Seattle online entrepreneur Andrew Rennhack – he runs an ATM business – will be able to pay off a new condo he bought recently with the $504,239 first prize he won in event 26 at the World Series of Poker this week.
The 28-year-old bested a field of 1,593 other players who anted up $1,500 apiece to compete in the NLHE event at the Rio in Las Vegas to emerge with the biggest win of his career and his first WSOP bracelet.
After three tough days of competitive poker Rennhack had a 2 to 1 chip advantage over his last opponent Michael Katz in the heads up, which turned out to be an exciting 41 hand clash between two determined and skilful players.
Katz came back strongly to seize the lead from Rennhack, who responded with equal aggression to take it back and ultimately turn it into victory and the lion’s share of the $2,151,900 prize pool.
Katz collected a well-earned runner-up $252,826 check for his time and effort, whilst other final tablers cashed as follows:
Tony Gargano – $166,384
Ryan Welch – $119,946
Reed Goodmiller – $87,797
Heinz Kamutzki – $65,202
Geremy Eiland – $49,106
Eric Rappaport – $37,486
Dan Smith – $28,986