Elik Vodovoz has taken down the 2019 World Series of Poker Circuit (WSOPC) Hammond $1,700 buy-in Main Event. The 72-year-old poker player is originally from Ukraine but currently lives in Naperville, Illinois. This win is really a big achievement for the retired dentist who won his way into this event via a $220 satellite, and then went on to outlast a huge 1,050 entry-field to win his first WSOPC gold ring and $294,290 in top prize, along with a free seat into the 2019 Global Casino Championship at Harrah’s Cherokee. His largest previous cash was $13,088, which he got in 2016.
Post his biggest WSOPC victory, Vodovoz expressed his feelings saying, “Frankly, I really like playing poker.I just have fun playing. My son is also playing and he told me ‘you’re playing well. Take your time and in the future, you will win something.’Well the future came early.”
Vodovoz entered the third and final day fourth in chips with 17 players remaining. He sent Evan Scherer (9th for $29,015) to the rail to take the early chip lead at the final table. Later, he picked up Kd Kc and won a 3-way all against Qs Qc of Brek Schutten and Ac Ks of Adam Greenberg, who went out in sixth place for $59,462. Vodovoz continued his elimination spree and then knocked out Peter Kelly in fourth place ($101,649) and Brek Schutten in third place ($135,214).
Vodovoz took around a 2-to-1 lead into heads-up against Derek Hanauer. He further extended the lead to a 6-to-1 advantage by the time the final hand arrived. Vodovoz raised to 340,000 with 9h 9c and Hanauer three-bet to 1,100,000 with 10d 10c. Vodovoz shoved all-in and Hanauer mad a snap call.The board opened Ah Qh 4h 7d 9d and Vodovoz rivered a set to win the pot as well as the title.
Some notables to finish deep were Mark Owens (12th – $23,384), Hamid Izadi (13th – $19,057), 11-time WSOPC ring winner Josh Reichard (15th – $19,057) and Maurice Hawkins (21st – $13,076).
Final Table Payouts (USD):
- Elik Vodovoz – $294,290
- Derek Hanauer – $181,950
- Brekstyn Schutten – $135,214
- Peter Kelly – $101,649
- Amelito Umbao – $77,295
- Adam Greenberg – $59,462
- John Lizzio – $46,275
- Scotty Mio – $36,428
- Evan Scherer – $29,015
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