Hugo Girard Triumphs at €1,100 WPT Prime Paris Championship
The vibrant city of Paris recently played host to the second edition of the €1,100 WPT Prime Paris Championship, an event that attracted a robust field of poker enthusiasts from around the globe. Held at the bustling Club Circus Paris, the tournament garnered a remarkable €1,192,320 (approximately US $1,285,559) prize pool, showcasing the growing popularity of the game in Europe.
A Stellar Turnout
Running over five starting flights, the tournament witnessed 1,242 entrants, reflecting the allure of the World Poker Tour (WPT) brand. This impressive turnout brought together both seasoned professionals and recreational players, eager to test their skills in the competitive atmosphere that only an event like this can offer. The top 156 finishers were in the money, an indication of the high stakes and fierce competition at play.
The Final Table: A Battle for Glory
After three exhilarating days of intense poker action, French player Hugues “Hugo” Girard emerged victorious, nearly going wire-to-wire at the final table. With his exceptional skill and strategic gameplay, Girard clinched the first-place prize of €170,000 (approximately US $183,294), along with a coveted seat in the 2024 WPT World Championship at Wynn Las Vegas.
The journey to victory was not without its challenges. The final table commenced with eight players, which required a grueling 124 hands to determine the heads-up competitors. For the concluding duel, Girard faced off against Mathieu Goncalves. The action reached a climax during Hand #242, where Goncalves, holding king-nine, jammed his short stack, only to be called by Girard with a superior king-seven. The flop produced two more sevens, sealing Goncalves’ fate and securing Girard’s triumph.
Girard’s Career Milestone
This victory marked a significant milestone for Hugo Girard, as it became his largest tournament payday to date. Previously, he had secured second place in the 2024 Winamax Poker Tour Grande Finale Event #5, earning a respectable $137,772. With over $770,000 in lifetime tournament earnings according to Hendon Mob, Girard is clearly a rising star in the world of competitive poker.
WPT Prime Paris Championship Final Table Results
| Place | Player | Prize |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hugues “Hugo” Girard | €170,000 (~US $183,294) |
| 2 | Mathieu Goncalves | €117,120 (~US $126,279) |
| 3 | Kostya Zaks | €85,200 (~US $91,863) |
| 4 | Baptiste Audoli | €63,700 (~US $68,681) |
| 5 | Etienne Silva de Oliveira | €48,700 (~US $52,508) |
| 6 | Oleksii Ievchenko | €38,100 (~US $41,079) |
| 7 | Ludovic Amblard | €30,400 (~US $32,777) |
| 8 | Samuel Fournier | €24,500 (~US $26,416) |
Streaming and Other Highlights
The final table action was broadcast live, allowing fans to experience the excitement from the comfort of their homes. The stream was aired on popular platforms such as Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook, featuring a 30-minute security delay to ensure the integrity of the competition.
Beyond the finalists, several notable players made their mark throughout the tournament, including Kevin Garcia (10th – $17,251) and WPT Global Ambassador Conor O’Driscoll, who faced dramatic moments during the gameplay, including a gripping encounter with Kostya Zaks that ultimately led to his elimination in 31st place for $7,332.
Conclusion: Looking Ahead
As the dust settles in Paris, the World Poker Tour prepares to move on from France. The tour will next convene in Montreal, wrapping up at Playground Poker Club, before heading to Florida for the $5,000 WPT bestbet Scramble Championship from November 15-19. With passionate players like Hugo Girard rising to prominence, the future of poker looks bright, filled with thrilling competitions and unforgettable moments.
In a world where every hand deals new possibilities, the story of Hugo Girard serves as a reminder that in poker, as in life, perseverance and skill can lead to remarkable victories. As he celebrates his win, the poker community eagerly awaits his next move in the high-stakes arena.
Photos courtesy of World Poker Tour (WPT)
About the Author
Chad Holloway is a seasoned PR & Media Manager for PokerNews and has made a significant mark in the poker community as a podcast host and a champion, having won a WSOP bracelet in 2013. His passion for the game and insights into the world of poker provide readers with invaluable perspectives on tournaments and players alike.
