Nathanael Kogel has taken down the 2019 WSOP Circuit Choctaw Durant $1,700 buy-in Main Event. The 30-year-old pro bested a field of 983 entries to win his third WSOPC gold ring and $256,915 in top prize. This was Kogel’s first six-figure score, and it took his live earnings to $598,843.
The final day began with 17 players remaining in contention. Kogel held the chip lead when play resumed, while 2019 WSOPC Choctaw January champion Dave Alfa held second largest stack. The WSOP bracelet winner and two-time World Poker Tour champion Kevin Eyster was not far behind though, he ultimately finished 12th for $20,749, but Kogel and Alfa, along with six-time WSOPC ring winner Maxwell Young and Lily Kiletto all made it to the final nine, with Kogel eventually winning it.
Kiletto’s deep run came to an end when her Qd Jh failed to beat Kogel’s As 5d. Kogel’s ace high was enough to score the elimination, sending Kiletto to the rail in seventh place ($41,363).
Dave Alfa fell just short of taking down his second WSOPC Choctaw main event of the year. He finished 5th when his pocket fours ran into pocket sixes of Jesus Martinez. Neither player improved and Alfa had to settle for $68,829. Kogel extended his lead further by winning a hand with pocket threes against As 7h of Andrew Barfield. Threes held up and Barfield exited in 4th place ($90,085).
Six-time ring winner – Maxwell Young was also looking for his second WSOPC Choctaw main event title. However, his run ended in 3rd place. He shoved with pocket fives and was called by Kogel who held pocket sixes. With nothing on the board for Young, he was eliminated in third place ($119,038).
After busting Young in third place, Kogel took a 3.5:1 chip lead into heads-up against Jesus Martinez. It did not take long for Kogel to win the title. In the final hand, Martinez picked up As 5s and moved all-in. Kogel who had Qs Qc made a quick call. The board ran Qh 10c 5c Js Jh, giving Kogel a full house to win the pot and the title. Martinez earned $158,793 for his runner-up finish.
Final Table Results
1 Nathanael Kogel – $256,915
2 Jesus Martinez – $158,793
3 Maxwell Young – $119,038
4 Andrew Barfield – $90,085
5 Dave Alfa – $68,829
6 Marquis Mccain – $53,097
7 Lily Kiletto – $41,363
8 Mason Vieth – $32,540
9 Timothy Burden – $25,854