The $1,100 buy-in event saw a prize pool that swelled to over $400,000
After a hard-fought Main Event at Harrah’s Casino in Kansas City, MO, Bill Byrnes claimed his first RunGood Poker Series (RGPS) ring. The $1,100 buy-in event drew in a competitive field of 415 entrants over three initial flights, generating a sizable prize pool of $402,550. Byrnes triumphed in a great showdown, ultimately taking home the top prize of $81,109 after defeating Rohan Aggarwal heads-up.
Byrnes, from Wentzville, Missouri, began Day 2 with a relatively short stack of 217,000 chips. However, he quickly gained ground, playing strategically to stay in the game. The tournament progressed, and he hovered around the million-chip mark, a solid position that kept him in contention through multiple pay jumps. By the time the final table was set, Byrnes remained cautious but confident, choosing his spots wisely to ladder up.
Once four players were left, Byrnes found himself as the shortest stack and opted for a more aggressive approach. He pushed all-in several times, successfully building his stack. His strategy paid off when he doubled up with pocket queens, giving him the edge to continue his march toward the title.
At the heads-up stage, Byrnes initially faced a deficit as Aggarwal held a significant lead. But Byrnes managed to turn the tide, securing a vital pot after hitting an ace on the river. This momentum shift allowed Byrnes to gain a slight chip advantage and begin wearing down his opponent. In the tournament’s final hand, Byrnes’ two-pair held up against Aggarwal’s open-ended straight draw, sealing his victory.
Reflecting on his win, Byrnes shared his excitement, especially since his wife was there to watch his journey through Day 2. Looking ahead, he expressed plans to play in upcoming events in Las Vegas and hinted at attending other RGPS stops.
Byrnes’ success in Kansas City adds another highlight to his poker career, bringing him close to the $1 million mark in lifetime earnings. His first RGPS ring win has undoubtedly marked a memorable moment in the RGPS circuit, showcasing both his skill and persistence.
