3-Bet: Fernando Santa Maria, Jeff Lennon & Alexandre Le Vaillant Win Live Titles

Today we bring updates from three recently-concluded live tournaments from the 2023 EAPT Barcelona, the WSOPC Thunder Valley Casino and the 2023 Unibet DeepStack Open.

On October 8, the atmosphere at the EAPT Barcelona €560 Main Event in Spain was electrified as Fernando Santa Maria delivered a captivating victory. Representing the Dominican Republic, Santa Maria celebrated his inaugural tournament win, taking home a record cash prize of €26,625. Closely trailing, Argentina’s Ariel Galactico elegantly claimed the runner-up position, earning a handsome €24,675.

Two days earlier, on October 6, Jeff Lennon made waves by seizing his very first WSOPC ring at the WSOPC Thunder Valley Casino’s Event #10: $600 Pot-Limit Omaha. He emerged with a $12,140 prize and solidified his place in the forthcoming WSOP Tournament of Champions. Demonstrating her poker acumen, Kathy Chang secured a noteworthy second-place, with a prize haul of $7,490.

Over at the illustrious Es Saadi Resort in Marrakech, the 2023 Unibet DeepStack Open Marrakech Main Event witnessed the exceptional skills of French poker virtuoso Alexandre Le Vaillant. Conquering a robust pool of 752 adversaries, Vaillant’s brilliant gameplay propelled him to the event’s summit, netting the champion’s crown along with an impressive MAD 625,000 purse. Following closely, Tristan Forge clinched the second position, earning a notable MAD 420,000.

Fernando Santa Maria Clinches EAPT Barcelona Main Event For €26,625

On October 8, the EAPT Barcelona €560 Main Event in Spain was electrified by Fernando Santa Maria‘s stunning triumph. Hailing from the Dominican Republic, Santa Maria clinched his first-ever tournament win, pocketing a career-high cash prize of €26,625. Not far behind, Argentina’s Ariel Galactico gracefully secured the second spot, walking away with a rewarding €24,675.

Throughout the EAPT Barcelona Main Event, Santa Maria was a force to be reckoned with. He concluded Day 1A with the lion’s share of chips and sustained his dominant position into Day 2. His impeccable gameplay, strategic prowess, and consistent performance led him to garner every chip available, rightfully earning the esteemed EAPT trophy in a masterclass display.

Attracting 357 contenders across three starting flights, the 2023 EAPT Barcelona Main Event, with its €560 entry fee, amassed a hefty prize pool of €200,000. The top 53 players were ensured a minimum cash-out of €850. As the final day dawned, 18 hopefuls, spread over the last two tables, set their sights on the grand title.

The final table was graced by poker luminaries including Carlos Esquerdo (3rd for €27,400), Jose Rodriguez (4th for €19,275), Cedric Jaby (5th for €9,400), Christopher Arpal (6th for €7,280), Jordi Mataix (7th for €5,730), Hector De Gea (8th for €4,510) and Teddy Kamel (9th for €3,735).

Final Table Results (EURO)

1. Fernando Santa Maria – €26,625
2. Ariel Galactico – €24,675
3. Carlos Esquerdo – €27,400
4. Jose Rodriguez – €19,275
5. Cedric Jaby – €9,400
6. Christopher Arpal – €7,280
7. Jordi Mataix – €5,730
8. Hector De Gea – €4,510
9. Teddy Kamel – €3,735

Jeff Lennon Wins WSOPC Thunder Valley Casino Event #10: $600 Pot-Limit Omaha For $12,140

On October 6, Jeff Lennon made headlines by clinching his maiden WSOPC ring at the WSOPC Thunder Valley Casino’s Event #10: $600 Pot-Limit Omaha. He walked away with a prize of $12,140 and carved out a spot for himself in the upcoming WSOP Tournament of Champions. Kathy Chang, showcasing her poker prowess, finished as the runner-up, taking home an impressive $7,490.

Though the event was initially scheduled to span two days, Lennon’s stellar gameplay ensured he sealed his victory within a day. He found himself at a significant chip deficit against Chang during the heads-up phase, but Lennon’s adeptness and some timely favorable runs allowed him to overcome the gap. Notably, Chang made her presence felt twice on the final table that day.

