2010 World Series of Poker

Event #45: $1,500 No-Limit Hold’em
Day: 3
Event Info

2010 World Series of Poker

Final Results
Winner
Winning Hand
72
Prize
$721,373
Event Info
Buy-in
$1,500
Prize Pool
$4,180,950
Entries
3,097
Level Info
Level
31
Blinds
80,000 / 160,000
Ante
20,000

Thiago Nishijima Eliminated in 3rd Place ($315,828)

Thiago Nishijima
Thiago Nishijima

With the blinds at 60,000 and 120,000, Ray Coburn made a rare limp on the button, leading to a fold from Jesse Rockowitz in the small blind and a raise from Thiago Nishijima to 395,000 in the big blind. Coburn, with his head resting on one arm as his cap and hoodie combo shadowed his face, made the call.

The dealer roller out a {7-Hearts}{10-Spades}{8-Hearts} flop, and after much deliberation, Nishijima led out for 475,000. Coburn paused briefly, glanced at the dealer, and quietly announced all-in. Nishijima rechecked his cards and responded with a call.

An excited crowd left their seats and closed in on the table as the hole cards were revealed: {9-Clubs}{8-Diamonds} for Coburn, but {Q-Clubs}{Q-Spades} for Nishijimi.

As the Brazilian contingent held their breath in unison, the American fans began chanting for a six, but before their requests had barely left their lips, the dealer duly popped the {6-Diamonds} onto the felt. The locals erputed as the Brazilians were silenced. A {6-Clubs} river and it was all over for Nishijima - despite a plucky performance that would make Rocky look like a quitter, he'd finished just two places shorts of the bracelet.

"U S A!! U S A!! U S A!!" came the chants, but the Brazilians were quick to respond. "Braaazil!! Braaazil!! Braaazil!!" Outnumbering their foes, the Brazilians stormed the stage to congratulate their sunken hero, lifting him up on their shoulders as if he'd won the bracelet. But although he wouldn't be adding gold to his wrist, he does leave with a rather sumptuous $315,828 in his back pocket, and that alone is worth a cheer or two.

Tags: Jesse RockowitzRaymond CoburnThiago Nishijima