Robert "Uncle Krunk" Panitch Eliminated in 3rd Place ($156,743)

It's been a heck of a week for Robert "Uncle Krunk" Panitch. The 62-year-old from Northbrook, Illinois, who earned his way into the National Championship as an at-large qualifier, had a deep run in the Harrah's New Orleans $1,675 Main Event, ultimately finishing in 16th place. Now, he has a third-place finish in the National Championship and $156,743 to brag about. Not too shabby for Uncle Krunk, whose previous best cash was for $18,010.

In what would be his last hand, Jonathan Hilton opened for 60,000 from the button and Panitch called from the small blind. Max Steinberg came along from the big and three players saw a flop of . Panitch wasted little time in leading out for 100,000, Steinberg quickly folded and Hilton opted to raise to 250,000. Panitch immediately moved all in for about 450,000 total and Hilton called.

Hilton:
Panitch:

Hilton was ahead with a pair of aces, but Panitch was drawing live to clubs. The rail was cheering for the man they call "Uncle Krunk," but it'd be in vain as the blanked on the turn followed by the river. Panitch gave a gracious exit interview to ESPN and then took his leave from the National Championship stage.