Yunkyu Song Triumphs at WPT Prime Playground Championship in Montreal
The poker world was abuzz on Friday night as the World Poker Tour (WPT) crowned a new champion at the CAD $1,100 WPT Prime Playground Championship held in Montreal. With an impressive turnout of 1,587 participants over four starting flights, the tournament culminated in a thrilling finale where Yunkyu Song emerged victorious, claiming a first-place prize of CAD $241,620 (approximately USD $164,251) and securing a coveted seat in the upcoming WPT World Championship at Wynn Las Vegas.
A Tournament to Remember
The WPT Prime Playground Championship attracted a diverse field of contestants throughout its duration, making for an unforgettable competition. After an action-packed Day 2, just 16 players returned for what would be the final showdown, with each already guaranteed a minimum payout of CAD $12,700 (around USD $9,178). Notably, Hayk Hartounian and Kevin Rivest led the chip counts, setting the stage for an exciting afternoon of poker.
The tournament’s structure allowed players to compete in a high-stakes setting, providing not only financial rewards but also prestige within the poker community. The atmosphere was electric as fans and competitors alike awaited the action to unfold.
Dramatic Eliminations and a Final Table Setup
As the final day commenced, it didn’t take long for the first elimination to occur. Rishi Makkar found himself in a precarious situation when his pocket aces were unexpectedly outplayed by Hartounian’s queen-ten, which flopped top pair and eventually turned into two pair. The unexpected start foreshadowed the intensity of the sessions to come.
As the bar rapidly dropped toward the final table, prominent players like Baron Ha, Michael Farrow, and Scott Carragher faced early exits, each factor contributing to the rising tension. By the time the final table was reached, talented poker players had been whittled down, showcasing the high level of skill required at such competitive events.
Once the final table action began, it was breathtaking to witness the shifts in fortunes. An early critical hand saw Matwej Troitschanski eliminated when attempting a risky play against Senthuran Vijayaratnam, who held a set of tens.
The Final Battle: A Show of Skill and Nerve
The final table featured a series of nail-biting confrontations as the remaining players put their skills to the test. David Quang was eliminated when he lost a race against Alexander Wong, and the previously leading Hartounian slipped away to a seventh-place finish.
Over the course of the final table, eliminations came quickly, with Wong and Zeyu Huang both exiting the contest, setting the stage for a heads-up duel between Song and Rivest. The tension was palpable as Song faced Rivest, who had fought valiantly to reach this stage.
In a decisive moment during the heads-up play, Song’s ace-jack outdrew Rivest’s ace-queen, sealing his triumph. The pot not only brought him the championship title but also the juicy reward that came along with it.
Honoring the Final Table Performers
Here’s a summary of the final table results and the prizes awarded:
| Place | Player | Prize (CAD) | Prize (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yunkyu Song | $241,620 | $164,251 |
| 2 | Kevin Rivest | $152,000 | $109,852 |
| 3 | Alexander Wong | $113,000 | $81,666 |
| 4 | Zeyu Huang | $85,000 | $61,430 |
| 5 | Senthuran Vijayaratnam | $64,000 | $46,253 |
| 6 | Rene Gauvin | $49,000 | $35,413 |
| 7 | Hayk Hartounian | $37,500 | $27,108 |
| 8 | David Quang | $29,000 | $20,958 |
| 9 | Matwej Troitschanski | $22,900 | $16,550 |
Looking Ahead: The WPT World Championship
With the trophy now in hand and the sizable prize money secured, Yunkyu Song has cemented his name in poker history, earning the admiration and respect of peers within the community. As the 2023 WPT World Championship in Las Vegas approaches, anticipation builds not only for Song’s appearance but for the remarkable talent that these competitions continue to foster.
The WPT Playground Championship stands as a testament to the growing popularity of poker, showcasing not only the skill involved but also the sense of community that surrounds the game. PokerNews will be on-site for the event, offering daily updates and exclusive content, ensuring players and fans are integrated into the dynamic atmosphere.
As we celebrate Song’s victory, the outlook for future tournaments remains bright, filled with potential stories of triumph, competition, and the everlasting allure of the game itself.
Photos courtesy World Poker Tour (WPT) / Alicia Skillman
