Alen Bakovic Triumphs in Event #30: $600 Mixed NLHE/PLO, Securing WSOP Gold

In an electrifying finale at Event #30: $600 Mixed No-Limit Hold'em/Pot-Limit Omaha Deepstack, the poker world witnessed Alen Bakovic's remarkable victory over Brian Keith Etheridge. The showdown, filled with friendly banter and intense play, concluded after a mere four hours of back-and-forth action.

The Canadian's win was met with widespread acclaim, as his engaging table presence and skillful play throughout the event endeared him to both the audience and fellow competitors. Bakovic's triumph not only earned him $207,064 but also the highly sought-after WSOP gold bracelet.

• Key Takeaways:
  • Alen Bakovic clinched the Event #30 title and his first WSOP gold bracelet, pocketing $207,064.
  • The event saw a record-breaking attendance of 3,351 entries, generating a massive prize pool of $1,709,010.
  • The final table was a showcase of sportsmanship and skill, with Bakovic ultimately defeating Brian Keith Etheridge in a heads-up match.

The event surpassed last year's impressive participant count, drawing in a staggering 3,351 entries to create a prize pool of $1,709,010. Starting the final day with 1,460,000 chips, Bakovic steadily navigated his way through the field, showcasing his prowess in both No-Limit Hold'em and Pot-Limit Omaha.

The final table was a rollercoaster of chip exchanges, with Bakovic and Etheridge eventually distancing themselves from the competition. The heads-up battle was characterized by light-hearted exchanges, a testament to the camaraderie and sportsmanship inherent in poker. In the end, Bakovic's consistent performance and strategic play secured him the victory and his very first WSOP bracelet.

An emotional moment followed as Bakovic was celebrated by his supporters, acknowledging the crucial role they played in his calm and focused demeanor throughout the tournament. Bakovic shared his gratitude and plans to remain for the entirety of the WSOP, hinting at his participation in the Main Event, for which he won a seat through an online satellite.

Reflecting on his poker journey that began in 2006, Bakovic expressed his love for the challenge of mastering new games and credited his success to the support and guidance of his friends and family.

The path to victory was not without its hurdles. Bakovic entered the final stages of the tournament as one of the shorter stacks but demonstrated resilience and skill to fight his way to the top. His affable nature and humor provided a light-hearted atmosphere, making him a favorite among participants and spectators alike.

As the final table progressed, Bakovic eliminated key competitors and skillfully maneuvered his way into the chip lead, setting the stage for the heads-up showdown with Etheridge. Despite a brief moment where Etheridge seemed poised to close the gap, Bakovic's decisive set flop sealed the deal, crowning him the champion.

PokerNews extends congratulations to Alen Bakovic on his remarkable victory. Stay tuned for more coverage from the World Series of Poker, as the action continues to unfold.