3-Bet: Marcos Kenne, Matt Salsberg & Zhen Chen Win Live Titles

The live poker scene is an inferno of action, with champions rising and fortunes won! From the passionate heart of Brazil to the glitz and glamour of California and the international showdown in North Cyprus, the poker world is ablaze! In this 3-bet report, we bring you updates on three recent tournament champions who etched their names into poker history.

The WTC Sheraton in Sao Paulo was rocking with the electrifying energy of the R$25,000 BSOP Millions Championship! After a gruelling battle of skill and nerves, Marcos Kenne (cover image – left) emerged as the ultimate victor, claiming a staggering R$2,140,000 (almost $370,000)! Paulo Goncalves put up a great fight, finishing a respectable second for R$1,346,500.

The World Series of Poker Circuit at the Commerce Casino in California delivered a Hollywood-worthy finale! Canadian poker pro and television producer Matthew Salsberg (cover image – centre) conquered the $1,700 Main Event in a blaze of glory, seizing a $286,134 prize and the coveted gold championship ring. Anthony Marquez gave a strong performance, securing the runner-up spot and a respectable $190,774.

The Crystal Cove Hotel and Casino in North Cyprus was the stage for a high-stakes showdown in the $5,300 High Roller at the 2024 Merit Poker Gatsby Gala Series. Players from around the globe went head-to-head, but China’s Zhen Chen (cover image – right) emerged as the conquering hero, snatching the trophy and a massive $132,300 prize! The final table was a melting pot of talent, with nine nations represented, but Chen proved unstoppable. Russia’s Aleksandr Chernikov finished runner-up for $91,500.

Marcos Kenne: From Sombrio to Sao Paulo, a BSOP Champion is Born ($370,000)

The energy at the WTC Sheraton in Sao Paulo was electric. The R$25,000 BSOP Millions Championship had reached its climax, and after three starting flights and four gruelling days of poker, Marcos Kenne emerged from the battlefield with a trophy in hand and a smile that could light up the Amazon, walking away with R$2,140,000 (that’s almost $370,000!), the title of champion, and a story for the ages.

O maior prêmio da história do BSOP e do poker na América Latina!

Marcos Kenne cravou o BSOP Millions Championship e levou R$ 2.140.000 para casa!

Parabéns! Histórico! pic.twitter.com/1ie8noCUXS

— BSOP (@BSOPoficial) November 26, 2024

Kenne, a man who calls the small town of Sombrio home (about 900 km southwest of the bustling Sao Paulo), isn`t exactly a newcomer to the poker scene. With around $240,000 in lifetime earnings, including a respectable fourth-place finish at the 2023 EPT Barcelona €3K NLH Mystery Bounty, he knew his way around a poker table. But this was different. This was a BSOP title, a victory on home soil, and a moment he’d been chasing for a long time. He’d come close at the BSOP before, reaching three final tables, but victory always seemed just out of reach. This time, though, something felt different. He was ready to prove himself against the best of the best in the Brazilian and Latin American poker scene. And did he ever! This win catapulted his total live earnings to over $609,216, according to the Hendon Mob.

“It’s been a dream of mine to win a major title,” Kenne confessed after his victory. “I have a job, responsibilities… life outside of poker. But I’ve been close before, so close, and it just never seemed to happen. I kept telling myself, ‘God’s timing is perfect.’ And you know what? He was right.”

Kenne’s journey to the top wasn’t a walk in the park. He entered the final table with a commanding chip lead, almost three times the stack of his nearest competitor. But even with that advantage, doubts crept in.

“Having such a big lead was a strange feeling,” Kenne admitted. “I tried to force a few plays early on, made some bad calls. I had to take a step back, remind myself to be patient, let the game come to me. Then, after a bit of a cooler, I found myself right back where I started – with a mountain of chips.”

From there, Kenne turned up the heat. “I put the pressure on, and it paid off. Some players made mistakes, and I capitalized on them. It’s not easy to win when you’re facing that kind of aggression, especially with a short stack. I guess it was my day!”

