Nothing about the PokerStars Championship Bahamas was small, and the $25,750 High Roller was no exception. Over 150 entrants competed for the top prize over three days, but it was Luc Greenwood who managed to top noteable players Daniel Negreanu and Bryn Kenney to win the $779,268 first-place prize. A deal left runner-up Nick Petrangelo with a massive prize too, but only Greenwood can claim to be the first-ever winner of the PokerStars Championship High Roller.
Nine players returned for Day three and the final table, and the first elimination was swift. Kenney was sent home up front by Petrangelo’s K,Q, but he definitely wasn’t hurting too much. The American had a great week in the Caribbean, placing in the $100,000 Super High Roller and $2,000 Hyper Turbo Win the Button, in addition to winning the $50,000 High Roller and $25,000 Shot Clock High Roller.
Petrangelo got in another elimination with Mark Radoja, who hit the rail in eighth, and Stephen Chidwick fell in seventh place to Michael Rocco for just over $150,000.
Next to go was Argentinian Nacho Barbero, also at the hands of Petrangelo, who then eliminated Negreanu – arguably the most famous PokerStars pro in the game. Negreanu’s elimination came after he shoved all in on an A,J, barely bested by his opponent’s A,Q.
The four players discussed, then dismissed, a deal idea, and Byron Kaverman shoved all in soon after. His pocket nines didn’t carry him as far as he hoped and Greenwood got in his first elimination of the day when his eights made a set on the river. Heads-up play began when Rocco got in with a pair, but Petrangelo sagged the flush.
The final two agreed on a deal that left $30,000 and the championship title up for grabs and it was just a few hands before the standoff was over.
On the turn, Petrangelo shoved with pocket jacks and Greenwood called with kings. The board was blank and the Canadian snagged the title.
Final table results:
Luc Greenwood – $779,268
Nick Petrangelo – $740,032
Michael Rocco – $409,020
Byron Kaverman – $335,020
Daniel Negreanu – $268,780
Nacho Barbero – $208,400
Stephen Chidwick – $154,260
Mark Radoja – $113,360
Bryn Kenney – $90,380
Greenwood was a relatively unknown entity before this win, with less than $100,000 in live earnings. He has never been far from success, however, both his brothers (Sam and Max) are poker millionaires.
Featured photo credit: Carlos Monti
