Record-breaking participation, a tough lineup, and blistering pace were the highlights of the WSOP Event #42: $800 No-Limit Hold’em Deepstack. Amidst all the action, Qiang Xu, a Chinese national, took home the grand prize, after two days of intense play.
Defying all odds, Qiang Xu claimed his first WSOP bracelet and a substantial cash prize of $339,033. His victory was indeed a realization of his ambition. Xu, with unbridled joy, confessed to reporters, “It’s a dream coming true. My goal coming from China was to win a bracelet, and now, I’ve got it!”
With 3,773 entrants, this year’s event obliterated the previous year’s record of 2,812 runners. This landmark number brought an unprecedented level of competition and excitement to the tables. Notably, 566 participants saw a return on their investment, pocketing a minimum of $1,282.
Final Day
The competition reached a fever pitch on June 19, as 238 of the 566 winners from the previous day returned to the felt. With the pace and eliminations both ramping up, the road to the final table was both swift and ruthless.
Early setbacks saw short stacks Oren Rosen and Dorian Melchers bow out first. A clash of the Johnsons saw Charles Johnson losing his stack to Jason Johnson in a classic showdown – ace-five suited against pocket sevens. This paved the way for Jason Johnson’s brief stint at the top.
As the game progressed, Richard Smith bid adieu next, falling victim to Jason Johnson’s pocket kings while holding queen-nine off. A decisive pot play between Xu and Christian Cheng ended in Cheng’s loss and subsequent exit. Following close on Cheng’s heels was John Ciccarelli, whose commendable third-place finish fetched him $157,776.
The final standoff between Xu and Johnson was swift and decisive taking only a couple of hands. Xu quickly doubled up to seize the lead, turning the tide of the game. The final hand saw Xu and Johnson lock horns in a crucial flip – pocket sixes against ace-king suited. Xu, making a straight with his pocket pair, eliminated Johnson, seizing the win.
Final Table Results
| Result | Player | Country | Prize |
| 1 | Qiang Xu | China | $339,033 |
| 2 | Jason Johnson | United States | $209,547 |
| 3 | John Ciccarelli | United States | $157,776 |
| 4 | Christian Cheng | Taiwan | $119,629 |
| 5 | Richard Smith | United States | $91,347 |
| 6 | Charles Johnson | United States | $70,247 |
| 7 | Dorian Melchers | France | $54,408 |
| 8 | Oren Rosen | Israel | $42,445 |
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