On a vibrant Monday night during the highly anticipated 2024 PokerStars North American Poker Tour (NAPT) Las Vegas, players gathered for Event #6: $360 NLH Unlimited Re-Entry. What began as a casual evening for many turned into an unexpected rollercoaster of thrills for one player in particular: Will “The Thrill” Failla. Failla not only captured the attention of the poker community but also claimed the title, the coveted Spadie trophy, and a prize of $7,130.
An Unintentional Entry
What makes Failla’s victory particularly remarkable is the fact that he hadn’t planned on entering this tournament at all. Instead, he thought he was signing up for a $360 satellite to the much larger $5,300 NAPT Main Event. As it turned out, the stars aligned, and fate had other plans for him.
Failla recounted the moment of confusion that led to his entry: “I bought into the $1,100 event but there were no more rebuys. I didn’t want to wait around for the next flight. I thought there was a satellite to it, and I asked, ‘What’s the next thing going right now? The satellite?’” When he found out he had mistakenly registered for a full-fledged tournament instead, the disbelief took hold. “I said, ‘No f***ing way. Can you pick me up seriously?’ But they couldn’t because I already had chips.”
Failla’s words capture not just the absurdity of the situation, but also the serendipity of it all. “I tried everything I could to go to dinner with my friends before the next flight, but I just couldn’t lose a hand.”
The Road to Victory
Over the course of the event, Failla’s skills and luck came together in perfect harmony. After registering and quickly finding himself at a table full of competent adversaries, he secured a commanding position. As the chips piled up, it became increasingly clear that Failla was not just there by mistake—he was a legitimate contender in this tournament.
Poker is as much about strategy as it is about luck, and Failla demonstrated a keen understanding of the game. His ability to adapt to the situations at the table and leverage his unexpected entry into a winning run showcased why he has been a beloved figure in poker for so long.
While other players fell by the wayside, Failla maintained his lead through a mix of calculated risk-taking and an almost uncanny ability to read his opponents. By the time the final table was set, he emerged as the player to beat.
Event #6 Final Table Results
With the chips on the table and the pressure mounting, the final showdown saw Failla ultimately take first place among a well-matched field. The results were as follows:
| Place | Player | Prize |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Will Failla | $7,130 |
| 2 | Veselin Dimitrov | $4,600 |
| 3 | Faramarz Ghorbani | $3,280 |
| 4 | Matej Gorba | $2,520 |
| 5 | Suhail Khader Khan | $2,020 |
| 6 | Richard Lee | $1,620 |
| 7 | Nick Jivkov | $1,290 |
| 8 | Fabian Hein | $1,030 |
Other players, including Liron Altman, Mahesh Lad, Vanderlai Alvino, Alberto Rodriguez, and Mandy Island, also walked away with cash prizes, adding excitement to the night.
What Lies Ahead
Despite the whirlwind evening, Failla demonstrated a level of resilience and skill that has kept his fans and fellow players alike in awe. As he moves on to participate in the $5,300 NAPT Main Event, where the stakes will be even higher, many will be watching closely to see if the thrill continues.
The poker world thrives on stories like Failla’s, unexpected victories, and unforgettable moments. While this night was one to remember, it also serves as a reminder that in poker, anything can happen at any moment.
Conclusion
Will Failla has proven once more that in the realm of poker, the unexpected can lead to extraordinary outcomes. His accidental triumph in the NAPT Las Vegas Event #6 not only enhanced his reputation as a skilled player but also added a captivating chapter to his storied career. As the tournament progresses, one can only wonder what other surprises await both Failla and his fellow competitors at one of the most prominent poker events in North America.
Will “The Thrill” Failla ships a Spadie!
For live updates on Failla’s journey in the NAPT Main Event, click here.
