3-Bet: Donovan Dean, Robert Reed & Susan Faber Win WSOP Circuit Rings at Harrah’s Cherokee

The 20-event World Series of Poker Circuit at Harrah’s Cherokee has come to a close, leaving behind a trail of unforgettable moments and inspiring stories. Three players, in particular, rose above the fierce competition, their names now etched in poker history.

Donovan Dean (cover image – left) stunned the poker world with a historic repeat performance, conquering Event #13: $1,700 Main Event for the second time. Navigating a colossal field of 1,451 entries, Dean outlasted his opponents to claim a jaw-dropping $326,206 and a coveted seat at the 2025 WSOP Tournament of Champions.

Event #19: $2,200 High Roller witnessed the rise of a new poker star. Robert Reed (cover image – centre), in his quest for his first-ever WSOP Circuit ring, faced off against a field of 135 seasoned professionals. Reed navigated the high-stakes action with finesse, bagging a career-best $66,435 and a seat at the 2025 WSOP Tournament of Champions.

Susan Faber (cover image – left) continued her reign of dominance at Harrah’s Cherokee, capturing her second ring of the series in the fast-paced Event #16: $600 No-Limit Hold’em Turbo. Faber’s lightning-fast decision-making and aggressive playstyle left her opponents in the dust, earning her a $21,484 payday and a seat in the 2025 Tournament of Champions.

Double Down! Donovan Dean Clinches Second WSOP Circuit Main Event Victory ($326,206)

They say lightning doesn’t strike twice, but try telling that to Donovan Dean! The poker pro just pulled off an incredible feat, winning the WSOP Circuit Main Event for the second time, adding $326,206 to his bankroll, a seat at the 2025 Tournament of Champions and another shiny gold ring to his collection. Andrew Rebhan also delivered a strong performance, finishing as the runner-up and taking home $217,454.

It ALWAYS feels good to win! @WSOPC @HarrahsCherokee pic.twitter.com/KxilBCe6kU

— Donovan Dean (@d_dean91) August 13, 2024

“It’s always good to come out on top,” Dean said, smiling after his victory. “That’s what you play for. I came in with the most chips. I just put as much pressure as possible.”

But amidst the celebration, Dean’s thoughts were never far from his younger brother, who had been in a serious accident earlier in the week. “I found out about the accident right after I bought in,” Dean revealed, his voice thick with emotion. “He’s in the hospital right now fighting for his life, and all I could think about was making him proud. I know he’ll be fired up when I tell him.”

Dean offered some insight into his strategy. “I guess in the main event. I probably have more success because I play super aggressive,” he explained. “So, the money means more to other people, so they, you know, play tighter. I can play super aggressively, and it helps pick up more chips.”

This win marks Dean’s third WSOP Circuit ring, adding to his previous victories in the Cherokee Monster Stack and the 2022 WSOP Circuit Cherokee Main Event. With this latest win, Dean’s total live tournament earnings catapulted to more than $1.70 Million, consolidating his #7 spot on Alabama`s all-time money list.

The $1,700 buy-in event was a massive success, attracting a huge field of 1,451 entries, and the top 213 players secured a minimum payout of $3,422. The Main Event, starting with two initial flights, built up to an exciting final table. Dean began this final showdown in a dominant position, boasting a chip stack nearly twice the size of his closest rival, Tommy Doyle. Even though he didn’t hold onto the top spot throughout the final table, Dean’s resilience kept him consistently among the top two contenders.

The final table started with a tense standoff. Players tightened up, and for an entire level, no one dared to make a move. The silence was finally broken when local favourite Sokchheka ‘Chico’ Pho‘s tournament life came to an end, bursting the bubble and setting the stage for an all-out brawl for the title.

The eliminations continued thick and fast, with Brett Bader, Tuan Nguyen, and Michael Hunsucker all succumbing to Rebhan’s relentless pressure, finishing sixth, fifth, and fourth, respectively. It was clear Rebhan had hit a hot streak at precisely the right moment, propelling him into three-handed play with a commanding chip lead.

Tommy Doyle was the wildcard at this final table. He didn’t boast an extensive tournament resume, but he wasn’t afraid to mix it up and get involved in plenty of pots. Lady Luck seemed to be on his side, as he enjoyed a good run and even held the chip lead for a period.

However, as Rebhan’s momentum surged, Doyle’s fortunes turned for the worse. He ultimately fell in third place, his pocket threes no match for the eventual champion’s pocket nines.

Heads-up play ensued, and the remaining two players – Andrew Rebhan and Donovan Dean battled their way to the dinner break, with Dean maintaining a substantial chip advantage. Upon their return, the duel was swiftly concluded in a matter of ten hands. Dean’s king-jack found a king on the board, outdrawing Rebhan’s pocket eights to secure the championship title.

