Mike Ellis was the winner of the $1,500 buy-in No-Limit Hold’em championship at the 2010 World Series of Poker. He is a 45-year-old financial trader from London, England. This marked Ellis’ first career WSOP gold bracelet victory. He previously had earned more than $500,000 in career tournament winnings worldwide. But this thrilling comeback victory reached new heights, as first place paid $581,851, plus the most coveted prize in poker. The runner up was Christopher Gonzalez, from Fremont, California.
He put up a valiant fight. But Gonzalez could not overcome Ellis’ late surge. He doubled up a few times and took the chip lead for the first time when play went to heads up. Then, Ellis finally won his victory as the clock on the graveyard shift passed the 5 am mark. Second-place finisher Gonzalez earned a nice consolation prize totaling $360,906. Ellis became the fourth English player at this year’s WSOP to win a gold bracelet. The previous champions were Praz Bansi, James Dempsey, and Richard Ashby.
The $1,500 buy-in tournament drew a huge field of 2,394 players. The top 243 finishers collected prize money. Former WSOP gold bracelet finishers who cashed in this event included – Carlos Mortensen (23rd) and Howard “Tahoe” Andrew (192nd). Howard “Tahoe” Andrew currently holds the record for playing the most consecutive years at the WSOP. Andrew, who first came to the 1974 WSOP, holds the active streak of 36 straight years entering at least one event.
Congratulations to Mike who adds to his GUKPT Grand final victory in 2008.