"A Dream Come True": Joao Simao Wins First Triton Title and Third WSOP Bracelet
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Joao Simao is a champion once again, taking down Event #10: $150,000 Triton NLH 8-Handed and the last Triton title of the festival.
He won his third bracelet and over $3 million in prize money, topping a podium of Brazilians and a field packed with high roller talent.
Event #10: $150,000 Triton NLH 8-Handed Final Table Results
| Place | Player | Country | Payout (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | João Simao | Brazil | $3,067,000 |
| 2nd | Felipe Boianovsky | Brazil | $2,131,000 |
| 3rd | Yuri Dzivielevski | Brazil | $1,409,000 |
| 4th | Danny Tang | Hong Kong | $1,103,000 |
| 5th | Jonathan Jaffe | United States | $891,000 |
| 6th | David Coleman | United States | $693,000 |
| 7th | John Pannucci | United States | $548,000 |
Event Recap
The final Triton bracelet event of December saw 77 players enter with just 13 places paid.
$250,000 Triton Invitational champion Kayhan Mokri led the 14 survivors from a field of 39 into Day 2, but after late registration added 38 more players to the field, the final tally had swelled to 77 with just 13 places paid.
The unlucky bubble boy was former Triton champion Ding Biao who lost a flip to Jonathan Jaffe to guarantee the remaining players the $231,000 payout.
Mokri was one of the first eliminations in 12th, with Kristen Foxen (11th - $248,000) also missing out.
Jonathan Jaffe led the final seven players after a stunning double elimination saw him send Bryn Kenney (9th - $323,000) and Cary Katz (8th - $427,000) to the rail.
Jaffe held pocket aces on 8♠4♥4♠8♦8♠ with his full house good enough to knock out both opponents and vault into the chip lead.
Debutant John Pannucci and David Coleman, who was already flying home with some Triton silverware exited, before Jaffe exited in yet another double knockout alongside Danny Tang. This time at the hands of Felipe Boianovsky.
The three Brazilians that remained were led by Boianovsky, and he increased his lead with the elimination of Yuri Dzivielevski in third place.
All that was left was for Simao to mount a spirited heads-up comeback, coming from an almost 3:1 chip deficit to clinch victory and relegate his compatriot to second place.
"I feel amazing of course," Simao said after his victory. "It was a dream to win a Triton. Actually, it was a dream to play a Triton. I think this is the main goal of a poker player."
Pictures courtesy of Triton Poker Series
