3 Bet: Varun Uppal, Kaoru Nozaki & Stuart Rutter Win Live Titles

This 3-bet report includes updates from three recently concluded live Main Events from the WSOPC Council Bluffs, Asia Series Poker Tour (ASPT), and Grosvenor UK Poker Tour (GUKPT).

At the grand finale of WSOPC Council Bluffs, in Event #13: $400 No-Limit Hold’em, the Indo-American poker prodigy Varun Uppal emerged victorious. Battling a formidable field of 119 contenders, Uppal claimed the crown, amassing a notable $10,932 from a prize pool of $39,270. This significant achievement bestowed upon Uppal his first gold ring and ensured his entry into the 2024 Tournament of Champions. The climactic moments of the event saw Uppal strategically outclassing Circuit champion Donnie Phan, who took second place with a worthy prize of $6,756.

Meanwhile, the Asia Series Poker Tour (ASPT) made a memorable debut at the CTP Poker Club in Taipei City, Taiwan. This edition will be cherished especially by Japan’s Kaoru Nozaki, who etched his name as the ASPT Main Event champion, bagging an astounding NT$1.377 Billion. Tailgating him was Hong Kong’s ace player, Sze Wing Ho, who clinched second place with a hefty NT$1.125 Billion following a strategic heads-up deal.

Across the ocean, Stuart Rutter solidified his reputation within the poker community by capturing the Main Event title at the Grosvenor UK Poker Tour (GUKPT) in Luton. Triumphing over an impressive lineup of 223 participants, Rutter pocketed a lucrative £62,368 and claimed his second GUKPT Main Event trophy. Hot on his heels, the Indo-British poker maestro Vikrum Mehta settled for the second spot, earning a respectable £44,070.

Indo-American Varun Uppal Takes Down WSOPC Horseshoe Council Bluffs Event #13: $400 No-Limit Hold’em

At the concluding event of WSOPC Council Bluffs, Event #13: $400 No-Limit Hold’em, Indo-American talent Varun Uppal emerged as the champion! Competing against 119 participants, he clinched the top spot, pocketing $10,932 from the $39,270 prize pool. This triumph earned Uppal his inaugural gold ring and a guaranteed spot in the 2024 Tournament of Champions.

In the intense final showdown, Uppal overcame Circuit champion Donnie Phan, who secured the second position and a prize of $6,756.

Overwhelmed, Uppal remarked, “It’s a wonderful feeling.” His poker journey began during the COVID-19 lockdown, and along with his wife, Keerat Bawa, he’s become a regular at various WSOPC events.

“Before the Circuit started, me and my wife were discussing, if there was one thing I wanted to do in the last two years, it was just win a WSOP ring. We’ve been dedicating the studying, all sorts of things, traveling,” Uppal recalled.

Bawa finished 11th in the event, banking $768.

While maintaining a regular job, Uppal’s passion for poker remains unwavering. “This is just the starting,” he enthused. “Hopefully I can convert this into multiple other rings. It’s a game of skill, but it’s also a game of luck. You’ve gotta take what comes your way.”

Another notable Indo-American participant in the event was Bhaskar Setti, who finished fifth with a prize of $2,362.

Final Table Results (USD)

1. Varun Uppal – $10,932
2. Donnie Phan – $6,756
3. Dakota Fernau – $4,622
4. Jerry Vinson – $3,255
5. Bhaskar Setti – $2,362
6. Michael Hahn – $1,767
7. Jacob Long – $1,364
8. Taylor Luft – $1,089
9. Todd Calfee – $898

Kaoru Nozaki Wins the ASPT Taiwan Main Event

The Asia Series Poker Tour (ASPT) recently made its mark at the CTP Poker Club in Taipei City, Taiwan, and the event will always hold a special place for Japan’s Kaoru Nozaki. He clinched the coveted title of ASPT Main Event champion, taking home a staggering NT$1.377 Billion. Following closely, Hong Kong’s Sze Wing Ho secured the runner-up spot with a commendable prize of NT$1.125 Billion, following a head-up deal.

