KT Park, a New York-based poker player, defeated 455 players in the 2022 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Event No. 52:$2,500 Nine-Game Mix 6-Handed and won $219,799.
Some poker enthusiasts call the tournament "The Mini PPC," and it featured renowned mixed game poker pros. Also, this was Park's first WSOP bracelet.
His victory comes a few days after he qualified for the live WSOP tournament. He had a big stack lead against Andre Akkari when he got in a heads-up battle with him in a vibrant trail. This was two hands before he claimed the title.
The Final Table's Results
- KT Park from the U.S. – $219,799
- Andre Akkari from Brazil – $135,848
- Phil Long from the United Kingdom – $90,411
- David Bach from the U.S – $61,588
- Taylor Paur from the U.S. – $42,965
- Michael Chow the U.S. – $30,713
The Final Day's Action
Even though there were 24 players at the beginning of the day, it had two play levels with fast eliminations. Only 13 finalists remained in the day's first break, including Phil Hellmuth, Scott Seiver, and Joey Couden.
Hellmuth finished in 24th place, Seiver in the 22nd position, and Couden in 21st place. Eliminations continued after the break as Daniel Negreanu, GGPoker's ambassador, was sent packing first, followed by other poker pros such as Scott Bohlman and Mike Gorodinsky.
KT Park's Show
Park's show started at the same time as the unofficial final table. There were eight players left in the event as Park gradually increased his stack lead after getting a huge Omaha 8 or Better, which made him hold half of his stack.
Nick Guagenti left the tournament in seventh place, and the day's final break began. The six players remaining returned to action. Park didn't take part in Michael Chow and Taylor Paur's eliminations.
Chow left the table in sixth place and Paur in fifth position. Yet, Park continued winning vital pots that built his stack as an extra huge Omaha 8 or Better pot helped him reach ten million chips. He took the remaining elimination in his hands as he sent David Bach packing in fourth place, Phil Long in the third position, and Akkari as a runner-up.
Park's Reaction
Park got his last best results in online tournaments. He led a WSOP Circuit Ring in 6-Max No-Limit Hold'em with more than $100,000 online earnings.
The poker pro stated that his immense experience in online mixed games helped him win the $2,500 Nine-Game Mix 6-Handed event. He played many 8-Game tournaments at PokerStars New Jersey, and this was his second live WSOP tournament to compete in.
Yet, he was sent packing on Day 1 from the $1,500 8-Game tournament. The $219,799 prize and bracelet won't deter him from playing in other events in the series.
Park plans to play the rush and other competitive tournaments. He is anticipating the Tournament of Champions once the WSOP ends.
Besides, he has already registered for the $600 Mixed PLO-NLHE event and $3,000 H.O.R.S.E. that will take place later in WSOP. PokerNews will offer a live broadcast of the 53rd WSOP at Bally's and Paris Las Vegas.
