Hugues Girard Triumphs at WPT Prime Paris Championship
The world of poker witnessed another thrilling chapter unfold at the recently concluded World Poker Tour (WPT) Prime Paris Championship, held at the iconic Club Circus Paris. This prestigious event, featuring a €1,100 buy-in no-limit hold’em format, attracted an astounding 1,242 entries, culminating in a prize pool of nearly $1.3 million. Players from across the globe came together, creating a competitive atmosphere fueled by the allure of victory and substantial cash prizes.
Hugues Girard Emerges as Champion
When the dust settled, Hugues Girard, a French poker pro, emerged victorious, walking away with the coveted trophy and a top prize of $183,294. This remarkable win marks Girard’s second six-figure payout of the year; earlier in March, he finished second in a €500 event at the Winimax Poker Tour Grand Finale, earning $137,340 from a field of 3,448 entries. Such impressive performances have significantly bolstered Girard’s stature in the poker community.
This victory not only adds to Girard’s accolades—making it his first title of the year and his fourth final-table finish—but also propels him into the rankings of the 2024 Card Player Player of the Year (POY) standings. The 960 POY points he secured with this win have propelled him into 123rd place, reflecting his impressive performance over the year.
The Journey to Victory
The tournament began with five starting flights, ultimately merging into one competitive day where only eight players remained. Girard held a commanding chip lead, positioning him as a formidable contender right from the onset. As the final day progressed, the eliminations came swiftly.
- Samuel Fournier was the first to exit the final table, finishing in eighth place for $26,416. His aggressive A-K failed to hold against Etienne Oliveira’s A-Q.
- Next, Ludovic Amblard fell in seventh place ($32,777), with his pocket fives unable to withstand Baptiste Audoli’s pocket jacks and queens.
Girard’s strategy shone, emphasizing his ability to read the table and capitalize on opponents’ weaknesses. He knocked out Oleksii Ievchenko in sixth place ($41,079) after cleverly maneuvering with a pair and a gutshot against a drawing hand, enhancing his robust chip stack.
Tension at the Final Table
As the final table unfolded, Girard displayed not only skill but also patience, pitting his strategy against that of his remaining opponents. His victory continued when he eliminated Etienne Oliveira in fifth place ($52,508) and Baptiste Audoli in fourth place ($68,681). Each elimination further demonstrated Girard’s escalate in power, giving him a solid foundation as the tournament neared its conclusion.
Heads-Up Battle
The showdown for the championship came down to Girard and Mathieu Goncalves. Girard entered the final stretch with a significant 5:1 chip lead, but Goncalves proved to be a fierce competitor, even managing to wrest the lead temporarily during a grueling match that lasted over 100 hands.
However, fate turned in Girard’s favor when he called Goncalves’s all-in bet with a hand of K-7 against Goncalves’s K-9. The board revealed three 7s, culminating in Girard securing the title with sevens full. Goncalves earned a commendable $126,279 for his runner-up finish, adding to the excitement of this high-stakes encounter.
Final Payout Overview
The tournament concluded with a thrilling payout structure that ensured all final table participants walked away with substantial winnings. Here’s a recap of the final table payouts and POY points awarded:
| Place | Player | Earnings | POY Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hugues Girard | $183,294 | 960 |
| 2 | Mathieu Goncalves | $126,279 | 800 |
| 3 | Kostya Zaks | $91,863 | 640 |
| 4 | Baptiste Audoli | $68,681 | 480 |
| 5 | Etienne Oliveira | $52,508 | 400 |
| 6 | Oleksii Ievchenko | $41,079 | 320 |
| 7 | Ludovic Amblard | $32,777 | 240 |
| 8 | Samuel Fournier | $26,416 | 160 |
| 9 | Stephane Navard | $21,348 | 80 |
Conclusion
Girard’s triumph at the WPT Prime Paris Championship serves as a testament to his skills and determination as a poker player. With total tournament earnings now exceeding $583,000, the outcome of this tournament not only bolsters his legacy but also adds significant momentum as he moves through the 2024 tournament circuit.
As the poker community reflects on this incredible event, one can only anticipate what future tournaments will hold, especially with rising stars like Girard continuing to make their mark on the ever-evolving landscape of professional poker.
