Andrian now has wins at events in the WSOP, WPT and the Merit Poker Western Series
Before the start of November 2021, Simone Andrian had only one live tournament cash to his name. He’s turned things around since then, winning a WSOP bracelet, a WPT tournament and a UK and Ireland Poker Tour (UKIPT) title. He also ran deep in the WPT World Championship in Las Vegas in December, taking 29th place in that enormous field and $129,000 in prize money. Andrian has continued his hot streak, defeating Abdullah Alajmi of Kuwait heads-up to win the Merit Poker Western Series $2,200 Warm-Up title.
The two would end Days 2 and 3 as the top chip leaders and were the last two remaining on the final day. Andrian would come out ahead to add a Merit Poker tournament win and the $165,000 top prize to his total.
The victory puts him over $1,000,000 in live tournament winnings. Andrian attributes his success during this run to his dedicated game study. “I’m working constantly. Right now, I’m playing less online, but I’m still studying and all that stuff. I love to study the theory of the game,” he said after the win.
Andrian was reduced to six big blinds at one point at the final table. However, he made his way back to the top while winning several all-ins, which made his victory even more impressive.
The last two players exchanged the lead several times until a pivotal hand put Andrian in front for good. His two kings would allow him to double up and take a commanding chip lead, leaving Alajmi with just 725,000. He would be eliminated on the following hand after his Ace-Deuce failed to hold up against his opponent’s Ace-Jack. Alajmi would take home $121,500 as runner-up.
