A Thrilling Finish at the $800 Main Event of RunGood Poker Series
The vibrant atmosphere of the Hard Rock Casino and Hotel in Tulsa was electrified recently as the $800 Main Event of the RunGood Poker Series concluded, drawing a remarkable 472 entrants across three Day 1 flights. This sought-after event culminated in a substantial prize pool of $330,400, a testament to the enthusiasm surrounding the tournament. With 56 players returning for Day 2, each secured a minimum cash of $1,248, while the coveted top prize of $65,829 went to the deserving champion, Eric Bunch.
Eric Bunch: A Champion’s Journey
Eric Bunch entered Day 2 with a healthy chip lead, having bagged an impressive 844,000 chips on Day 1a. When reflecting on his strategy, Bunch emphasized the importance of maintaining composure amidst the highs and lows of poker, stating, “My main focus was just to make sure I kept playing well and not stress about bad beats or things I can’t control.” This mental fortitude proved pivotal, allowing Bunch to remain atop the leaderboard throughout the tournament, effectively leading from start to finish.
This victory is one of the highlights of Bunch’s poker career, contributing to his remarkable total of over $1.5 million in tournament earnings. After claiming the title, he shared his fondness for the RunGood series, commenting, “I love the RunGood stops, they run great events, I’ll definitely be back in January.” His enthusiasm underscores the growing reputation of the RunGood Poker Series as a premier competition in the poker landscape.
Harold Harvey: A Strong Second Place
Harold Harvey, an emerging force in the poker community, finished in second place, enhancing his total tournament earnings to over $100,000. Harvey took home a robust prize of $43,906, marking a new personal record for him. His journey through the tournament showcased his tenacity and skill, making him a player to watch in future events.
Final Table Showdown
The final table witnessed intense competition, with early eliminations setting the stage for a dramatic showdown. Here’s how the final results unfolded:
| Place | Player | Country | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eric Bunch | United States | $65,829 |
| 2 | Harold Harvey | United States | $43,906 |
| 3 | Han Lam | United States | $32,472 |
| 4 | Jason Wiske | United States | $24,258 |
| 5 | Rob Noce | United States | $18,307 |
| 6 | Iman Alsaden | United States | $13,958 |
| 7 | Savannah Mora | United States | $10,753 |
| 8 | Isaac Cramer | United States | $8,371 |
| 9 | Derrick Yegge | United States | $6,586 |
Early Day Action
The energy of Day 2 was palpable, particularly with known players such as Matt Rogers and Melinda Hettick making their mark after qualifying from earlier flights. Hettick notably secured two cash payouts, finishing in 51st place, while Rogers earned $1,437 for his 45th-place finish.
Defending champion Todd Tucker, who had captured this event in January, fought valiantly but was eliminated in 38th place, earning $1,669. The day also featured back-to-back exits of two World Series of Poker bracelet winners, Michael Perrone and Brian Green, who finished in 24th and 23rd, respectively, each taking home $2,336.
The Final Table: A Clash of Titans
The final table commenced with high stakes and relentless action. Early dropouts included Derrick Yegge and Isaac Cramer, who faced daunting challenges that ultimately led to their departures. The pace quickened as tournament dynamics shifted, culminating in a series of significant hands.
Bunch seized a crucial moment to eliminate Rob Noce in fifth place, flopping a dominating hand that showcased his tactical prowess. He continued to shine by eliminating Jason Wiske in fourth place, as his flush on the river outperformed Wiske’s two pair.
Heads-Up: The Final Chapter
As the tournament reached its climax, heads-up play began with Bunch holding a massive chip lead—about 12 million of the 14.16 million chips in play. A swift exchange led to an all-in situation against Harvey, where Bunch’s king-five clashed with Harvey’s jack-three. The board revealed a thrilling flush for both, but Bunch’s hand was superior, sealing his victory.
The conclusion of the $800 Main Event not only crowned a new champion but also highlighted the resilience and skill of all participants. For poker fans and players alike, the excitement in Tulsa is a reminder of why live poker tournaments continue to draw crowds from around the globe.
Stay tuned to PokerNews for further updates and comprehensive coverage from tournaments worldwide. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting your poker journey, the thrill of competition and the camaraderie of the poker community remain its driving forces.
