The win came as the final hours of 2024 were counting down
Francis Anderson capped off 2024 with a victory in the Venetian New Year’s Extravaganza UltimateStack event. The Wappinger Falls, New York native outlasted a competitive field of 515 entries in the $800 No-Limit Hold’em tournament, which featured a $250,000 guarantee. His triumph earned him $61,551 in the early hours of December 31, solidifying his reputation as a top player in holiday-themed events.
This marks Anderson’s sixth recorded tournament win, adding to a stellar year that included a career-defining victory in the $800 Independence Day Celebration Event during the World Series of Poker. That summer win brought him $501,040 and his first WSOP bracelet. Following his latest success, Anderson’s lifetime tournament earnings have surpassed $3.6 million.
The Venetian event generated a final prize pool of $355,350, with payouts for the top 66 finishers. Anderson’s performance also earned him 420 points in the Card Player Player of the Year race, pushing his 2024 total to 2,772 points and securing him a spot in the top 130 of the year’s standings.
The final table featured several prominent players, including Ryan Laplante, who finished fourth and added to a strong December run. Lokesh Garg entered heads-up play against Anderson with a chip lead, but momentum shifted after Anderson hit a flush to crack Garg’s straight.
The decisive hand saw Anderson hold a full house against another straight from Garg, clinching the title. Garg took home $44,245 for his runner-up finish.
Anderson’s ability to perform under pressure and his consistency in high-stakes events continue to highlight his skill, making him one to watch as the poker calendar turns to 2025.
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.