The final table was a who’s who of the Brazilian poker scene, and the action was non-stop. Let’s rewind and relive the key moments:

Diego Ventura started the fireworks with a three-bet shove holding Ace-King. Kenne, however, woke up with Kings! No help came for Ventura, and he was the first casualty of the final table.

Joao Vieira looked to be in great shape when he shoved on the flop with a pair of Tens. But Paulo Goncalves had other plans, turning over Aces to send Vieira to the rail in eighth place.

Murilo Milhomem, Breno Drumond, and Rafael Mota got all the chips in the middle in a dramatic three-way all-in. Milhomem’s Jacks held up, sending Drumond home in seventh and doubling Milhomem up through Mota.

Mota couldn’t recover from that hit and was eliminated shortly after by Dennys Ramos’ Queens. Kenne then continued his dominance, sending Blas Torres packing when his Queen-Jack turned into a full house, cracking Torres’ pocket Sixes.

Murilo Milhomem was poised for a double-up with pocket Nines against Goncalves, but a cruel river card gave Goncalves a straight, ending Milhomem’s run in fourth place.

Dennys Ramos put up a valiant fight, but his tournament came to an end when his Seven-Six couldn’t improve against Kenne’s dominating King-Seven.

The final showdown pitted Kenne against Paulo Goncalves. Goncalves managed a double-up with Ace-Nine against Kenne’s Queen-Six, but his luck ran out when he shoved with only to run into Kenne’s . The board ran out , giving Kenne a pair to seal the deal.

Even with a massive chip lead, Kenne admitted that heads-up play pushed him outside his comfort zone. “Heads-up was a whole different beast! I wasn’t sure how to approach it, and it took longer than I expected. But in the end, we got there!”

Kenne’s victory is just one chapter in the incredible growth of poker in Brazil. From the Amazon rainforest to the vibrant streets of Sao Paulo, over 200 Million Brazilians have caught poker fever. The BSOP Millions, the largest poker festival in Latin America, is a testament to this phenomenon. With 90 tournaments and a massive R$60,000,000 guaranteed prize pool, it’s clear that poker has found a passionate home in Brazil.

Final Table Results (Brazilian Real R$)

1. Marcos Kenne – R$2,140,000
2. Paulo Goncalves – R$1,346,500
3. Dennys Ramos – R$965,170
4. Murilo Milhomem – R$760,160
5. Blas Torres – R$597,270
6. Rafael Mota – R$466,520
7. Breno Drumond – R$351,250
8. Joao Vieira – R$244,850
9. Diego Ventura – R$193,900

From Hollywood Screenwriter to Poker Champion: Matt Salsberg’s Unbelievable WSOP Circuit Victory ($286,134)

He traded the sunny beaches of Southern California for the bright lights of Hollywood, but Matt Salsberg never forgot his love for the thrill of competition. This Canadian-born screenwriter, known for his work as an executive producer on the hit show Weeds, just added a new plot twist to his life story by becoming a WSOP Circuit champion.

Congratulations to Matt @msalsberg Salsberg, Winner of the @WSOP Circuit Main Event! https://t.co/lBsyrhLvXd pic.twitter.com/HolFuHPIfH

— The Commerce Casino & Hotel (@CommerceCasino) November 26, 2024

Salsberg isn’t just a dabbler in the poker world. He’s a seasoned pro with a history of impressive wins, including the 2012 World Poker Tour Grand Prix de Paris title for a career-best $478,415. But this latest victory at the 2024 WSOP Circuit Commerce Casino Main Event hits differently.

Imagine this: a screenwriter used to crafting compelling narratives, finds himself battling through a field of 1,209 entries, ultimately facing off against two poker heavyweights with millions in winnings. The tension, the strategy, the drama – it’s a story worthy of the silver screen.

Salsberg emerged victorious in the 2024 WSOP Circuit Commerce Casino $1,700 Main Event, claiming his first WSOPC gold ring and a whopping $286,134 prize. This win catapults his career tournament earnings to nearly $3.60 Million.

