The $1,000 buy-in Hyper Hold'em event, a brand new tourney to the World Series, attracted 1,436 players to the Rio Las Vegas. Due to the 20-minute blind levels, it only took a day of play to reach the final table.
The nine-handed final table, which was played on Monday, was over in an instant (less than two hours). "the quickest finish for a nine-handed final table in recent memory," a reporter wrote on WSOP's website.
John Reading received $252,068 and his first gold bracelet for the speedy victory. Reading is a 26-year-old poker pro from St. Paul, Minnesoto who has played poker full-time for several years. He has cashed six-figures in the past, but nothing compare to the feeling of winning a gold bracelet at the WSOP.
"This is the biggest stage in the world for anyone who plays for a living," Reading said afterward, still out of breath from the victory. "We all play to get here to compete for a gold bracelet."
OTHER NOTABLE IN-THE MONEY FINISHERS:
Two-time winner Jason Mercier cashed for the 42nd time at the WSOP.
Two-time winner and 2012 world champion Greg Merson cashed for 13th time and second time this year at the WSOP.
Hollywood movie and television actor James Woods cashed for the second time this year, after finishing seventh in Event #4.
FUN FACTS:
Although similar "Turbo"-style events have been held in the past, this was the first "Hyper Hold'em" event at the WSOP.
Clocking in at less than two hours of actual playing time, the final table is believed to be one of the quickest finales in the WSOP modern era.
source: WSOP.com
