The grinder added $339,770 to his lifetime poker winnings
Dustin Melanson has won the $1,700 No-Limit Hold ’em Main Event at the World Series of Poker Circuit (WSOPC) Playground, beating 1,660 players to take home $339,770 after cutting a heads-up deal with runner-up Sergei Gurin ($285,230). The win more than doubles his career live earnings total and adds a World Series of Poker Circuit Main Event Championship to his resume.
Melanson started Day 3 as the chip leader among 22 players. He would lose the lead several times, but he showed resilience by battling to the showdown with Gurin, who also played well throughout the day and was a strong contender at the final table.
Before heads-up play began, they agreed to an ICM chop and would play for the remaining 10% of the purse and the ring. They were almost even when the cards were dealt, but Melanson would have nearly all the chips within about 90 minutes before he would take the championship and collect his massive $339,770 first-place prize.
“I felt like I was at my best, and I felt like my opponents couldn’t really keep up with my aggression and the pressure I was putting on.”
Melanson was candid when asked about what helped him be successful on the final day. “I think I was very consistent with switching gears at the right time. (A couple of) good spots along the way that helped me. Sure, a nice ace from space on the river during the final table. You know, you need the run good, feel good, and I felt great.”
The top five finishers would all collect six-figure paydays, including Nghi Van Tran (5th for $105,000), George James (4th for $140,000), and Mohammad Feizi (3rd for $181,600).
