2018 US Poker Open

USPO #01 – $10,000 No Limit Hold'em
Day: 2
Event Info

2018 US Poker Open

Final Results
Winner
Winning Hand
k7
Prize
$190,400
Event Info
Buy-in
$10,500
Entries
68
Level Info
Level
28
Blinds
60,000 / 120,000
Ante
120,000

USPO #01 – $10,000 No Limit Hold'em

Day 2 Completed

Justin Bonomo Wins the $10,000 No Limit Hold'em Event for $190,400, Takes Early Lead in the US Poker Open

Level 28 : 60,000/120,000, 120,000 ante
Justin Bonomo Wins Event #1
Justin Bonomo Wins Event #1

Justin Bonomo has been in an excellent form in the last months and he carried his momentum to the US Poker Open. The 32-year-old American pro showcased his talent in the first $10,000 No Limit Hold'em event, topping the 68-entry field for a $190,400 payday.

"I've just had an incredible run of cards in the last two months and I hope it continues," said Bonomo who already came into the US Poker Open as the #1 ranked player on the GPI Player of the Year leader board.

Bonomo takes an early lead in the race for the overall US Poker Open title which comes with a spectacular, 25-inch tall trophy. In the moments after his victory, Bonomo declared he'll jump straight into the $10,000 Pot Limit Omaha event that kicked off earlier today.

Bonomo has been constantly showing his prowess in the toughest tournaments all around the world. He's also an accomplished mixed games player and the combination of his skill set, fine form and a brilliant start immediately puts him among the hottest favourites for the US Poker Open crown.

Bonomo came back for the final day holding the chip lead. But even the shortest stacks among the final six contenders maneuvered a solid 40 big blinds so everyone had a legitimate shot at the victory.

The main character of the opening period was Boutros Nadim, a recreational player from Lebanon who fearlessly competed in a lot of pots, seeing many flops. Nadim's approach paid off when he tangled in a three-bet pot with Sam Soverel who eventually called Nadim's all-in on a turn. Soverel had just a third pair and a gutshot straight draw and Nadim's top pair dodged a lethal damage as he stacked a big double to take over the lead.

Meanwhile, Bonomo kept handling his big stack with an excellent precision, picking his spots with a pinpoint accuracy. Other contenders were making moves as well with the 30-second shot clock keeping the tournament at an entertaining pace. PokerGO viewers could watch the dramatic battles with the hole cards up.

Soverel was eventually the first player to leave the table as he couldn't mount a comeback after the loss to Nadim. Stephen Chidwick finished him off in a fair race, beating Soverel's sevens with ace-jack.

However, Chidwick ended up being the next casualty. A few unfortunate collisions significantly wounded his stack and Chidwick put his last nine big blinds in play when his king-jack was dominated by David Peters' king-queen.

It was Nadim still guarding the pole position at the time but Peters was getting more involved in the action with his stack growing to a more comfortable position.

The fact that Justin Young didn't double his short stack certainly helped Peters and Bonomo whose game plan could shift a little away from the ICM. Bonomo took care of Young, raise-calling a 15-big blind shove with king-queen suited. Young was a hair ahead with ace-seven but a king on the flop sent him packing.

Peters was the shortest stack among the final three but he patiently cruised his chips until he found himself on the better side of a cooler, getting a full double from Nadim. Peters flopped a set versus top two and while both players slow-played their hands, the river brought the inevitable fireworks.

Peters was still trailing his two remaining rivals but he narrowed the gap and even took over the lead for a moment before facing off with Bonomo in a key pot.

They had been to many of the blind-versus-blind battles before and Bonomo had the advantage of a better position. Most of the pots between the two heavyweights ended in small contests but the 131st hand on the final table was a different one.

Peters limp-called with six-five suited and flopped an open-ended straight draw. After a checked flop, Bonomo hit a top pair on the turn but Peters took the betting lead. Bonomo called and Peters hit his own pair on the river but it was only a third pair. He checked and Bonomo over-shoved, puzzling Peters. He eventually pulled off a call only to see Bonomo claiming the pot worth two-thirds of all chips in play.

That looked to be the decider, even more so when Bonomo knocked out Peters on the following hand. He entered the heads-up as a three-to-one chip leader over his less experienced opponent.

But Nadim was ready to fight for the win as hard as he could. He was one card away from being eliminated when he over-shoved with a bottom pair only to run into a top pair but the river not only saved him but also catapulted to the lead.

