2008 World Series of Poker Europe

Day 3 completed

Posted 09-23-2008 13:41 GMT+1

That's All, Folks

As Porky Pig always says... "T-T-T-T-That's all folks." After a highly entertaining four days, Jesper Hougaard of Denmark has finally overcome 409 other poker fanatics to capture that shiny gold bracelet and the small matter of £144,218. But for the 24-year-old pro, this is a particularly momentous occasion as he becomes the first player in history to win bracelets both sides of the Atlantic, having captured World Series gold in Las Vegas just a few months ago.

"Words can't describe how I feel," he gleamed. "I'm ecstatic. I was chip leader for most of yesterday, and it was then that it dawned on me that I could actually win."

But coming into the final, Hougaard was eighth in chips, and looking to edge his way up the ladder. "It's not my normal approach, but I'm embarrassed to say that I was just trying to make my way through the money gradually. When I doubled up though and got some chips, I felt I could start to play."

As a tournament that was lacking from the festival's inaugural year, many would suggest that this opening £1,500 freezeout was a roaring success. From my ringside view and overhearing comments made by the players themselves, I would have to agree and hope that the tournament becomes a permanent fixture in years to come.

But before then, we've got a H.O.R.S.E event to finish. Yee-haw, giddy up!

Tags: Jesper Hougaard.

Jesper Hougaard Wins Event #56 (£1,500 No-Limit Hold'em), Fuad Serhan Eliminated in 2nd Place (£ 89,175)

Hand #162 -

Fuad Serhan has the button. He raises to 120,000, Jesper Hougaard moves all in and Serhan calls.

Serhan:

Hougaard:

Though he's dominated to start off, the flop is utterly perfect for Hougaard, coming down , making him the nut flush and leaving Serhan drawing dead. As almost an afterthought, the and land on the turn and river respectively... and Jesper Hougaard is our champion, taking home his second WSOP bracelet of 2008 and £144,218. He becomes the first person to win one bracelet in Las Vegas and one in London during the same WSOP.

Fuad Serhan earns £89,175 for his runner-up finish.

Hand #161 - Jesper Hougaard

Jesper Hougaard limps, and Serhan checks.

Flop =

Serhan check-folds to a bet of 45,000.

Hand #160 - Jesper Hougaard

Fuad Serhan has the button. He gives Hougaard a walk in the big blind.

Hand #159 - Fuad Serhan

Fuad Serhan receives a walk.

Hand #158 - Fuad Serhan

Fuad Serhan has the button. He moves all in and picks up the blinds and antes.

Heads-Up Chip Counts

Jesper Hougaard 2,020,000
Fuad Serhan 440,000

Hand #157 - Yevgeniy Timoshenko Eliminated in 3rd (£55,350)

Jesper Hougaard pushes all in for the umpteenth time, but on this occasion, Yevgeniy Timoshenko wakes up with a hand and makes the call.

Hougaard =
Timoshenko =

Board =

As the ace hits the flop, the happiest man in the room appears to be Fuad Serhan, who celebrates more avidly than a surprisingly stoic Hougaard.

And then there were two...

Tags: Jesper Hougaard, Yevgeniy Timoshenko.

Hand #156 - Jesper Hougaard

Yevgeniy Timoshenko has the button in Seat 3. Jesper Hougaard moves all in from the small blind and wins the blinds and antes.