The last players remaining agreed to chop the pot, the same way the event ended last year
The $600 Hendon Mob Mid-Major Championship at California’s Thunder Valley Casino and Resort concluded in a dramatic fashion reminiscent of last year, with the final eight contenders opting for a true Independent Chip Model (ICM) chop. The tournament, which began on a seemingly sluggish note, soon escalated into an intense battle of wits and strategy.
Elias Travis, a player who dominated the day with a remarkable 16 eliminations, humorously lamented the absence of a bounty on his head, given his streak of knockouts. His performance was a significant catalyst in the day’s proceedings, which saw a slow start transform into a thrilling spectacle.
As the tournament progressed to Level 22, the atmosphere tensed with the fall of many seasoned players. Notable exits included poker luminary Jeff Platt, The Hendon Mob’s own Anthony Charter, and the defending champion of WPT Rolling Thunder, Casey Sandretto. Their departures marked a pivotal shift in the game’s dynamics, leading to an even more competitive environment.
The intensity of the competition was palpable, and after five grueling hours, the final three tables were set. The players, returning from a well-deserved dinner break, soon found themselves at the final two tables, setting the stage for the ultimate showdown.
The decisive moment came just over an hour later when Rommel Santos’ luck ran out against Travis. Santos’ turned flush was overpowered by Travis’ pocket kings, eliminating him in tenth place and consolidating the final table.
The dynamics at the final table were fluid, with chips exchanging hands rapidly until James Allen Turner’s departure. Turner, fresh off a double-up from Francis Nguyen, went all-in with an open-ended straight draw against Travis’ queen-high flush draw. In a twist of fate, the board offered no help to either, but Travis’ queen-high was sufficient to claim the pot and Turner’s seat at the table.
Following a scheduled break, the players returned to deliberate over the ICM figures, eventually reaching a unanimous agreement on the payouts. Travis emerged as the undisputed victor, claiming nearly half of the chips in play and the top prize of $79,024. Ratu Caucau followed in second place, securing a payout of $59,540.
This year’s Hendon Mob Mid-Major Championship was a testament to the unpredictable nature of poker, where strategy, skill, and a touch of fortune intertwine to create unforgettable moments and crown deserving champions.
Emma Rodriguez is the Proofreader at the Big Blind, with seven years of experience and five years in online gambling. She plays a crucial role in maintaining content quality by ensuring error-free, reader-friendly information about the gambling industry.
