Triton SHRS Jeju II: Joao Simao Rises from the Ashes to Dominate $200K Invitational for $7,250,000

From Two Blinds to the Top

Event #10: $200K NLH Triton Invitational drew an elite lineup of 60 pairs of invited businessmen and professional players. The total attendance soared to 173 entries, creating a massive prize pool of $34,600,000. The prize money was shared among the top 31 players.

The bubble drama was ignited by Filipino Semi Sun during Day 2. Sun held an above-average stack but opted for an unsuccessful bluff in a crucial hand. His exit was orchestrated by Chinese player Yang Wang, who entered the final day as the chipleader.

The most captivating story of the tournament belonged to Brazil's Joao Simao. Shortly after the bubble burst, he lost a huge pot and was left with just two big blinds. However, Simao staged a series of double-ups, finishing with an average stack for the final day.

On the final day, Simao demonstrated dominant play and entered the final table as the chipleader. Heading into heads-up, Simao led with nearly a 2:1 advantage against China's Biao Ding.

The players declined to discuss a deal, engaging in a 2.5-hour duel for the title. Despite having the initial edge, it was Simao who first faced possible elimination. The Brazilian survived thanks to a split pot and soon took the lead.

In the tournament's final hand, all the chips went in on the flop 9 h 5 s 5 d. Ding with T h 9 s was behind Simao’s K s K d. The turn 2 s and river 7 d didn’t help him.

Simao pocketed $7,250,000, the largest win in Brazilian poker history, while Biao Ding secured a personal best of $4,940,000.

American Seth Davies finished third, becoming the first player in history to make three Triton Invitational final tables.

Final Table Results for Event #10: 200,000$ NLH Triton Invitational

American Dominance and First Trophy for Matthew Wantman

Alongside the Invitational climax, Event #11: $50K NLH 7-Handed also concluded. This dynamic tournament saw 70 entries, with a total prize pool of $3,500,000. The top 11 players shared the winnings.

The tournament’s final phase turned into an all-American affair, with USA players filling the podium. Matthew Wantman and Poker Hall of Famer Nick Schulman advanced to heads-up. The players agreed on a prize division, securing $810,279 for Schulman and $806,721 for Wantman, with $30,000 and the trophy remaining to play for.

The showdown was swiftly dominated by 38-year-old Matthew Wantman. Following their agreement, the players wasted no time, and after three hands, it was decided. Wantman claimed his first Triton title, setting a new personal record with a win of $836,721.

Final Table Results for Event #11: $50,000 NLH 7-Handed

*ICM deal.

Jean-Noel Thorel Surges with Quads

Event #12: $100K NLH Main Event successfully kicked off with its first day, recording 160 entries and a prize pool of $16,000,000. Late registration remains open until the start of Day 2, so both numbers are expected to increase. Seventy-three players advanced to Day 2.

The highlight hand of the opening day was a clash between French veteran Jean-Noel Thorel and American star Nick Petrangelo. Holding A-A on a 3-2-3-K-3 board, Petrangelo went all-in with his top full house. Thorel turned over 3-2, revealing he had hit quads on the river. Petrangelo was eliminated as Thorel surged to the top.

Danilo Velasevic emerged as the chipleader on Day 1. Nick Schulman, entering the Main Event straight after completing the heads-up in the $50K, secured the second spot.

Current Top 10 Standings after Day 1 in Event #12: 100,000$ Main Event

Sources: Triton Poker, X, YouTube