The New Jersey player dominated the final table from start to finish
James Lauer secured his biggest live poker win to date, bagging $164,830 after triumphing in the Borgata Poker Open’s $600 Kickoff event. The New Jersey native entered the final table with a commanding chip lead, becoming the only player to surpass 20 million in chips. Although he briefly lost the lead during the heads-up and three-handed portions of the tournament, Lauer regained control and sealed his victory in what was an emotional and thrilling finish.
This win marks a major milestone in Lauer’s poker journey, more than quadrupling his lifetime earnings, which previously included a $19,960 score earlier in the year at Borgata. But for Lauer, it wasn’t just the money that mattered most. “The trophy means more,” he shared after the victory. He explained that while the cash is a nice bonus, winning the title felt more significant, particularly after months of personal struggles.
Lauer had recently lost his dog, Bailey, who was his cherished companion and poker chip protector. Reflecting on this, Lauer mentioned, “I think she sent me some rungood.” The heartfelt tribute to his dog seemed to provide an emotional boost as he navigated the final stages of the tournament.
During the tournament, Lauer maintained a calm and focused approach, which he believes was key to his success. “I kept a level head no matter what. I didn’t go on tilt at all,” he said, crediting his steady mindset for allowing him to take advantage of opportunities as they arose.
Lauer, who used to focus on cash games, has recently shifted his attention toward tournament play. He’s been able to dedicate more time to poker after his business as a real estate investor allowed him some flexibility. Looking ahead, Lauer plans to invest some of his winnings in the stock market and towards buying a farm with his fiancé.
The $600 Kickoff event saw 2,026 entries and generated a prize pool of over $1 million, with 251 players cashing out. Lauer emerged as the ultimate winner, outlasting a competitive field to claim the top prize.
