By Sean Chaffin
Matas Cimbolas (pictured) was one of the first players ever to battle it out in a WPT final table at HyperX Esports Arena in Las Vegas at Luxor Hotel and Casino. It was a massive performance in the Season XVI Tournament of Champions as he looked to bring home his second tour title.
When the dust settled, Cimbolas was heads-up with Matthew Waxman but wasn’t quite able to overcome a tough chip disadvantage. He ultimately finished runner-up for $265,590, just short of that second title.
With the WPT L.A. Poker Classic down to six players remaining, the Lithuanian player who now lives in London has another opportunity to win in front of the cameras in Las Vegas. When play picks back up on Monday, Cimbolas starts third in chips with 4.675 million.
A trip to HyperX offers yet another shot at a title and he’s hoping to make that happen with a little redemption in the state-of-the-art facility.
“I really want to get back there because last summer I played the final table there and have very good memories from there, so that really motivated me,” he said on Day 5. “Also, my fiancée is flying into Vegas if I make the top six, so that’s extra motivation.”
With the final table set for Monday, her flight from London will have to be booked quickly but he’s ready to make that happen.
Getting there won’t be easy. The final 12 remaining is quite a stacked field including fellow Champions Cup members Darren Elias, James Carroll, Tony Tran, and Andy Frankenberger. Those five champions total eight WPT titles, 20 final table appearances, and 65 cashes.
Combolas’s first title came in Season XIII (2014) at the PartyPoker WPT UK event, where he topped a field of 354 to take home $313,328.
So far, how has his experience here at the LAPC been and how does he feel heading into the fifth day of action?
“The feeling is great,” he said before play got underway on Wednesday. “I”ve had a really good time here. The poker’s great, management and everything has been great. There have been some ups and downs, but I’m still in it and have a good stack. An average stack with 12 left – life is good.”
Sean Chaffin is a freelance writer in Crandall, Texas, and his work appears in numerous websites and publications. Follow him on Twitter @PokerTraditions.
Looking to win your way to a World Poker Tour event for your shot at becoming a WPT champion? Play for your chance on ClubWPT.com, where eligible VIP Members can play for over $100,000 in cash and prizes each month, including seats to WPT events, no purchase necessary.