ousted in sixth place. Like several critical hands that you’ll find in poker tournaments, the confrontation between Malczewski and Prescott came down to a coin flip. This time, Malczewski held A-K of clubs; Prescott held pocket threes. The made hand held up after the flop, turn, and river, giving Prescott the win. Malczewski’s seventh place finish was worth a healthy $83,120. Jason Pohl was eliminated in seventh place to open final table play, cashing for $58,500.
The final table began seven-handed in a rather unusual decision by Ultimate Bet tournament officials. Blind levels at the final table were one hour in length and what the Ultimate Bet blog termed a “rain delay” occurred shortly after the tournament got underway.
The action on Saturday followed a $200 rebuy tournament on Thursday night to benefit the Ante Up for Africa charity. Players in attendance helped raise over $20,000 in total. Among those who participated were Layne Flack, Don Cheadle, Phil Hellmuth, Anthrax’s Scott Ian, and Tiffany Michelle. The event showed that poker players everywhere can contribute positively to society.