Final Table Results (USD)

1. Donovan Dean – $326,206
2. Andrew Rebhan – $217,454
3. Tommy Doyle – $153,664
4. Michael Hunsucker – $110,186
5. Tuan Nguyen – $80,192
6. Brett Bader – $59,249
7. Justin Hall – $44,450
8. Srinivasa Vadlamudi – $33,870
9. Sokchheka Pho – $26,218

Robert Reed Snags First WSOP Circuit Ring in $2,200 High Roller ($66,435)

Robert Reed pulled off a huge win at the World Series of Poker Circuit! He took home his first WSOP ring after an intense battle at Event #19: $2,200 No Limit Hold’em High Roller at Harrah’s Cherokee

It wasn’t an easy road to victory. He had to face some of the best poker players out there, including a tough heads-up match against Houston White. But Reed kept his cool and played smart, eventually winning the top prize of $66,435 – the biggest win of his career so far. White didn’t go home empty-handed, though, finishing in second place for $44,640.

This win is a big deal for Reed, boosting his live tournament earnings to over $127,000. Winning his first WSOP ring in such a high-stakes event is a serious accomplishment.

The tournament was big, with a $2,200 buy-in and 135 players competing for a total prize pool of $270,000. The top 21 players walked away with at least $4,433.

Some well-known players like Marshall White (10th), David Baize (11th) each for $5,263, Joe Kuether (12th for $4,654), Darren Rabinowitz (16th), and Steven Snyder (17th) for $4,433 each were all in the mix but couldn’t make it to the final table.

The final table was full of drama. Ryan Hughes was the first to go, and then some experienced pros like Vincent Moscati, Kyle Cartwright, and Toby Boas were quickly eliminated.

Khang Pham and Minh Phan were next, leaving just three players. Drake Kemper, who started as the chip leader, ended up finishing in third, setting up the final showdown between Houston White and Robert Reed.

In the end, it was Robert Reed’s day. He played his cards right and walked away with the win, the money, and a spot in the 2025 Tournament of Champions.

Final Table Results (USD)

1. Robert Reed – $66,435
2. Houston White – $44,640
3. Drake Kemper – $30,818
4. Minh Phan – $21,875
5. Khang Pham – $15,978
6. Toby Boas – $12,019
7. Kyle Cartwright – $9,320
8. Vincent Moscati – $7,456
9. Ryan Hughes – $6,161

Susan Faber’s on Fire! Clinches Second Ring in a Week in $600 No-Limit Hold’em Turbo ($21,484)

Susan Faber absolutely crushed it at the WSOP Circuit at Harrah’s Cherokee. She snagged her second ring of the series, her second win this week alone. That’s not just luck; that’s pure skill.

Faber took down Event #16: $600 No Limit Hold’em Turbo like a seasoned pro, going head-to-head with David Lieberman in the final showdown. Lieberman put up a good fight, but Faber’s poker prowess was undeniable. She walked away with $21,484 – her third-best cash ever – and a guaranteed spot in the 2025 Tournament of Champions.

This is the same week she outplayed poker legend Maurice Hawkins to win her first ring in Event #5: $600 No Limit Holdem. With two rings and a WSOP bracelet already under her belt, Faber’s live tournament earnings are now over $315,000.

“This is my second ring of the week; this is wonderful,” Faber said with a humble smile.

But her fans weren’t so understated. The tournament area erupted in cheers of “Susan!” as she claimed victory. Whispers of “legend” rippled through the crowd. And honestly, who can blame them?

The $600 buy-in event drew a tough crowd of 174 players, creating a prize pool of $89,610. The competition was fierce, with several big names like Nicholas Hawkins, Ronnie Young, Jason Fultz, and Frankie Zeta all vying for the top spot.

The final table was where the real action heated up. Lucas Kavanaugh was the first to fall, followed by a string of eliminations in Jeremy Perrin, Keith Seidel, and David Moses that left just five players standing. The tension was palpable as Srinivasa Vadlamudi and Alexander Kinney bowed out, leaving Faber face-to-face with Lieberman for the final showdown.

Lieberman fought hard, but Faber’s determination and skill were unmatched. In a thrilling climax, she secured her second ring of the series, leaving no doubt about her skills.

Final Table Results (USD)

1. Susan Faber – $21,484
2. David Lieberman – $14,071
3. Matthew Emmel – $9,496
4. Alexander Kinney – $6,611
5. Srinivasa Vadlamudi – $4,751
6. David Moses – $3,530
7. Keith Seidel – $2,713
8. Jeremy Perrin – $2,161
9. Lucas Kavanaugh – $1,785

Content & Images Courtesy: PokerNews