Poker gods were fair to Bonomo and rescued him once as well when he was all-in with two pair against the same two pair but holding a worse kicker. The river brought a chop and the final match would continue on for a few more dozens of hands.

It was a case of many double ups for Nadim who bounced back from five big blinds at one point, scoring three doubles in a span of just six hands.

But Bonomo tackled his rival again when they clashed in a massive cooler. Nadim had no chance to escape as he looked down at ace-king. Bonomo, however, held the bullets and the chips naturally went in preflop. Bonomo's aces held strong and he finally busted Nadim in the next hand, the 183rd of the final table.

"You put me in some really tough spots, man," Bonomo said to Nadim, praising him for his aggressive approach. "I enjoyed it," Nadim replied.

US Poker Open - Event #1: $10,000 No Limit Hold'em results:

PositionPlayerCountryPrize
1Justin BonomoUnited States$190,400
2Boutros NadimLebanon$136,000
3David PetersUnited States$88,400
4Justin YoungUnited States$68,000
5Stephen ChidwickUnited Kingdom$54,400
6Sam SoverelUnited States$40,800
7Cary KatzUnited States$34,000
8Andy ParkUnited States$27,200
9Jake SchindlerUnited States$20,400
10Anthony ZinnoUnited States$20,400

Justin Bonomo is the first winner at the US Poker Open but there are seven more tournaments to find their champions so make sure you tune back to PokerGO for the cards-up final table broadcast and to PokerNews for the live coverage of the series.

Tags: Boutros NadimDavid PetersJustin BonomoJustin YoungStephen Chidwick

Boutros Nadim Eliminated in 2nd Place for $136,000

Level 28 : 60,000/120,000, 120,000 ante
Boutros Nadim
Boutros Nadim

Hand #182: Boutros Nadim peeled {A-Hearts}{K-Spades} and limped, hoping to get action from Justin Bonomo. He got it indeed as Bonomo looked down at nothing less than the {A-Diamonds}{A-Clubs}. Bonomo raised it up to 360,000, Nadim fired back with an 820,000 three-bet and then called off Bonomo's all-in.

The {A-Spades}{10-Hearts}{2-Clubs}{5-Clubs}{2-Hearts} runout stayed firmly at Bonomo's side as he climbed back to a big lead.

Hand #183: Bonomo shoved with {K-Clubs}{7-Hearts} for just under 1.2 million and Nadim decided to put his last 10 big blinds in play, turning up {8-Clubs}{5-Clubs}

"I don't mind to take clubs," Nadim said before the flop was dealt.

The dealer helped him only partially, revealing the {10-Spades}{3-Diamonds}{6-Clubs} flop.

The {4-Hearts}, however, brought some extra outs for Nadim who now had a straight draw. "Always a sweat," Bonomo smiled.

The river card was the {Q-Spades}, leaving Bonomo's hand ahead. The first US Poker Open winner shook his hands with Nadim, congratulating him to a great performance.

"You put me in some really tough spots, man," Bonomo said to Nadim. "I enjoyed it," Nadim replied. He picked up $136,000 for his runner-up finish while Bonomo took the $190,400 first prize and an early lead for the overall title.

Player Chips Progress
Profile photo of Justin Bonomo us
Justin Bonomo
6,800,000
3,960,000
3,960,000
WSOP 3X Winner
Run It Once
Profile photo of Boutros Nadim lb
Boutros Nadim
Busted

Tags: Boutros NadimJustin Bonomo

Level: 28

Blinds: 60,000/120,000

Ante: 120,000

Hands #178-182: Nadim Climbs Back Into the Lead

Level 27 : 50,000/100,000, 100,000 ante

Hand #178: Boutros Nadim raised to 300,000 on the button with {j-Clubs}{8-Hearts} and Justin Bonomo called with {7-Spades}{6-Hearts}. The flop came {q-Hearts}{10-Hearts}{10-Clubs} and Bonomo check-folded to a single bet from Nadim.

Hand #179: Bonomo limped in with {a-Diamonds}{9-Clubs} and Nadim checked his option with {5-Hearts}{2-Spades}. The flop came {k-Hearts}{8-Hearts}{7-Hearts} and Nadim checked with the only heart in his hand. Bonomo fired 100,000 and Nadim elected to fold.

Hand #180: Nadim folded {10-Hearts}{2-Hearts} on the button giving Bonomo a walk.

