A relatively unknown Hong Kong poker player, Ka Him Li (21), claimed victory after a two-way chop in the main event at the inaugural 888poker “Make It Big” live poker festival at the Aspers Casino in London over the weekend, earning the top prize of GBP 45,300.
The event attracted 288 entries that included professionals like Antonio Esfandiari, Natalie Hof, Chris Moorman, Sofia Lövgren, Dominik Nitsche, Kara Scott, Michael Mizrachi, Melanie Weisner and former WSOP champ Martin Jacobson, all intent on winning the biggest chunk of a GBP 229,000 prize pool.
However, the heads up proved to be Li holding a chip lead of 4 to 1 against Shah Raza, and advantage that was quickly eroded when Raza won a couple of very big hands, and the finalists put their heads together to negotiate a chop.
It was agreed that GBP 45,000 agreed would go to Li and GBP 40,000 for his opponent, with a mere GBP 300 left on the table for the winner, and the action resumed..
Another 45 minutes of aggressive, interesting poker elapsed before Li managed to send his dangerous rival to the exit.
Other final table cashes included:
Philippe Souki GBP 22,740
Sam Grafton GBP 16,830
Cristian Mihu GBP 12.640
Charles Chattha GBP 10,100
Mikhail Pokrepa GBP 8,410
José Lopez GBP 6,720
Enzo del Piero GBP 5,040