The New Jersey player’s impromptu trip to Canada paid off in a big way
Michael Wang has added a major milestone to his impressive poker career by claiming his first World Poker Tour (WPT) title. The New Jersey native won the 2024 WPT Playground Championship, held at Playground Poker Club in Canada, after besting a field of 840 players in the $3,500 CAD (US$2,520) buy-in No-Limit Hold ’em main event. Wang earned $276,634 for the victory, a significant addition to his growing list of achievements.
Reflecting on his win, Wang shared his excitement, explaining that the moment still felt “a little surreal.” After years of attending WPT events and never reaching a final table, this triumph held special meaning.
Wang’s past victories include a $10,300 buy-in event at the Wynn Millions in 2023, where he took home $308,016, and two World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelets, one in 2022 and the first in 2015. With nearly $7 million in lifetime tournament earnings, Wang’s poker career has been both consistent and successful.
The WPT Playground Championship saw a strong turnout that pushed the total prize pool to over CAD 2.6 million (US$1.87 million), well above the CAD1.5 million (US$1.08 million) guarantee. Notable players ran deep, including poker veterans like Darren Elias and Tommy Nguyen, but it was Wang who stayed ahead to secure the top prize. He faced various challenges along the way, including a lengthy five-handed battle before eventually narrowing down to heads-up play against Santiago Plante. After some intense hands and a redistribution of prize money, Wang came out on top.
This win not only gives Wang his first WPT title but also boosts his standing in the Card Player Player of the Year race. With this championship, Wang has firmly established himself among the elite players on the poker circuit, with his latest success marking another high point in an already remarkable career.