With a buy-in of NT$33,000 (roughly $1,100), the Main Event initially touted an NT$7,000,000 guarantee for its prize pool. However, the turnout of 308 participants boosted the prize pool, allowing ASPT to distribute NT$8,970,200 ($279,580) among the top 47 contenders.

The competition reached its zenith following the ousting of renowned Japanese player Takashi Yagura, who finished third. This set the stage for a riveting heads-up showdown between Nozaki and Ho. Both stood on the cusp of their most significant live poker tournament winnings, each vying for their first live victory. The tides eventually turned in Nozaki’s favor, crowning him the 2023 ASPT Taiwan Main Event champion.

Final Table Results (New Taiwan Dollar)

1. Kaoru Nozaki – NT$1,377,200*
2. Sze Wing Ho – NT$1,124,800*
3. Takashi Yagura – NT$770,000
4. Chien Hung – NT$635,200
5. Douhoung Chien – NT$534,000
6. Chi Jen Chu – NT$453,000
7. Hua Wei Lin – NT$385,600
8. Chia Ko – NT$327,800
9. Mitsuyo Yomogida – NT$277,200

*denotes a heads-up deal

Stuart Rutter Clinches His 2nd GUKPT Luton Main Event Title

Stuart Rutter has etched his name alongside some of the most prominent figures in the Grosvenor UK Poker Tour (GUKPT) by clinching the Main Event champion title in Luton. With his exceptional skills and strategy, Rutter surpassed a robust field of 223 players, earning a handsome £62,368, along with his second GUKPT Main Event trophy. Not far behind, the Indo-British poker aficionado Vikrum Mehta claimed the runner-up position, taking home £44,070.

A well-known figure in the UK poker circuit and even beyond, Rutter’s approach to the game is characterized by his quiet, calm, and jovial demeanor. Yet, he operates with remarkable efficacy and precision.

Marking his initial live score in November 2005, it’s evident that Rutter possesses extensive experience. He’s navigated the intricate world of poker with unmatched expertise. While Rutter’s prowess in mixed games is well-acknowledged, this second GUKPT Main Event title stands as a testament to the fact that his No-Limit Hold’em acumen remains sharp and unparalleled.

The prize pool of £231,933 was distributed among the top 23 contenders. Among these were some renowned names in the poker community. Driton Haxhiaj, a two-time GUKPT Luton Main Event champion, maintained his stellar record by securing the 21st spot with £2,500.

Other notable players who gained significant returns on their £1,250 buy-in were the legendary Willie Tann (12th for £3,595), Brandon Sheils (14th for £3,130), Waheed “Wadey” Ashraf (15th for £2,900), Matthew Davenport (16th for £2,900) and Dean Clay (17th for £2,665).

In the ultimate showdown, Rutter squared off against Mehta, well aware of Mehta’s past triumph in this very event in 2019, where he bagged a stellar £83,590. But in this round, Rutter’s Ace-Queen proved superior to Mehta’s Ace-Ten.

Remarkably, Rutter’s latest win marks his first live poker tournament victory since his success at the GUKPT Coventry Main Event in May 2010. He’s been close to the top several times, notably securing second place in the $10,000 Dealer’s Choice event at the 2018 World Series of Poker (WSOP), which added a whopping $181,258 to Rutter’s kitty, marking his best career earnings to date.

Final Table Results (Pound Sterling)

1. Stuart Rutter – £62,368
2. Vikrum Mehta – £44,070
3. Kevin Allen – £27,830
4. Tim Slater – £17,860
5. Carl Spencer – £12,290
6. James Golder – £9,280
7. James O’Brien – £6,495
8. Freddie Bogie – £5,335
9. Arian Hassankashani – £4,520

Images and Content Courtesy: PokerNews & WSOP.com