Hand #96: Derek Wolters Eliminated in 3rd Place (CAD $173,220)

Photo:  Derek Wolters (center) shakes hands with Maxime Heroux (left) and Pat Quinn after his elimination in third place.

Pat Quinn raises from the button to 350,000, Maxime Heroux calls from the small blind, and Derek Wolters reraises from the big blind to 1,200,000.

Quinn thinks for about 20 seconds before he folds, and Heroux thinks for nearly 30 seconds before he moves all in for 7,425,000, covering Wolters.

Wolters waits for the count before he calls all in for 6,750,000 with , and Heroux turns over . Wolters needs to improve to stay alive, but this will be the biggest pot of the tournament regardless who wins.

Inexplicably, Heroux jogs out of the WPT arena before the flop is dealt.

The flop comes , and Wolters flops a gutshot straight draw to go with his two overcards.

About 10-15 seconds after he left the room, Heroux comes jogging back in.

The turn card is the , the river card is the , and the pocket sevens hold up for Heroux to win the pot and eliminate Wolters in third place.

Seat 2.  Maxime Heroux  –  14,600,000  (97 bb)
Seat 3.  Derek Wolters  –  Eliminated in 3rd Place  (CAD $173,220)
Seat 5.  Pat Quinn  –  3,575,000  (24 bb)

There will be an extended break before heads-up play begins so WPT Anchor Lynn Gilmartin can briefly interview the players on the set.

Photo:  When the river card hits, Maxime Heroux is standing by the rail with his friends and family.