The Majestic Casino in Panama City hosted the inaugural $1 million guaranteed Latin Series of Poker Millions this weekend, with 1,290 entrants paying a buy-in of $850 to participate, topping the guarantee by almost $100,000 and setting aside $175,000 for the ultimate winner.
Following three starter days and another five of intense action, the final table formed, comprising American professional player Carter Gill, Alon Raz, Maziar Keshavarzi, Leonardo Tarazona, Jose “Nacho” Barbero, Francis Cruz, Adam Reynolds, Oscar Ortiz and Guillermo Echevvaria.
Gill was playing his fifth straight Latin American final table, having previously made the grade in Uruguay, Colombia (twice) and an LAPT appearance in Panama.
Once again he proved to be a formidable opponent, powering his way through the field with good cards and plenty of experience, along with a final table that included Team PokerStars pro Jose “Nacho” Barbero and online pros Guillermo Echevvaria and Francis Cruz.
When Maziar Keshavarzi headed for the exit after being eliminated at third for $75,675, Gill faced Israeli pro Alon Raz in the heads up, with the American holding a substantial chip lead.
It turned out to be a very brief affair as Raz moved all-in and Gill swiftly eliminated him with a good hand.
The final table pay-outs looked like this:
1 Carter Gill $175,070
2 Alon Raz $100,600
3 Maziar Keshavarzi $75,675
4 Leonardo Tarazona $57,250
5 Jose “Nacho” Barbero $43,625
6 Francis Cruz $33,950
7 Adam Reynolds $26,190
8 Oscar Ortiz $20,370
9 Guillermo Echevvaria $16,490