Ian Cohen Clinches First WSOP Circuit Ring at Harrah’s Pompano Beach
Image courtesy of WSOP.com
For poker enthusiasts, the World Series of Poker Circuit (WSOPC) events are more than just tournaments; they are a battleground for players seeking fame, fortune, and the coveted WSOPC ring. One player who can now claim a piece of that glory is Ian Cohen, who solidified his spot in poker history on October 22 by winning the $1,700 Main Event at Harrah’s Pompano Beach.
The Journey to Victory
Ian Cohen’s relationship with the Harrah’s Pompano Beach property is extensive. Having participated in over 60 events at the venue, including competitions dating back to when it was known as The Isle, he had long been a familiar face in the poker community. Yet, despite his experience and multiple cashes, victory in a WSOPC event eluded him—until now.
Cohen’s moment of triumph came during the prestigious Main Event of the WSOPC series that took place from October 10 to October 21. The event attracted 721 entrants, marking it as the third-highest turnout of the series, trailing only behind the Mini Main and Monster Stack events. With a total prize pool exceeding $1 million, the stakes were high, and Cohen rose to the occasion.
A Thrilling Final Day
Day 3 of the tournament saw the final eight players return, with Cohen holding a commanding chip lead. His strategy and composure throughout the heads-up battle against Josh Hillock proved crucial. Cohen leveraged his advantage effectively, ultimately forcing Hillock to gamble with limited chips. In the end, Hillock finished in second place, earning $128,728, a significant boost that pushed his lifetime cashes into seven figures.
Here’s how the final table played out:
WSOP Circuit Harrah’s Pompano Beach Main Event Final Table Results
| Place | Player | Prize |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Ian Cohen | $193,100 |
| 2nd | Josh Hillock | $128,728 |
| 3rd | Anatoly Nikitin | $88,364 |
| 4th | Robert LeBeau | $61,864 |
| 5th | Steve Karp | $44,190 |
| 6th | Jose Chapui | $32,219 |
| 7th | Jack Nathan | $23,988 |
| 8th | James Carroll | $18,246 |
Rings Beyond The Main Event
While Cohen’s victory was a centerpiece of the tournament, other players also shined at the WSOPC Harrah’s Pompano Beach. Notable among them was Matt Glantz, who claimed the Seniors Event title, adding $18,822 to his impressive lifetime earnings of over $8 million. Remarkably, this was Glantz’s first WSOPC victory since 2006.
Bin Weng also stole the spotlight by winning Event #14: $400 No-Limit Hold’em for $11,988. Known for his prowess across various stakes, Weng continues to make a mark, frequently participating in both high-roller and lower-stakes events.
Matt Glantz, the recent winner of the Seniors Event
Bin Weng, the champion of Event #14
A Look Ahead
The excitement in the poker world continues with the WSOPC schedule. After the Pompano Beach series, anticipation grows for the WSOPC Caesars Southern Indiana, which commenced on October 17 and lasts until October 24. Following that, the WSOPC Harveys Lake Tahoe will kick off on October 24, before the WSOPC Choctaw event held on October 30.
As Cohen enjoys the taste of victory, the poker community eagerly awaits who will rise to prominence next in these upcoming series.
Conclusion
Ian Cohen’s journey from a seasoned player to a WSOPC champion is a testament to his hard work and determination. His triumph at Harrah’s Pompano Beach not only marks a significant milestone in his poker career but also adds yet another thrilling chapter to the legacy of the World Series of Poker Circuit events. As he dons his first WSOPC ring, one thing is for sure: Cohen is now a name to remember in the competitive poker realm.