“This is very surreal,” a stunned Salsberg confessed to WSOP reporters. “It’s been kind of a crazy few years for me, so this is wild. I have played a lot of circuit events over the years and have never won a ring, so it’s nice to get one.”

#PRS pic.twitter.com/NOtVJmLA9D

— Salty (@msalsberg) November 26, 2024

This wasn’t your average tournament. The final table was a clash of titans, with all three top spots going to players boasting over a million in live tournament earnings. Salsberg had to outwit Anthony Marquez (2nd for $190,774), a formidable opponent with $1.50 Million in winnings, in a heads-up showdown for the ages. While Michael Liang, who claimed the third spot for $134,958, had over $4 Million in live winnings.

Main Event Highlights

The WSOP Circuit Commerce Casino Main Event, held from November 21 to 25, attracted a vast field of 1,209 entrants, generating a prize pool of $1,831,635, with the top 161 players earning a share of the riches. Salsberg entered the final table positioned in the middle of the pack, but he was about to embark on a remarkable journey to victory.

The final table was a tense affair, with each player vying for the coveted WSOPC gold ring. Salsberg began his ascent by outlasting Phongthep Thiptinnakon, who finished in ninth place, and Aram Mkhitaryan, who exited in eighth.

Then came a pivotal moment: Salsberg clashed with short-stacked Richard Ham, whose pocket aces were no match for Salsberg’s flush with .

The intensity continued as pre-flop coin flips dramatically ended the runs of Samvel Gspoyan in sixth place and Luis Yepez in fifth.

Davis Khobyer, holding pocket tens, looked poised for a deep run, but fate had other plans. He got all-in against Anthony Marquez, whose ace queen found a queen on the turn to take the lead, ultimately sending Khobyer home in fourth place.

The final three players – Salsberg, Marquez, and Michael Liang – were all seasoned veterans with over a million dollars each in live tournament winnings. Salsberg, demonstrating his exceptional poker skills, doubled up early against Marquez with pocket nines against (suited). He then landed a critical blow to Liang, whose fell to Salsberg’s (suited), leaving Liang on the ropes. The former bracelet winner was soon eliminated in third place.

Salsberg entered heads-up play against Anthony Marquez with a commanding 3:1 chip advantage. The final hand was a fitting climax to the tournament. Marquez, holding , moved all-in from the big blind, and Salsberg, with , made the call. The board ran out , and Salsberg’s ace-high was enough to secure the victory, the WSOPC gold ring, and the $286,134 top prize.

You can watch the replay of the final table live stream below.

Final Table Results (USD)

1. Matt Salsberg – $286,134
2. Anthony Marquez – $190,774
3. Michael Liang – $134,958
4. Davis Khobyer – $96,864
5. Luis Yepez – $70,552
6. Samvel Gspoyan – $52,158
7. Richard Ham – $39,148
8. Aram Mkhitaryan – $29,838
9. Phongthep Thiptinnakon – $23,100

Zhen Chen’s Red-Hot Run: A Poker Champion’s Triumph at the Gatsby Gala ($132,300)

The atmosphere crackled with tension at the Crystal Cove Hotel and Casino. For four days, the best poker players in the world battled it out in the $5,300 High Roller at the 2024 Merit Poker Gatsby Gala Series. But in the end, it was Zhen Chen, a force of nature from China, who emerged victorious, seizing the trophy and a staggering $132,300 prize.

This wasn’t just another tournament; this was a global showdown. The final table was a vibrant tapestry of talent, with nine different nations represented. But Chen, with ice in his veins and fire in his heart, outmanoeuvred them all, ultimately defeating Russia’s Aleksandr Chernikov in the heads-up finale. Chernikov earned $91,500 for his runner-up finish.

What was the secret to Chen’s success? A combination of cunning strategy, an uncanny ability to read his opponents, and, as he modestly admitted, a touch of good fortune. “I was lucky,” Chen confessed with a smile, “My flips – I can win!”