Hand #181: Bonomo limped with {8-Hearts}{3-Spades} and Nadim checked his option with {7-Diamonds}{2-Spades}. The flop came {k-Spades}{j-Hearts}{2-Hearts} and Nadim led out for 300,000, inducing a fold from Bonomo.

Player Chips Progress
Profile photo of Boutros Nadim lb
Boutros Nadim
3,960,000
260,000
260,000
Profile photo of Justin Bonomo us
Justin Bonomo
2,840,000
-260,000
-260,000
WSOP 3X Winner
Run It Once

Tags: Boutros NadimJustin Bonomo

Hands #173-177: Nadim Finds Another Double

Level 27 : 50,000/100,000, 100,000 ante

Hand #173: Justin Bonomo raised to 200,000 with {A-Clubs}{J-Spades} and Boutros Nadim folded {9-Hearts}{4-Hearts} in the big blind.

Hand #174: Nadim gave Bonomo another walk.

Hand #175: Bonomo raised to 200,000 with {J-Spades}{10-Spades} and Nadim jammed with {Q-Hearts}{Q-Clubs}. Bonomo asked for a count and when he was informed that it was 1.65 million, he called.

Nadim liked the {9-Hearts}{A-Spades}{3-Hearts} flop, saying: "Ok, that's fine by me."

"Do you want the queen of spades?" Bonomo offered a sweat. Nadim replied with an uncertain "Hmmmm".

The turn {10-Hearts} gave a chance to Bonomo but the {5-Hearts} river was harmless for Nadim who doubled yet again.

Hand #176: Nadim raised to 450,000 with queen-eight and won the pot.

Hand #177: Bonomo limped with {9-Spades}{4-Diamonds} and Nadim found pocket queens again. He decided to check and trap Bonomo, letting him see the {8-Hearts}{K-Diamonds}{6-Clubs} flop. Nadim then led out 300,000 but Bonomo had no more business in that hand.

Player Chips Progress
Profile photo of Boutros Nadim lb
Boutros Nadim
3,700,000
1,700,000
1,700,000
Profile photo of Justin Bonomo us
Justin Bonomo
3,100,000
-1,700,000
-1,700,000
WSOP 3X Winner
Run It Once

Tags: Boutros NadimJustin Bonomo

Hands #169-172: Nadim Comes from Behind to Double Up Twice

Level 27 : 50,000/100,000, 100,000 ante

Hand #169: Bonomo raised from the button and Nadim quickly folded his big blind.

Hand #170: Boutros Nadim went all in with {j-Hearts}{3-Diamonds} for 550,000 and Justin Bonomo quickly called with {a-Spades}{q-Hearts}. The flop came {6-Diamonds}{5-Diamonds}{4-Diamonds} and Nadim picked up a straight flush draw. The turn brought the {2-Spades}, giving Nadim a straight. Bonomo was left drawing to a three to chop the pot, but the {9-Hearts} on the river secured the double up for Nadim.

Hand #171: Bonomo announced all in with {q-Hearts}{7-Hearts} and Nadim folded {9-Clubs}{5-Clubs} in the big blind.

Hand #172: Nadim limped in with {a-Hearts}{k-Hearts} and Bonomo shoved all in with {5-Hearts}{5-Clubs}. Nadim quickly called and it was a race situation. The flop came {q-Spades}{7-Diamonds}{4-Clubs} and Bonomo was still out front with his pair of fives. However, the {k-Diamonds} hit the turn and Nadim made a pair of kings. The {j-Hearts} on the river gave Nadim another double up to pull the stacks closer to even.

Player Chips Progress
Profile photo of Justin Bonomo us
Justin Bonomo
4,800,000
-1,450,000
-1,450,000
WSOP 3X Winner
Run It Once
Profile photo of Boutros Nadim lb
Boutros Nadim
2,000,000
1,450,000
1,450,000

Tags: Boutros NadimJustin Bonomo

Hands #164-168: Bonomo Closing on the Victory After a Giant Double

Level 27 : 50,000/100,000, 100,000 ante

Hand #164: Justin Bonomo completed with {Q-Spades}{8-Diamonds} and Boutros Nadim checked. Nadim's {10-Hearts}{4-Clubs} caught no piece of the {Q-Hearts}{J-Hearts}{7-Diamonds} flop and he check-folded to Bonomo's min-bet.

Hand #165: Bonomo received a walk.

