Kevin Rabichow Triumphs at the 2024 WPT Playground High Roller
The excitement surrounding the World Poker Tour (WPT) Playground escalated significantly in 2024 with the introduction of a thrilling CAD $10,500 High Roller tournament. This prestigious event attracted an impressive turnout, drawing 31 entries and creating a staggering prize pool of CAD $640,000—more than triple the original CAD $200K guarantee. Amidst fierce competition, seasoned poker pro Kevin Rabichow emerged victorious, continuing his remarkable run in the poker circuit.
A Star-Studded Final Table
The final table was heavily dominated by Canadian talent, featuring some of the most recognized names in the poker world. Among these players was Australia’s Cooper Henry Bryant, who, despite his efforts, secured a third-place finish. Bryant was just one position ahead of Chanracy Khun, a player known for his notable victory against poker giant Doug Polk in the 2023 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Event #8: $25,000 Heads-Up No-Limit Hold’em Championship, where he took home $507,020 and a coveted WSOP bracelet.
Moreover, looming large at the table was Pascal Lefrancois, another Canadian powerhouse and former WSOP bracelet winner. Lefrancois has amassed an impressive tournament resume, including a triumph in the 2010 WSOP Event #8: $1,500 NLH for $568,974, as well as accolades from the partypoker LIVE MILLIONS in Barcelona in 2018.
The Final Showdown: Rabichow vs. Lefrancois
Ultimately, the tournament boiled down to a riveting heads-up battle between Rabichow and Lefrancois. Both players demonstrated their exceptional skills; however, it was Rabichow who seized control and ultimately clinched the title. This victory not only marked a significant addition to his illustrious career but also underscored his status as a formidable force in the poker world both live and online.
Rabichow’s stunning win comes on the heels of his notable achievements, including a career-high payout of $1,210,487 for finishing second in the 2021 WSOP Event #87: $100,000 High Roller and a runner-up finish for $518,940 at the 2022 WPT Wynn $25,000 High Roller.
The 2024 WPT Playground High Roller Results
As the dust settled, the final rankings of the 2024 WPT Playground High Roller tournament were as follows:
| Place | Player | Hometown | Prize (CAD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kevin Rabichow | Toronto, Ontario, Canada | $211,120 |
| 2 | Pascal Lefrancois | St. Therese, Quebec, Canada | $154,640 |
| 3 | Cooper Henry Bryant | Sydney, Australia | $84,800 |
| 4 | Chanracy Khun | Blainville, Quebec, Canada | $57,600 |
| 5 | Stephen Nahm | Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada | $44,800 |
| 6 | Tommy Nguyen | Toronto, Ontario, Canada | $35,200 |
| 7 | Dustin Melanson | Toronto, Ontario, Canada | $28,800 |
| 8 | Joshua Andrew Justin | Toronto, Ontario, Canada | $23,040 |
Kevin Rabichow: An Evolving Legacy
With this latest win, Rabichow further solidifies his standing in the world of professional poker. His journey began well before his recent successes, with online poker playing a critical role in shaping his strategy and approach. After relocating to Toronto following the infamous Black Friday in April 2011—which abruptly shut down several online poker sites in the United States—Rabichow has since amassed over $4.15 million in lifetime tournament earnings, according to The Hendon Mob.
Aside from his personal achievements on the felt, Rabichow has also made a name for himself as a poker coach, helping to train and elevate budding players in the industry. His poker training course, "The Game Plan," released on Run It Once in 2022, underscores his commitment to sharing his knowledge and experiences.
Conclusion
Kevin Rabichow’s triumph at the 2024 WPT Playground High Roller is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and skill. As the poker world continues to evolve, so does the landscape of competitive play, and players like Rabichow are at the forefront, inspiring the next generation of professionals. As we look forward to future events, it’s clear that the WPT Playground remains a vital stop on the global poker calendar, drawing in top talent and delivering world-class action that captivates fans and players alike.
Photos courtesy of Playground
Written by: Chad Holloway
PR & Media Manager for PokerNews, Podcast host & 2013 WSOP Bracelet Winner.
