PokerStars.com EPT London £1m Showdown

Day 2 completed

Posted 10-08-2008 03:52 GMT+2

Congratulation to Jason Mercier, PokerStars.com EPT London £1 Million Showdown

With the smoke cleared and the dust settled, it's time to reflect on what was a hugely successful event, which attracted some of the biggest names in the game. With 85 players stumping up the £20,000 buy-in, we were treated to a who's who of poker with more stars than an entire series of Celebrity Squares.

Phil Ivey, Chris Ferguson, Gus Hansen, Daniel Negreanu, Devilfish - this event was tougher than a two dollar steak, but in the end, it was the less experienced face of Jason Mercier that prevailed. With an EPT win and two final tables already in the bag, Mercier came armed with a fierce reputation, and one that he cemented by treating the Grosvenor Victoria to a showcase of top notch poker.

What's more, he won without hollering, gloating or shouting his victories, and remained humble throughout. Perhaps one of the most popular players in the press room, he is not only a splendid poker player, but also a thoroughly nice chap, and one who was quick to commend his defeated heads-up opponent.

Again, the EPT comes up trumps and continues to prove why it has become the most sought after Tour in Europe. With Jason Mercier winning everything in sight, however, I have just two concerns: (1) Will everyone stop turning up? and (2) How's he going to fit all those trophies on to the mantelpiece?

Over and out.

Tags: Jason Mercier.

Current Chip Counts

Jason Mercier -- 1,721,000
John Juanda -- 0

Jason Mercier Wins the PokerStars.com London £1m Showdown (£516,000 and the Shiny Glass Trophy)

Yes indeed, the softly spoken EPT San Remo winner can now boast this inaugural High Rollers title as well. The presentation ceremony will be taking place very shortly. Huge congratulations to Mr Mercier.

Tags: Jason Mercier.

John Juanda Eliminated in 2nd Place (£327,000)

Juanda raised, Mercier reraised all in, and after a pause not quite as long as some of those we have seen from Juanda tonight, he called.

Juanda:
Mercier:

Flop: and Mercier has flopped the nuts.

Turn: and Juanda is drawing dead.

River: a completely irrelevant .

John Juanda is eliminated, and we have a winner.

Tags: Jason Mercier, John Juanda.

Juanda Claws a Few Chips Back

Unraised preflop, Juanda check-called Mercier's 24,000 bet on the flop. They checked down the turn and river, and Juanda took the 100,000 pot with a pair of nines.

Tags: Jason Mercier, John Juanda.

Folding the Button

He maybe influenced by the fact that Jason Mercier eliminated him from the event, but Daniel Negreanu has been rather critical of Jason Mercier's tendency to fold the button. He also commented negatively on his preflop calls, saying that he shouldn't be looking to play hands out of position.

Bah, what's that Negreanu fella ever won?

Still No Mercier

Juanda makes it a slightly-more-than-minimum 48,000 but quietly lays it down when Mercier reraises him all in.

Tags: Jason Mercier, John Juanda.

Showing No Mercier

After John Juanda made it 48,000 to play, Jason Mercier announced an all-in and put the decision back on Juanda for his tournament life. Juanda didn't pass immediately, swaying his head from side to side as he mulled over his options. Eventually he opted for the fold, but he may not be so forgiving next time...

Mercier Continues To Control Play

Mercier limped in on the button and they saw a flop. Juanda bet out 22,000 and Mercier called. Juanda backed down and checked the turn, and when Mercier bet 60,000, Juanda looked incredibly surprised. He checked his hole cards, perhaps hoping that they had magically morphed into a better hand, and folded.

Tags: Jason Mercier, John Juanda.