On November 6, 2023, poker ace Stephen Song added yet another title to his impressive collection, clinching victory at the $25,000 high roller event of the North American Poker Tour (NAPT) held at Resorts World in Las Vegas. This win not only marked an important milestone in his career but also propelled his total lifetime earnings to an impressive $8.7 million.
A Notable Victory
The victory came with a substantial prize of $439,400, bringing Song’s tournament wins to 14. Just a few months before, in September, he celebrated a significant triumph at the European Poker Tour Barcelona, where he took home $1.4 million. Reflecting on his latest achievement, Song expressed his thrill: “It feels really good to win a tournament. Tough field too, had to battle some of the best players in the country or even the world.”
The Competition
The high roller event attracted a competitive field of 60 entries, creating a total prize pool of $1,440,600. Among the spirited players who reached the final table, all eight were guaranteed a payout. After an intense two days of play, 28 competitors returned for Day 2, with four skilled players making it to the final day. Unfortunately for others, notable players such as Elias Gutierrez, Thomas Eychenne, Brock Wilson, and Paul Jager exited before reaching the top spots, finishing in fifth through eighth places respectively.
The Final Battle
Entering the final day of the tournament, Song held a substantial chip lead. His dominance was evident as he eliminated three-time WSOP bracelet winner Jim Collopy in fourth place and then dispatched Edward Sebesta in third place, setting the stage for a heads-up showdown against Sean Winter, a formidable opponent.
At the beginning of the heads-up play, Song boasted a chip advantage of over 2:1. However, Winter proved to be a tough adversary, skillfully pushing back as the two exchanged blows in a gripping contest.
Climactic Moments
The decisive hand of the match came when Winter, playing aggressively, limped on the button before Song checked from the big blind. The flop revealed 10♦ J♣ 6♠, and after a bet from Winter, Song check-raised, leading to a call from Winter. The turn presented a 9♦, prompting both players to check. On the river, with the K♠ emerging, Song faced a crucial decision: to call a bet from Winter after considering the situation. Ultimately, Song’s K-8 bested Winter’s J-5, solidifying his lead and ultimately sealing his victory.
Winter’s strong performance earned him $288,100, growing his overall career earnings to an astonishing $32.7 million.
Final Standings
As the dust settled, the final table results illustrated the fierce competition:
| Place | Player | Payout | POY Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stephen Song | $439,400 | 504 |
| 2 | Sean Winter | $288,100 | 420 |
| 3 | Edward Sebesta | $208,900 | 336 |
| 4 | Jim Collopy | $158,500 | 252 |
| 5 | Elias Gutierrez | $122,500 | 210 |
| 6 | Thomas Eychenne | $93,600 | 168 |
| 7 | Brock Wilson | $72,000 | 126 |
| 8 | Paul Jager | $57,600 | 84 |
Looking Ahead
The North American Poker Tour Las Vegas stop features various tournaments running from November 1-10 on the iconic Las Vegas Strip. Poker enthusiasts can look forward to more thrilling action as Card Player will continue to provide recaps of the biggest events throughout the series.
In a landscape filled with ever-competitive players, Stephen Song’s recent victory serves as a reminder of the immense skill and determination that define the world of professional poker. With each title, he not only adds to his earnings but also cements his legacy as one of the sport’s best.
