New York poker pro Simon Lam has claimed his first major tournament title and a first prize worth $565,055 after taking down the $5,000 buy-in main event at World Poker Tour Gardens in Los Angeles after a three-handed tussle with two formidable opponents – Jake Schindler and Men “The Master” Nguyen.
Nguyen held the lead at the three-handed stage. but the stacks were pretty even and he quickly found himself under pressure from Lam and Schindler as the 4-hand stage developed.
In the end Lam eliminated Nguyen at third for $270,430 to enter the heads up against Schindler with 4 to 1 chip lead.
Although he put up a strong and skilled fight, the deficit and Lam’s determination proved too much for Schindler, who busted out in second place, adding another $366,740 to his impressive almost $20 million in career earnings.
The event pulled in 584 entries, ensuring that 73 players woiuld cash at various pay levels.
Other final table cashes included:
Craig Varnell $201,615
Saya Ono $151,995
Jared Griener $115,885