Hand #166: Bonomo called and Nadim checked. The flop fell {9-Diamonds}{9-Clubs}{9-Hearts} and Nadim check-called 100,000 with his {10-Diamonds}{8-Spades}. Bonomo was just ahead with {J-Hearts}{3-Spades} and he fired another barrel on the {A-Hearts} turn. Nadim couldn't pay the 300,000 and let the pot go to Bonomo.

Hand #167: Another walk for Bonomo.

Hand #168: In a quick fashion, Bonomo limped {A-Hearts}{9-Diamonds} and called when Nadim shoved with {A-Clubs}{4-Diamonds}.

Bonomo observed a chop possibilities on the {Q-Spades}{J-Hearts}{5-Diamonds} flop as another five would discard the kickers. The {2-Hearts} turn opened a straight draw for Nadim but the {6-Hearts} stayed with Bonomo whose stack was counted at 3,075,000. He's now an overwhelming chip leader while Nadim is left with just under six big blinds.

Player Chips Progress
Profile photo of Justin Bonomo us
Justin Bonomo
6,250,000
3,775,000
3,775,000
WSOP 3X Winner
Run It Once
Profile photo of Boutros Nadim lb
Boutros Nadim
550,000
-3,775,000
-3,775,000

Tags: Boutros NadimJustin Bonomo

Hands #159-163: Nadim Rivers a Flush to Take the Lead

Level 27 : 50,000/100,000, 100,000 ante

Hand #159: Boutros Nadim folded {8-Hearts}{6-Hearts} on the button while Justin Bonomo took the walk with pocket queens.

Hand #160: Bonomo limped in with {k-Clubs}{9-Spades} and Nadim checked with {5-Hearts}{2-Hearts}. The flop came {6-Clubs}{5-Clubs}{4-Diamonds} and Nadim shipped all in, prompting a fold from Bonomo.

Hand #161: Nadim folded his button again and Bonomo picked up the pot.

Hand #162: Bonomo just called with {k-Clubs}{q-Clubs} and Nadim checked his {4-Hearts}{2-Hearts}. The flop came {q-Hearts}{8-Diamonds}{5-Hearts} and Nadim led out for 275,000 with his flush draw. Bonomo called with top pair and the {j-Spades} landed on the turn. Nadim checked this time and Bonomo checked behind. The river was the {6-Hearts} and Nadim fired 500,000. Bonomo used up one of his time extensions before making the call. Nadim tabled his flush and stepped out into the lead.

Hand #163: Nadim continued to fold his button and Bonomo received his third straight walk.

Player Chips Progress
Profile photo of Boutros Nadim lb
Boutros Nadim
4,325,000
875,000
875,000
Profile photo of Justin Bonomo us
Justin Bonomo
2,475,000
-875,000
-875,000
WSOP 3X Winner
Run It Once

Tags: Boutros NadimJustin Bonomo

Hands #154-158: Nadim Doubles and Continues His Shove Fest

Level 27 : 50,000/100,000, 100,000 ante

Hand #154: Justin Bonomo limped with {J-Hearts}{8-Diamonds} and Boutros Nadim checked his options with {8-Hearts}{5-Hearts}. Nadim overbet the {7-Clubs}{10-Hearts}{J-Spades} flop, firing 450,000. Bonomo opted for a double raise and Nadim folded.

Hand #155: Nadim found only five-high and folded his small blind.

Hand #156: Bonomo limped with {A-Spades}{10-Hearts} and Nadim looked down at {A-Clubs}{J-Spades}, raising to 300,000. Bonomo jammed and Nadim snap-called.

"I hope I'm going to make it this time," Nadim said before the dealer revealed the {8-Diamonds}{4-Clubs}{6-Diamonds}{J-Diamonds}{5-Clubs} board. The turn card sealed it for Nadim who doubled to 3.2 million to narrow the gap. Bonomo was still ahead with 3.6 million.

Hand #157: Nadim open-shoved his {A-Hearts}{5-Diamonds}, forcing a fold from Bonomo.

Hand #158: Bonomo limped with {2-Spades}{2-Clubs} but folded his pair when Nadim declared all-in again, this time with {5-Spades}{5-Hearts}. "I don't do nitting," Nadim declared. The stacks are now virtually identical.

Player Chips Progress
Profile photo of Boutros Nadim lb
Boutros Nadim
3,450,000
1,090,000
1,090,000
Profile photo of Justin Bonomo us
Justin Bonomo
3,350,000
-1,090,000
-1,090,000
WSOP 3X Winner
Run It Once

Tags: Boutros NadimJustin Bonomo