The $3M GTD event was a huge draw, pushing the prize pool to $3.92 million
The WPT Seminole Rock ‘N’ Roll Poker Open Main Event once again delivered a massive turnout, pushing the prize pool far beyond its $3 million guarantee. The $3,500 championship drew 1,224 entries, creating nearly $3.92 million in payouts and cementing the event as one of the strongest stops on the World Poker Tour calendar.
Kevin Nee emerged as the newest name etched on the Mike Sexton WPT Champions Cup after navigating the deep field and earning $605,100. The victory marks his first major title and includes a seat at the WPT World Championship in Las Vegas. Before this win, Nee’s best result was just over $15,000, making the breakthrough especially significant for the Pennsylvania grinder.
A long list of well-known pros made deep runs, helping fuel the momentum of the Main Event. Players such as Nenad Medic, Shannon Shorr, Stoyan Madanzhiev, and Natasha Mercier all reached the top 20, showcasing the tough competition Nee had to overcome. The event paid out 153 spots, rewarding a wide range of players.
The final table featured dramatic swings, with Joel Gola entering as the chip leader and scoring the first knockout. However, big hands and key confrontations shifted control multiple times. Nee’s pivotal moment came during three-handed play when he correctly picked off a large bluff from Gola, giving him the chip lead.
From there, Nee closed out the tournament with speed. He eliminated Aram Zobian in third place after completing a flush, setting up a heads-up match with Gola. On the first hand of the duel, Nee flopped the nuts with ace-two of spades and sealed the win.
With this performance, Nee not only takes home life-changing money, but also steps firmly into the spotlight as a new WPT champion.
