In another stunning event at Borgata, Andy Hwang, a poker professional from Houston, Texas, claimed his first World Poker Tour title after defeating James Anderson in heads-up play at the WPT Borgata Winter Poker Open.
Hwang, who entered the final table with a substantial chip lead, played an aggressive and oftentimes, unpredictable, game on his way to victory and a pay day worth $730,053.
Action got off to a slow start, taking 70 hands until WPT Champions Club member and Season 11 WPT Grand Prix de Paris winner Matthew Salsberg found himself heading to the rail as the day’s first elimination when his pocket 6s lost to James Anderson’s As 9D on a board of Jd Js 9h Qc 9s. Eleven hands later, Jeremy Druckman became the day’s second bust out when Anderson’s pocket Kings held against his Ad 10h.
Matt Haugen found himself crippled after doubling up Hwang and was finished off by Anderson on hand 97 after he moved all in with Qc Jd only to find himself dominated by Ks Qs. Four hands later, moved all in for his last 1.8 million with Kd 3c and found himself miles behind Anderson’s As Jd. When he failed to improve, Goglormella was sent to the rail in third place.
Heads-up play started with close to even chip stacks, but Hwang quickly built a solid lead by bullying Anderson on nearly every hand, and sealed the deal when Anderson moved all in 10h 8s. Hwang called with As 6s and rivered flush to claim the championship and the $730,000 first-place prize.
Full payouts are below.
Payouts
- Andy Hwang — $730,053
- James Anderson — $438,698
- Mike Gogliormella — $265,475
- Matt Haugen — $222,336
- Jeremy Druckman — $182,514
- Matthew Salsberg — $147,671