2020 WSOP Main Even Finalists

World Series of Poker (WSOP) and GGPoker look to close out the year on a high note. The covid-19 pandemic put a halt to so many things. But, both institutions partnered again to make sure the best poker player in the world in 2020 is recognized and rewarded.

The international bracket of the competition, organized by GGPoker, has already produced the finalists. The event will be played down to a winner on Tuesday, December 15, live at King’s Casino, Czech Republic. Whoever emerges the victor will face off with the champion of the US bracket in a head-to-head winner take all event on Wednesday, December 30.

The US bracket of the WSOP attracted 705 players from New Jersey and Nevada, of which nine have progressed to the final table. The two-day online event that was hosted by WSOP.com finally came to an end on Monday, producing nine finalists that will slug it out for the ultimate prize of $1,553,256. Also, the winner will battle the international champion for an additional $1 million in prize money and the coveted WSOP Main Event bracelet.

Joseph “Kolebear” Herbert is leading the pack coming into the final table with 13,052,534 chips. Herbert, who is not new to WSOP, has a good chance of winning the title as his chip count is over two times that of the person closest to him. The Louisiana born player has a total of $344,297, all from 41 career WSOP cashes. He had an exceptional run leading to the final table. He eliminated 14 out of 15 players, including renowned poker professionals like Dan “Pepperprince” Zack and Clayton “NevarLucky” Maguire.

Three-time WSOP bracelet winner, Upeshka “Gomezhamburg” De Silva finished day one as the leader with 1,930,067 chips. However, he did not build on that momentum in day two as he ranked eighth, based on chip size, heading to the final table. He will be competing with 2,151,969 chips. He is one out of the two days 1 top ten leaders that made it to the final table.

Some of the players that made day two but could not make it to the final table are;

Anthony “nowb3athat” Spinella – 10th ($77,832)
Maria “Femmeonfelt” Ho – 22nd ($35,194)
Jason “Haderade” Sommerville – 32nd $29,779
Barry “puigmyfriend” Hutter – 70th ($18,274)

The nine players that have advanced to the final table are;

Joseph “kolebear” Hebert -13,052,534 chips
Shawn “shades927” Stroke – 5,252,000 chips
Ryan “Hagzzz021” Hagerty – 5,071,572 chips
Ye “YUAN365” Yuan – 4,829,459 chips
Michael “geNet1x_” Cannon – 4,408,847 chips
Gershon “jets613” Distenfeld – 3,475,481 chips
Ron “Samthedog76” Jenkins – 2,476,746 chips
Upeshka “gomezhamburg” De Silva – 2,151,969 chips
Harrison “Harrisond33” Dobin – 1,581,392 chips

All players will have to take a covid-19 test before the live showdown on December 28 at Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas. Anyone that tests positive will not be allowed to compete and will automatically finish last.

WSOP has broken the US record for online poker tournament prize pool with its 2020 Main Event. It generated a total of $6.8 million from its 705 entrants. That said, the cash reward for the top nine finalists are;