A massive turnout leads to a huge pot and Sepiol’s first WSOP bracelet
Daniel Sepiol overcame a colossal chip deficit on his way to winning his first World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet in Event #23: $1,500 Shoot-out No-Limit Hold’em and the $305,849 first-place prize.
The event attracted 1,534 players, generating a $2,047,890 prize pool. Sepiol defeated Robert Natividad in heads-up play, sending the Filipino pro to the rail with a career-best $203,889 payday for second place. “It feels amazing man,” said Sepiol after the win. “I’ve been chasing a bracelet for years now; it feels great.”
Sixteen players remained when play began on Day 3 before Natividad picked up the first two knockouts by eliminating Aaron Pinson (9th for $28,577) and Scott Ball (8th for $36,385). Sean Ragozzini (7th for $46,948) was the next to leave, and Richard Dixon ($61,380) fell in 6th place after he was sent home by Daniel Strelitz.
Strelitz (5th for $81,298) was the next to be eliminated after his pocket jacks failed to hold up against Sepiol’s pocket queens, and Ausmus (4th for $109,071) fell to Sepiol moments later to reduce the field to three.
James Davidson ($148,196) completed his deep run after Natividad ended his tournament in third place.
After holding a massive 17 to 1 chip lead, Natividad was one card from earning his first bracelet before the momentum changed in Sepiol’s favor. On the final hand, Sepiol picked off Natividad’s all-in bluff on the flop, earning him the title and eliminating Natividad in second place.
