The 2024 PokerStars North American Poker Tour (NAPT) in Las Vegas is lighting up the gaming scene, drawing attention not just to the main event featuring Gold Pass winners, but also to a plethora of side events showcasing an array of talented players and thrilling moments. With numerous tournaments to consider, we dive into the most significant outcomes and highlights from this exhilarating poker festival at Resorts World Las Vegas.
Recognizing the Champions: Richard Bai and Ryan Hughes
Two remarkable players recently etched their names into the NAPT annals with impressive performances.
Richard Bai Runs Good in Event #3: $1,100 RunGood Open
On a bustling Tuesday night, the $1,100 RunGood Open concluded, successfully attracting 480 players and creating a hefty $460,800 prize pool, well over its $400,000 guarantee. The tournament’s excitement was palpable as it invited a diverse crowd of poker enthusiasts, culminating in some noteworthy cash finishes.
Among the prominent players cashing in were notable names like Chad Hicks who secured 9th place for $8,520, Andrew Rodgers and Joe Serock finishing in 14th and 15th place, respectively, each pocketing $5,140. However, the crown was claimed by the illustrious Richard Bai, who outmaneuvered the competition to take home $68,530, pushing his lifetime earnings to an impressive total of $1,711,546. Bai’s victory marks another achievement in his expansive poker career, which includes notable wins such as the 2017 MSPT Potawatomi and multiple World Series of Poker (WSOP) Circuit titles.
NAPT RunGood Open Final Table Results
| Place | Player | Prize |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Richard Bai | $68,530* |
| 2 | Camilo Bencosme | $65,757* |
| 3 | Kyle Watanabe | $52,593 |
| 4 | Fabian Gumz | $31,260 |
| 5 | Ben Ludlow | $23,960 |
| 6 | Paul Lampl | $18,500 |
| 7 | Victor Holanda | $14,320 |
| 8 | Yi Lin | $10,940 |
*Denotes heads-up deal.
Ryan Hughes Triumphs in Event #4: $1,100 PLO
Later that same evening, another thrilling tournament—the $1,100 Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO)—took the stage. The event saw 102 entries and accumulated a $97,920 prize pool. As it reached its final stages, the competition became even fiercer as it whittled down to the last few players.
Among those vying for the title were individuals who exhibited extraordinary skill, including Gary Bolden, who finished third with $12,030. In the heads-up battle, seasoned poker pro Ryan Hughes faced off against Justin “Lappy Poker” Lapka, emerging victorious and securing the trophy along with $26,120 in prize money.
Event #4 Final Table Results
| Place | Player | Prize |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ryan Hughes | $26,120 |
| 2 | Justin Lapka | $16,850 |
| 3 | Gary Bolden | $12,030 |
| 4 | Anthony Hu | $9,260 |
| 5 | Ethan Bennett | $7,400 |
| 6 | Erik Perez | $5,920 |
| 7 | Adam Walton | $4,740 |
| 8 | Kyle Knecht | $3,790 |
| 9 | Sven Rahmsdorf | $3,030 |
A Look at the Side Event Winners
The NAPT’s exciting slate of side events continues to deliver unexpected twists and celebrated triumphs. Notable event winners include Will Failla, who secured a win in a $360 NLH Unlimited Re-Entry event, and Martin Abraham, who conquered an event with a total prize pool of $30,300.
Summary of Side Event Outcomes Thus Far:
| Date | Tournament | Total Entries | Prize Pool | Winner | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11/4/2024 | Event #1: $550 Mystery Bounty | 1,201 | $576,480 | Gregor Sverko | $46,800 + $19,500 in bounties |
| 11/5/2024 | Event #3: $1,100 RunGood Open NLH | 480 | $460,800 | Richard Bai | $68,530 |
| 11/5/2024 | Event #4: $1,100 PLO | 102 | $97,920 | Ryan Hughes | $26,120 |
| 11/4/2024 | Event #6: $360 NLH Unlimited Re-Entry | 89 | $26,700 | Will Failla | $7,130 |
| 11/5/2024 | Event #13: $360 NLH Unlimited Re-Entry | 101 | $30,300 | Martin Abraham | $6,650 |
| 11/5/2024 | Event #14: $5,300 PLO Unlimited Re-Entry | 16 | $77,600 | Wagner Wysotchanski | $38,800 |
Stay Tuned for More NAPT Action
As the 2024 NAPT progresses, excitement continues to build with more events, unexpected champions, and thrilling gameplay. The collective pursuit of glory enhances this vibrant atmosphere, and fans can look forward to witnessing more spectacular wins. Stay updated on all the latest developments by following the action on PokerNews.
Images courtesy of PokerStars
Written by Chad Holloway, PR & Media Manager for PokerNews, Podcast host & 2013 WSOP Bracelet Winner.
