Zak VanKeuren emerged as the champ, pocketing the $1.1M top prize
The World Poker Tour (WPT) Prime Championship at Wynn Las Vegas concluded with Zak VanKeuren claiming the title and a $1,162,350 payday. The $1,100 buy-in event drew 9,670 entries, creating a competitive field and a dynamic final table.
Nine players returned on the last day to compete for the championship. VanKeuren faced tough competition, but his skill and momentum carried him through pivotal moments.
Early on, he climbed the leaderboard by eliminating multiple opponents, including Colin Hong with quad eights and Ryan Stiner with a dominant ace-queen hand. These early knockouts solidified VanKeuren’s position as a formidable force at the table.
The final moments of the tournament saw VanKeuren head-to-head with Jim Casement. Despite a brief setback when Casement doubled up, VanKeuren maintained control with a substantial chip lead.
The decisive hand occurred late in the evening when Casement moved all-in with king-jack, only to be called by VanKeuren’s ace-king. The board ran clean for VanKeuren, securing his victory and leaving Casement with a $759,850 second-place prize.
This win marks VanKeuren’s second major poker triumph this year, following a World Series of Poker (WSOP) online bracelet victory in July. Balancing his poker career with his work in the health and wellness industry, VanKeuren credited his success to disciplined time management, dedicating effort to both his coaching business and poker study.
The tournament’s atmosphere, fueled by enthusiastic supporters, left a lasting impression on VanKeuren. He expressed gratitude for the support he received, emphasizing how it contributed to an unforgettable experience. With his latest achievement, he solidifies his reputation as a rising talent in the poker world.
Editor at the Big Blind, is a rising star in gambling journalism with a decade of experience, focusing on clear and accessible communication for a diverse audience.
