Will “The Thrill” Failla Wins 2011 WPT Legends of Poker

We poker players know that poker is a game of skill.  But we also know that to win a big tournament, Lady Luck needs to be on your side from time to time, as well.  Such was the case for Will “The Thrill” Failla, who came into the 2011 World Poker Tour (WTP) Legends of Poker televised final table as the chip leader, but had to survive a roller coaster ride on his way to victory and the $758,085 first prize.

With over six and three quarters of a million chips to start the day, Failla had a comfortable, though not dominating lead over the Joshua Pollock, who had 5,315,000 chips.  It took just six hands, though, to change that, as Pollock took a 3,310,000 chip pot from Failla to take over the lead.  Failla continued to fall a bit, but eliminating another player always helps one’s cause.  Owais Ahmed went all-in pre-flop for 1,760,000 on the 18th hand of the day and was called by Failla, who held A-5.  Ahmed only had J-7 and was in real trouble.  Failla ended up flopping top pair and turning trip Aces to send Ahmed home in 6th place.  At that point Failla had regained the lead, ever so slightly, with 6,205,000 chips to Pollock’s 6,135,000.

Eventually, the tournament was whittled down to three players: Failla, Ken “Teach” Aldridge, and Jeff Vertes.  Having fallen back once again, Failla doubled up a couple times during three handed play, once getting past a coin flip when his 6-6 held up against Aldridge’s 9-T, then hitting a three-outer on the flop that allowed his A-5 to trump Vertes’ A-9.

The three-way battle went on for a long time in front of the cameras, including those for the World Poker Tour’s first ever semi-live final table stream (30-minute delay), complete with hole cards and commentary, until finally, the 3rd place finisher was determined.  Vertes got all his chips in the pot with A-Q, in great shape against the caller Failla, who had A-J.  But again, Failla was the beneficiary of some luck, as the flop came A-J-T.  Vertes couldn’t hit a Queen or King to double-up and hit the rail $186,400 richer.

Going into heads-up play, Failla had a small chip advantage and extended it as play moved along, but took complete control on one big hand.  Aldridge raised pre-flop to 900,000, Failla called, and the two saw a flop of Jc-5d-2h.  Failla check-called a 500,000 chip bet and the turn of 9h was dealt.  Again, a check-call by Failla, this time for 2,000,000 chips.  After the 7h was dealt on the river, Failla led out with a bet of 4,000,000.  Aldridge moved all-in immediately, and Failla snap-called, turning over 6h-8h for a runner-runner flush.  Alrdidge had pocket Aces, giving him just an overpair.  With that, Aldridge was down to 3,775,000 chips, just nine big blinds.

It was over just three hands later, as Aldridge just had to pick a hand and go with it.  Unfortunately, the hand he chose was 4-6 and Failla had J-6 to dominate him.  The rest was academic, as Failla took down his first WPT title, the three quarters of a million dollar prize, and had his name engraved on the new WPT Champion’s Cup.

2011 WPT Legends of Poker Final Table Standings

1. Will Failla – $758,085
2. Ken Aldridge – $365,800
3. Jeff Vertes – $186,400
4. Joshua Pollock – $128,500
5. Adam Aronson – $102,800
6. Owais Ahmed – $77,100