But luck wasn’t the only factor. Chen’s victory was cemented by a brilliant display of poker prowess. He meticulously observed Chernikov’s aggressive tendencies, patiently biding his time before springing a perfectly timed trap with pocket tens. This masterful move shifted the momentum and propelled Chen towards victory.

“I noticed he kept shoving preflop,” Chen explained, “so I changed my strategy. I wanted to trap him.”

Chen’s journey to the top wasn’t without its challenges. He recounted his struggles in the earlier $2,200 Warm-Up, where despite being the favorite, he suffered a series of heartbreaking losses. But this time, fortune favoured the bold.

Beyond the thrill of victory, Chen expressed a genuine fondness for Cyprus and the Merit Poker Series. “This place is very nice and beautiful,” he shared, “That’s why I keep coming back.”

And what’s next for this high-rolling champion? There seems to be no time for rest. “I’m running hot!” Chen exclaimed, “I’ll jump into the Main Event. I want to keep going and going!”

High Roller Highlights

The final table of the $5,300 High Roller was a clash of titans from across the globe. But one man, Zhen Chen, rode the waves of fortune and misfortune with nerves of steel, ultimately claiming the crown and etching his name into Gatsby Gala history.

The early stages saw fireworks erupt. Mehmet Demirkol, the short stack, made a valiant stand but fell victim to Simone Andrian’s pocket queens. Then, with a predator’s instinct, Chen seized the chip lead from Angelos Michael, signalling his intent to dominate.

Aleksandr Chernikov, Chen’s eventual heads-up opponent, flirted with disaster, narrowly escaping elimination against Angelos Michael in a dramatic showdown. But the poker gods smiled upon him, his ace-ten spiking an ace on the river to crack Michael’s pocket jacks. This marked the beginning of Michael’s downfall, as Fahredin Mustafov delivered a devastating one-two punch, sending the Cypriot to the rail.

Fahredin Mustafov continued his rampage, eliminating Felipe Ketzer in a clash of aces. But his hot streak cooled when he ran into Andrian’s pocket tens, his ace-king failing to improve.

The tension mounted as the field narrowed. Andrian, riding a wave of momentum, dispatched Adrian State, leaving just three players vying for the title. Chernikov, with a surge of aggression, snatched the lead, his pocket eights holding against Andrian’s ace-eight.

Chen, momentarily eclipsed, found himself on the ropes. But like a true champion, he battled back with a series of clutch double-ups. First, his ace-nine found an ace against Chernikov’s pocket nines. Then, his queen-ten magically rivered a straight against Andrian’s ace-three.

The defining moment arrived with a clash of cunning and aggression. Chen, sensing an opportunity, masterfully laid a trap with pocket tens. Chernikov, unable to resist the bait, shoved with nine-seven. Chen snap-called, the board ran clean, and the tides turned dramatically.

Riding this wave of momentum, Chen pressed his advantage, shoving all-in with jack-ten, putting immense pressure on the shorter stacks. Simone Andrian, sensing the urgency, made the correct call with king-queen, but the poker gods had other plans. A cruel ten on the flop sealed Andrian’s fate, sending him to the rail in third place.

The heads-up battle between Zhen Chen and Aleksandr Chernikov commenced with a bang, with neither player willing to concede an inch. Early in the match, a pivotal coinflip erupted. Chen held pocket eights while Chernikov held overcards with . The flop crashed down: ! The poker gods had spoken, and Chen’s set of eights had him in the driver’s seat. Chernikov was left clinging to the hope of catching running cards, but the turn brought another queen, delivering a full house to Chen and leaving Chernikov drawing dead.

Final Table Results (USD)

1. Zhen Chen – $132,300
2. Aleksandr Chernikov – $91,500
3. Simone Andrian – $58,800
4. Adrian State – $43,600
5. Fahredin Mustafov – $32,000
6. Felipe Ketzer – $26,000
7. Angelos Michael – $21,400
8. Elie Saad – $17,100
9. Mehmet Demirkol – $13,100

Content and Images Courtesy: PokerNews & WSOP