Benjamin ‘Spraggy’ Spragg’s 2022 Global Poker Award for Best Streamer will have some company in his trophy case after the popular Twitch streamer captured the UKIPT Brighton Main Event for £69,120 ($86,259) on Sunday.
“It’s unbelievable. I’m at a loss for words,” Spragg said after his win. “I’m genuinely really emotional. I didn’t think I would be because there was such a good atmosphere at the final table, it didn’t feel like a final table.”
The career-high score replaces his sixth place finish in the 2013 UKIPT Galway Main Event at the top of his live poker resume. In order to claim the Brighton title, Spragg had to best a field of 352 entries as well as defeat high-stakes crusher Dominik Nitsche in heads-up play.
It’s the culmination of a very busy year for Spragg who, according to Hendon Mob, has 20 recorded live scores in 2023 for $197,352 of his career $389,408 in cashes. It’s an impressive year for a supposed “online guy” who is now making a mark in the live scene and it’s something he talked about with Jack Stanton for PokerStars immediately after his victory:
“There’s something to be said for winning titles in the live environment, where you have friends with you and onlookers watching, and the whole event,” Spragg said.
“The first thing I was able to play was a UKIPT (in 2013), so for this to be my first major tournament win, it’s really nice to come full circle. I’ve had so many near misses, I was determined to put my best foot forward today.
“I no longer feel like an online guy who plays a bit of live. I’m just a poker pro.”