Ryan Riess Redeems His 2013 WSOP Main Event Victory By Taking Down WPT SHRP Finale For $716,088

Winning the World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event is the ultimate dream come true for any poker player, but it can also be an albatross as experienced by Ryan Riess (cover image). The US pro won that accolade in 2013, but failed to deliver post-the win, drawing the dreaded ‘fluke’ tag.

Well, Riess finally got rid of the albatross by shipping the World Poker Tour (WPT) $10,000 Seminole Hard Rock Poker (SHRP) Finale for $716,088. This is the largest cash for Riess after the $8.3 million he made at the 2013 WSOP Main Event.

A field of 349 hopefuls had signed on for the WPT SHRP Finale leading to a $3,315,500 prize pool that was shared by the top 44 finishers. Those who cashed before the final table included Anthony Spinella, Dietrich Fast, Tony Dunst, and Sam Panzica.

Once again an Indian-origin player, Texas-based Kunal Patel made a deep finish. Patel just missed the final table exiting at 13th place for $50,168.

Final Table Recap

Alan Sternberg had the chip lead moving into the final table, with Riess just behind. Action began just 18 hands into the final table, as Sternberg with pocket kings busted November niner Cliff Josephy who had ace-jack at sixth place.

Riess emerged to bust Tim West at fourth place, after Jason Koon exited at fifth. The hand saw West with king-jack. The board gave him a two pair, but at the same time improved Riess’ ace-ten into a straight.

Next, Riess ousted Terry Schumacher with pocket nines overpowering the latter’s jack-seven.

Heads up was a swingy affair and lasted 117 hands, until the final hand arrived with Riess having against Sternberg’s . The board with gave Riess a full house to claim the title, as well as a $15,000 worth seat to the Monster WPT Tournament of Champions that begins today.

Final Table Results

1. Ryan Riess – $716,088

2. Alan Sternberg – $491,081

3. Terry Schumacher – $315,726

4. Tim West – $204,466

5. Jason Koon – $157,599

6. Cliff Josephy – $130,370