Zaki took down the third event and now has almost $5.9 million in live cashes
Florida poker player Justin Zaki claimed his first Poker Masters title in event No. 3 of the 2024 tournament series. The $10,100 buy-in No-Limit Hold ’em event saw Zaki outperform a field of 94 entries to secure a $244,400 prize. This victory marked Zaki’s second significant win this year, adding to his success at the PokerGO Cup, where he won a $10,500 buy-in event. With this latest triumph, his total career earnings now approach $5.9 million.
Zaki’s performance also earned him 540 Card Player Player of the Year points, climbing the ranks in the 2024 standings. This was his seventh final-table finish of the year and his second title, propelling him to 147th in the overall POY rankings. Additionally, the win garnered him 244 PokerGO Tour points, helping him break into the top 50 of the high-stakes leaderboard.
Entering the final day with the chip lead, Zaki managed to hold off a competitive group of players. Notable names like David Coleman, Kristen Foxen, Aram Zobian, and Daniel Negreanu all cashed out but were eliminated before the final day. Ren Lin, who finished in seventh place, was the first to be knocked out, collecting $37,600 in winnings. Jim Collopy followed, ending his run in sixth place with $47,000.
PokerGO founder Cary Katz, who boasts nearly $40.4 million in lifetime earnings, was eliminated in fifth place, earning $65,800. Victoria Livschitz exited in fourth place, taking home $84,600. Michael Brinkenhoff, a Ventura-based doctor, finished in third place, collecting $112,800.
Zaki ultimately faced Jeremy Ausmus in heads-up play, holding a significant chip advantage. Despite a few double-ups from Ausmus, Zaki managed to secure the win after making a set of fours. Ausmus finished as runner-up, earning $155,100 for his efforts.