Lennon, with a commendable track record of over $583,496 in lifetime earnings, has been making waves in live tournaments since 2003. His standout performance was at the 2022 RUNGOOD Poker Series, where he clinched a $78,040 prize from a $1,000 NLHM tournament.

The WSOP Circuit Event #10, having a buy-in of $600, attracted 76 poker enthusiasts, amassing a collective prize pool of $38,760. The crème de la crème, the top 12 contenders, each earned a minimum cash prize of $950.

A jubilant Lennon expressed his elation after securing his first-ever WSOPC ring, marking a significant milestone in his poker journey. “I like to play all the card games,” he shared. “I picked up PLO during COVID, and here we are.”

He graciously extended his gratitude, saying, “I want to shout out Royal Touch Casino Massage. I also want to shout out Ben Erwin and his really great staff.”

Final Table Results (USD)

1. Jeff Lennon – $12,140
2. Kathy Chang – $7,490
3. Michael Caetano – $4,940
4. Richard Green – $3,400
5. Nader Arfai – $1,830
6. Aaron Motoyama – $1,440
7. Glenn Miller – $1,190
8. Kenneth Po – $1,040

Alexandre Le Valliant Ships in 2023 Unibet DeepStack Open Marrakech Main Event For MAD 625,000

At the majestic Es Saadi Resort in Marrakech, the 2023 Unibet DeepStack Open Marrakech Main Event saw French poker maestro Alexandre Le Vaillant outclass a significant field of 752 competitors. Vaillant’s remarkable prowess led him to the pinnacle of the event, clinching the champion’s title and an enviable MAD 625,000 prize. Hot on his heels, Tristan Forge secured second place, bagging a substantial MAD 420,000.

Entering the day as the chip front-runner, Le Vaillant consistently showcased his dominance, methodically navigating his way through the competition, especially as the player count dwindled from the initial 16 to the final nine.

The 2023 Unibet DeepStack Open Marrakech, with its buy-in set at MAD 6,000, attracted a bustling 752 participants. This turnout generated a considerable prize pool of MAD 3,835,200. The tournament guaranteed the top 95 contenders a minimum cash of MAD 12,000.

Interestingly, Le Vaillant almost bypassed this Unibet DeepStack Open Marrakech edition. It was a serendipitous nudge from founder Alexandre Henry that saw him participate and eventually seize the crown.

“It wasn’t all planned. It was actually Alexandre Henry who suggested I come at the last minute. In truth, I had already been to Marrakech twice this year and with the earthquake I thought it would dissuade me a little. But it’s true that Marrakech is a superb destination and all of this last minute planning for this event is thanks to Alex. So thank you, Alex,” Le Vaillant mused.

This Moroccan victory held profound significance for Le Vaillant, given his previous close calls in sizable tournaments. “I have already been runner-up twice in main events, once third in Divonne, once sixth. It’s really nice that it’s happening here in Morocco where we’re always well received. There was a big field and ultimately a very good turnout,” he shared.

He added, “It went well in the end and I haven’t had the misfortune of having bad encounters. And obviously in multi-table tournaments, you need some luck. But there is this structure which allows for quite extraordinary stack management on this type of buy-in. I’m used to playing them and I know how to adapt to the different types of players there are.”

The concluding table was adorned by illustrious players, including Henri Dupont (3rd for MAD 290,000), Julien Vecchioli (4th for MAD 210,000), Soufiane Messadek (5th for 160,000 MAD), Kaddour (6th for MAD 126,700), Alexandre Hobam (7th for MAD 103,000), Jeremie Canetti (8th for MAD 85,500) and Adrien Amorella (9th for MAD 70,000).

Final Table Results (Moroccan Dirhams)

1. Alexandre Le Vaillant – MAD 625,000
2. Tristan Forge – MAD 420,000
3. Henri Dupont – MAD 290,000
4. Julien Vecchioli – MAD 210,000
5. Soufiane Messadek – MAD 160,000
6. Kaddour – MAD 126,700
7. Alexandre Hobam – MAD 103,000
8. Jeremie Canetti – MAD 85,500
9. Adrien Amorella – MAD 70,000

Images and Content Courtesy: Poker News & WSOP.com