Andreas Walnum, a young pro' from Norway, has whipped his final table opponents to become the latest millionaire on the WPT circuit, taking home a cheque for $1,090,025 and a free passage into the WPT end of season Grand Final.
Although the 23-year old was in a strong position heading into the final six, all eyes were firmly fixated on 2006 Legends of Poker Champion, Joe Pelton, who was aiming to tie up his second WPT title, thereby joining the ranks of esteemed multiple winners Daniel Negreanu, Howard Lederer, Erik Lindgren and Gus Hansen.
However, even though he was chip leader at the start of the day with a foreboding 2.9 million dollars, the amateur took a big hit when Andreas Walnum Turned a set of sixes on an A-Q-8-6-8 board to double up off Pelton, consequently shooting him into the chip lead.
From then on, Walnum never looked back, retaining the chip lead right up until the very last hand. With just two remaining, Steve Wong and Walnum, the two players saw a flop of Kh-Jh-2c. Walnum bet 200k, Wong called. Wong then bet out 400k on the 8 of clubs Turn, to which Walnum responded by moving all-in. Wong called with K-4, but was drawing dead to the Norwegian's flopped set of ducks.
The fat lady had sung and it was all over. Another champion, another Scandinavian, another young gun. With the picture indicitive of how the game has changed over the years, the 23-year old celebrated his victory before shaking hands with his unfortunate opponent.
422 players participated in this Event, combining to create a prize pool of $4,200,100. Not too many familiar faces made it to the latter stages, but many will have recognised the names Mimi Tram and Juan Carlos Mortensen who finished 20th and 14th respectively. Captain Tom Franklin (left), who ran well at this year's World Series, also came close, earning $41,745 for his 11 place finish.
[Ed Note: To view the result of this event, please click here]