507 players signed up for the $2,500 mixed hold'em (event 44) at the 2010 WSOP. After 3 long, but interesting, days of poker there were only 9 players left and time for the final table to be played. Danny Hannawa started the final table as the chip leader with Gavin Smith not far behind. Gavin quickly overtook the chip lead and then knocked out Danny in heads-up. For the win he got his very first WSOP bracelet and the first place prize of $268,238.
Gavin Smith, 41, has won over $5 million dollars during his 16 year poker career, including 4 WPT final tables and a win at 2005 Mirage Poker Showdown. In the past few years, Gavin has been very anonymous when it comes to WSOP results - until now. After reading an interview with him after his long-awaited win, one quickly understands how hard he has been working on his game before the 2010 WSOP. I don't think Event 44 could have gotten a better (and happier) winner than Gavin Smith.