2024 WSOP: Aaron Cummings Seizes First WSOP Gold in Event #22: $1,500 Limit 2-7 Lowball Triple Draw ($146,516)

In a nail-biting showdown in Event #22: $1,500 Limit 2-7 Lowball Triple Draw at the 2024 World Series of Poker (WSOP), Aaron Cummings (cover image) clinched his first-ever WSOP bracelet and a career-best $146,516 in prize money. The three-day tournament culminated in a heads-up battle between Cummings and final-day chip leader Yuichi Kanai. After an intense 90-minute duel, Cummings emerged victorious, with Kanai walking away with a handsome $95,981 for his runner-up finish.

The electrifying atmosphere of the final table buzzed with the anticipation of a new champion. None of the six contenders had previously won a WSOP bracelet, each hungry for their first taste of WSOP glory. With just four prior WSOP cashes, Cummings’ victory propelled his total live earnings to an impressive $275,826, as tracked by Hendon Mob.

Despite the high stakes involved, the atmosphere throughout the final day remained upbeat and friendly, a testament to the camaraderie often found among poker players. “We had a blast, and I just ran the best,” Cummings said after his victory, acknowledging both his skill and the element of luck that plays a role in any poker tournament.

Reflecting on his poker journey, Cummings shared, “There’s not a whole lot of poker [in Montana], so I just sneak down here every once in a while for fun.”

The $1,500 buy-in Event #22 drew an impressive 157 entries, creating a prize pool of $766,290. The top 87 finishers secured a portion of this lucrative prize with a min-cash worth $3,000.

Day 2 saw notable performances from both seasoned veterans and rising stars, including Lawrence Brandt (16th for $7,437), John Cernuto (19th for $6,041), David ‘Bakes’ Baker (22nd for $6,041), Ryutaro Suzuki (24th for $5,042), Ian Johns (31st for $4,327), David ‘ODB’ Baker (32nd for $4,327), Yuval Bronshtein (40th for $3,821), Hall of Famer Billy Baxter (43rd for $3,475), Benny Glaser (58th for $3,150), Alex Livingston (77th for $3,000), Kevin Gerhart (82nd for $3,000), and Steven Wolansky (84th for $3,000) all posting scores.

The final day began with 13 contenders, each vying for the coveted bracelet. Among them were celebrated bracelet winners Ilija Savevski and Danny Wong, with high hopes and sharp focus. The chip leader at the start of the final day was Yuichi Kanai, but the competition was breathing down his neck. Starting the day tied for third in chips, Aaron Cummings was poised for a breakout.

Despite their best efforts, several top competitors, such as bracelet winner Ilija Savevski (9th for $12,188), Alex Ferrari (10th for $9,399), James Williams (11th for $9,399), Jon Turner (12th for $7,437), and Amir Nematinia (13th for $7,437), fell short of the final table.

The final table was set in motion with the exit of another bracelet winner, Steven Gray, who bowed out in eighth place for $12,188.

Final Table Chip Counts

1. Yuichi Kanai – 3,465,000
2. Aaron Cummings – 3,200,000
3. Anthony Lazar – 2,210,000
4. Sean Yu – 2,200,000
5. Alexander Wilkinson – 1,995,000
6. Heather Alcorn – 1,650,000
7. Danny Wong – 190,000

Final Table Recap

The final table action kicked off with bracelet winner Danny Wong, a formidable force in the poker world, facing an early exit in seventh place at the hands of Heather Alcorn, the 2019 WSOP Dealer of the Year. Wong daringly played out of position with a jack, only to be outdone by Alcorn, who expertly patted to a seven-six low, sealing Wong’s fate.

Alcorn continued her reign, claiming another victim in Anthony Lazar. Drawing to an eight-seven against Lazar’s nine-eight, Alcorn snagged a crucial four in the nail-biting draw, eliminating Lazar in sixth place.

The momentum shifted as Sean Yu, a seasoned veteran in mixed games, saw his tournament life cut short in fifth place. Yu’s valiant effort was thwarted by Alexander Wilkinson’s superior hand, a made jack against Yu’s queen.

Heather Alcorn, proving to be more than just a dealer, continued her impressive run, but her bracelet aspirations were dashed in fourth place by Alexander Wilkinson. A stroke of luck saw Wilkinson draw the winning card, eliminating Alcorn from the competition.

After a brief dinner break, the remaining players returned to the felt, refreshed and ready for the final push. Alexander Wilkinson, who had played fearlessly throughout the tournament, met his demise in third place. In a cruel twist of fate, he drew a seven, inadvertently making a straight against Aaron Cummings, ending his remarkable run.

The stage was set for a dramatic heads-up showdown between Cummings, armed with 8.925 Million chips, and Yuichi Kanai, holding 5.425 Million. The duo exchanged the chip lead multiple times during the intense 90-minute duel before Cummings seized control.

The climax came when both players drew their final card. Cummings, with [8h][6s][4h][3c][2h], boldly bet, putting Kanai all-in. Kanai, holding [10c][8d][7s][5c][3s] – a ten-eight low, faced the ultimate decision. After a tense pause, he pushed his chips forward, only for Cummings to reveal his better hand and claim victory.

Final Table Results (USD)

1. Aaron Cummings – $146,516
2. Yuichi Kanai – $95,981
3. Alexander Wilkinson – $64,256
4. Heather Alcorn – $43,984
5. Sean Yu – $30,800
6. Anthony Lazar – $22,075
7. Danny Wong – $16,204

Content & Images Courtesy: World Series of Poker

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