Ian Cohen Triumphs at the 2024 World Series of Poker Circuit Main Event
The thrill of competitive poker returned to South Florida as poker enthusiasts gathered for the 2024 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Circuit at Harrah’s Pompano Beach. With a $1,700 buy-in no-limit hold’em main event, the tournament attracted a staggering 721 entries, surpassing the projected $1 million guarantee by an impressive $92,000. After three starting flights and two days of intense play, it was Ian Cohen, a local favorite from Ft. Lauderdale, who emerged victorious, claiming both the coveted title and a monumental payday of $183,100—the biggest of his career.
The Road to Victory
This tournament marked a significant milestone for Cohen, boosting his lifetime tournament earnings to over $301,000. The win not only awarded him a substantial cash prize but also earned him 912 Card Player Player of the Year points, propelling him into the upper echelons of the 2024 Player of the Year standings with a total of 1,046 points, placing him within the top 600.
Cohen’s journey through the final table was marked by strategic plays and calculated risks. He successfully navigated a competitive field, where the top 74 finishers cashed, and only eight players advanced to the final day.
Key Eliminations on the Final Day
The final day of play featured several dramatic eliminations, beginning with James Carroll, a two-time World Poker Tour champion. Carroll was the first to fall, with his pocket jacks succumbing to Cohen’s pocket queens. For his efforts, Carroll left with $18,246 as the eighth-place finisher.
Cohen continued to apply pressure, winning crucial races against other competitors. He eliminated Jack Nathan in seventh place after a confrontation with K-Q suited against Nathan’s pocket eights, and continued to whittle down the competition. Jose Chapui, holding A-J suited, met his end against Anatoly Nikitin’s pocket nines, finishing sixth for $32,219.
Further drama unfolded as Steve Karp fell in fifth place. His top pair couldn’t hold against Nikitin’s triplet on the turn, accruing him $44,190. Robert LeBeau, who went all-in with Q-9, faced Cohen’s A-Q, leading to LeBeau’s elimination in fourth place with a payout of $61,864.
The Final Showdown
With only three contenders left, Cohen faced off against Nikitin, who had been building momentum but ultimately fell in third place, leaving with $88,364. Cohen entered heads-up play against Josh Hillock with a significant chip lead. Hillock’s journey ended after he got his last chips in with a 9-2 against Cohen’s J-10. After a board that favored Cohen, Hillock settled for $128,728 as the runner-up.
Cohen’s strategic prowess and favorable card draws led him to a decisive win, ending with a pair of tens to secure his position and the title.
Final Table Results and Player of the Year Points
The intense competition concluded with the following payouts and Player of the Year points awarded at the final table:
| Place | Player | Earnings | POY Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ian Cohen | $183,100 | 912 |
| 2 | Josh Hillock | $128,728 | 760 |
| 3 | Anatoly Nikitin | $88,364 | 608 |
| 4 | Robert LeBeau | $61,864 | 456 |
| 5 | Steven Karp | $44,190 | 380 |
| 6 | Jose Chapui | $32,219 | 304 |
| 7 | Jack Nathan | $23,988 | 228 |
| 8 | James Carroll | $18,246 | 152 |
| 9 | Marcos El-Husick | $14,184 | 76 |
Conclusion
Cohen’s remarkable triumph at the 2024 WSOP Circuit in Pompano Beach solidifies his reputation as a formidable force in the poker world. With his first gold ring and an impressive payday to show for it, Cohen has undoubtedly set the stage for a promising year ahead and a future filled with more poker accolades. As the circuit continues, all eyes will be on Ian Cohen to see how he builds on this incredible success.
Photo credit: WSOP / Hayley Hochstetler.
