Francis Anderson Snags Final Multi-Flight Crown of 2024 at Venetian New Year’s Extravaganza $800 UltimateStack ($61,551)

When the calendar flipped to 2025, Francis Anderson (cover image) was busy making moves at the poker tables rather than popping champagne. The Wappinger Falls, New York native stole the spotlight by capturing the $800 UltimateStack title at the Venetian New Year’s Extravaganza, earning himself a handsome $61,551 payday and adding yet another piece of hardware to his trophy case.

Congratulations to Francis Anderson (@FrancisPoker123) of Las Vegas, NV who was the outright winner in our DeepStack Extravaganza Event #05 $800 NLH UltimateStack $250,000 guarantee on 12.30.24

Francis takes home the DeepStack Extravaganza silver coin, the trophy, and $61,551 pic.twitter.com/HsiQbmzHRL

— Venetian Poker Room (@VenetianPoker) December 31, 2024

This marks Anderson’s sixth career tournament title, bolstering an already enviable résumé that includes his unforgettable triumph at this past summer’s WSOP Event #80: $800 Independence Day Celebration, where he racked up a jaw-dropping $501,040. Clearly, holiday-themed events are Anderson’s wheelhouse—Valentine’s Day might be calling his name next!

2024 was anything but ordinary for Anderson. Beyond adding multiple titles to his portfolio, he nailed down nine final table finishes and pushed his lifetime tournament winnings past the $3.6 Million mark.

Still, victory wasn’t a walk in the park. Anderson had to overcome a relentless Lokesh Garg in a riveting heads-up battle. Garg, of Indian origin, put forth a valiant effort before securing the runner-up spot for $44,245—his second-largest career cash. Garg is no stranger to high-level competition either, having booked impressive runs in three events during the 55th WSOP in Las Vegas. His latest result boosts his total live earnings to an imposing $1.15 Million.

All told, the $800 buy-in event attracted 515 entries, easily surpassing its $250,000 guarantee and amassing a $355,350 prize pool. A total of 66 players made the money, each pocketing at least $1,598 in this final multi-flight showdown of the year.

Final Table Action

Francis Anderson’s journey to the winner’s circle wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows—he had to navigate a star-studded final table that featured David Sommer (9th), 2024 Mid-States Poker Tour Venetian Poker Bowl champ Terry Fleischer (8th), Michael Klayman (7th), Aaron Massey (6th), and James Agate (5th).

Even the formidable bracelet winner Ryan Laplante eventually felt the burn, bowing out in fourth place. Laplante came into the event riding a hot streak: just weeks earlier, he pocketed $185,500 by finishing runner-up in the $1,600 Mystery Bounty at the WPT World Championship. His string of successes is propelling his career earnings toward the $4 Million mark.

After an anonymous player departed in third place, heads-up play kicked off with Lokesh Garg holding a slight chip lead over Anderson. But the tables turned when Anderson landed a flush to crack Garg’s jack-high straight.

The final hand was a showstopper on a board of . Garg’s connected for a straight, but Anderson’s delivered a powerhouse full house—nines full of jacks—to seal the deal. Garg settled for runner-up honors, while Anderson walked away with the ultimate triumph.

Final Table Results (USD)

1. Francis Anderson – $61,551
2. Lokesh Garg – $44,245
3. Ryan Laplante – $23,785
4. James Agate – $17,790
5. Aaron Massey – $13,486
6. Michael Klayman – $10,364
7. Terry Fleischer – $8,007
8. David Sommer – $6,383

Content & Images Courtesy: CardPlayer