WSOP Paradise Super Main Event Final Table Highlights
Yinan Zhou Becomes Inaugural Champion
In a career-defining performance, 24-year-old Yinan Zhou secured his place in poker history by winning the first-ever WSOP Paradise Super Main Event. Zhou claimed the $25,000 buy-in tournament’s top prize of $6,000,000, along with his first WSOP bracelet. The event, held in the Bahamas, attracted 1,978 entries across multiple live and online flights, narrowly missing its $50 million guarantee by $550,000.
Zhou, who grew up idolizing poker legend Justin Bonomo, faced his hero at the final table, ultimately eliminating him. “I played at the final table with my idol and busted him,” Zhou said in his post-victory interview. “That’s awesome.”
One of the tournament’s defining moments came when Zhou bluffed against chip leader Michael Addamo, a player renowned for his toughness. Reflecting on the move, Zhou said, “When I started the final table, I was nervous, especially with the big bluff against Addamo. But as we got down to six players, I felt calm and just enjoyed the moment.”
Final Table Results
Place Player Country Prize (USD)
1 Yinan Zhou China $6,000,000
2 Marcelo Aziz Brazil $4,600,000
3 Mustapha Kanit Italy $3,600,000
4 Liv Boeree United Kingdom $2,800,000
5 Christopher Nguyen Austria $2,100,000
6 Michael Addamo Australia $1,650,000
7 Justin Bonomo United States $1,300,000
8 Vadzim Lipauka Belarus $1,000,000
9 Georg Lehmann Germany $750,000
Liv Boeree’s Historic Finish
Science communicator and former PokerStars ambassador Liv Boeree stunned the poker world by finishing fourth, earning a career-high $2,800,000. Her cash now ranks as the largest tournament payout for a female player, surpassing Wenling Gao’s 2020 finish.
Boeree, a 2017 WSOP Tag Team bracelet winner, had the backing of billionaire Elon Musk during her run. Meanwhile, her partner, Igor Kurganov, competed at the WPT World Championship in Las Vegas, where he discussed his relationship with Musk.
Controversy Surrounds Justin Bonomo
Justin Bonomo’s outspoken stance on social issues sparked headlines throughout the event. On Day 4, he faced potential disqualification for wearing a Palestinian keffiyeh. While he refrained from bringing a Palestinian flag to the final table, Bonomo made a statement by declaring “free Palestine” after his seventh-place elimination.
Bonomo, who pledged to donate part of his winnings to Palestinian causes, said he has yet to determine the exact amount.
A Rising Star for China
Zhou’s triumph marked the second bracelet win for a Chinese player during this series, following Lei Yu’s victory in the $5,000 Deepstack No-Limit Hold’em event. Fellow countryman Ren Lin even paused his match in The Closer to celebrate Zhou’s win.
“I take pride in my country,” Zhou said. “Maybe this year is a great one for Chinese players.”
Zhou’s fearless style of play was exemplified in a critical bluff against Michael Addamo. When asked how he found the nerve to make the move, Zhou replied, “I’m here to win, not to fold.”
With his victory, Zhou solidified himself as a player to watch in the poker world.
Source: https://www.pokernews.com/news/2024/12/yinan-zhou-wins-wsop-paradise-super-main-47637.htm
Yinan Zhou Becomes Inaugural Champion
In a career-defining performance, 24-year-old Yinan Zhou secured his place in poker history by winning the first-ever WSOP Paradise Super Main Event. Zhou claimed the $25,000 buy-in tournament’s top prize of $6,000,000, along with his first WSOP bracelet. The event, held in the Bahamas, attracted 1,978 entries across multiple live and online flights, narrowly missing its $50 million guarantee by $550,000.
Zhou, who grew up idolizing poker legend Justin Bonomo, faced his hero at the final table, ultimately eliminating him. “I played at the final table with my idol and busted him,” Zhou said in his post-victory interview. “That’s awesome.”
One of the tournament’s defining moments came when Zhou bluffed against chip leader Michael Addamo, a player renowned for his toughness. Reflecting on the move, Zhou said, “When I started the final table, I was nervous, especially with the big bluff against Addamo. But as we got down to six players, I felt calm and just enjoyed the moment.”
Final Table Results
Place Player Country Prize (USD)
1 Yinan Zhou China $6,000,000
2 Marcelo Aziz Brazil $4,600,000
3 Mustapha Kanit Italy $3,600,000
4 Liv Boeree United Kingdom $2,800,000
5 Christopher Nguyen Austria $2,100,000
6 Michael Addamo Australia $1,650,000
7 Justin Bonomo United States $1,300,000
8 Vadzim Lipauka Belarus $1,000,000
9 Georg Lehmann Germany $750,000
Liv Boeree’s Historic Finish
Science communicator and former PokerStars ambassador Liv Boeree stunned the poker world by finishing fourth, earning a career-high $2,800,000. Her cash now ranks as the largest tournament payout for a female player, surpassing Wenling Gao’s 2020 finish.
Boeree, a 2017 WSOP Tag Team bracelet winner, had the backing of billionaire Elon Musk during her run. Meanwhile, her partner, Igor Kurganov, competed at the WPT World Championship in Las Vegas, where he discussed his relationship with Musk.
Controversy Surrounds Justin Bonomo
Justin Bonomo’s outspoken stance on social issues sparked headlines throughout the event. On Day 4, he faced potential disqualification for wearing a Palestinian keffiyeh. While he refrained from bringing a Palestinian flag to the final table, Bonomo made a statement by declaring “free Palestine” after his seventh-place elimination.
Bonomo, who pledged to donate part of his winnings to Palestinian causes, said he has yet to determine the exact amount.
A Rising Star for China
Zhou’s triumph marked the second bracelet win for a Chinese player during this series, following Lei Yu’s victory in the $5,000 Deepstack No-Limit Hold’em event. Fellow countryman Ren Lin even paused his match in The Closer to celebrate Zhou’s win.
“I take pride in my country,” Zhou said. “Maybe this year is a great one for Chinese players.”
Zhou’s fearless style of play was exemplified in a critical bluff against Michael Addamo. When asked how he found the nerve to make the move, Zhou replied, “I’m here to win, not to fold.”
With his victory, Zhou solidified himself as a player to watch in the poker world.
Source: https://www.pokernews.com/news/2024/12/yinan-zhou-wins-wsop-paradise-super-main-47637.htm
