On a Monday morning that began like any other, Evan Sandberg found himself contemplating the two World Series of Poker (WSOP) online bracelets perched proudly in his trophy cabinet. However, by the end of the day, his collection would expand as he added a prestigious WSOP Circuit (WSOPC) ring following a triumphant victory in the Event #13: $1,700 Main Event at the WSOPC Lake Tahoe Festival. The intense final table and exhilarating moments throughout the tournament made this victory one for the books.
A Remarkable Victory
Sandberg’s remarkable run culminated in a first-place prize of $133,841, significantly contributing to his impressive career earnings, which now exceed $1.4 million in live tournament cashes. The $1,700 buy-in event drew a competitive field of 439 players, generating an impressive $665,085 prize pool — a substantial portion of the $1,764,246 awarded throughout the festival’s 18 ring events.
Fighting for First
Succeeding in such a large tournament is no small feat, and Sandberg faced a formidable challenge. As the final stages approached, he found himself seated at a final table alongside seasoned competitors, including Michael Pearson, a noted player who had previously secured this same event in both 2016 and 2019. Not only did Sandberg have to contend with Pearson, but he also had his eyes set on other seasoned players with significant accolades, such as Bilguun Odgerel, Brett Murray, and Dann Turner, the latter boasting multiple WSOPC final table appearances and an online bracelet.
Sandberg, however, was unfazed by the prestigious line-up. In a post-tournament interview, he stated, “For me, I always enjoy a challenge… playing with tough competition makes it a lot funner for me. It motivates me to really play my best.” This positive mindset helped Sandberg navigate the intense competition and position himself favorably going into Day 3.
Day 3 Action
The final day of play was electric. Early on, VVinny Chu and Travis Stevenson were eliminated, paving the way for the final five competitors, including Pearson, who ultimately finished in fifth for $28,921. As the competition whittled down, Sandberg found himself head-to-head against James Czarnecki.
Czarnecki initially seized momentum as the heads-up battle commenced, starting with nearly even stacks before pulling ahead. However, a pivotal moment shifted the tide in Sandberg’s favor when his bluff with Q6 was called preflop. “I thought he looked weak when he raised — a completely bad read,” Sandberg confessed after the hand. The flop turned favorable for him, coming up queen high, and he managed to turn his two pair by hitting another six on the turn. After check-raising all in, Sandberg’s hand held up, catapulting him into the lead.
From that point forward, it was a swift cleanup of Czarnecki’s remaining chips. Ultimately, Czarnecki walked away with $87,977 as the runner-up, while Sandberg celebrated the hard-fought victory and the added accolade of the WSOPC ring.
Final Table Results
The final table was a testament to the high caliber of players involved. Here are the outcomes:
| Place | Player | Hometown | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Evan Sandberg | San Francisco, CA | $133,841 |
| 2 | James Czarnecki | Edgewater, MD | $87,977 |
| 3 | Dann Turner | Cleveland, OH | $59,232 |
| 4 | Brett Murray | San Francisco, CA | $40,871 |
| 5 | Michael Pearson | Santa Rosa, CA | $28,921 |
| 6 | Travis Stenerson | Japan | $21,101 |
| 7 | Vinny Chu | Elk Grove, CA | $15,659 |
| 8 | Bilguun Odgerel | Oakland, CA | $11,999 |
| 9 | Lee Viloria | Hayward, CA | $9,455 |
What’s Next?
The excitement doesn’t stop here for the WSOPC community. The next major event on their calendar is the WSOP Circuit Choctaw Durant, with the Main Event crowning a winner on November 11. Currently, preliminary ring events are already in motion, and as 2024 progresses, there are four more events lined up before the year concludes, culminating in the WSOP Circuit Harrah’s Cherokee, scheduled to run from November 28 to December 9.
Conclusion
Evan Sandberg’s victory at the WSOPC Lake Tahoe not only adds to his illustrious poker career but also showcases his resilience and strategic prowess at the tables. As he turns the page on this chapter, all eyes will be on him as he competes in future tournaments, with poker enthusiasts eagerly anticipating what this rising star will achieve next. Whether a seasoned pro or a newcomer to the world of poker, Sandberg’s journey serves as a reminder that every hand can lead to a momentous victory.
