2013 World Series of Poker

Event #55: The $50,000 Poker Players' Championship
Day: 5
Event Info

2013 World Series of Poker

Final Results
Winner
Winning Hand
k10
Prize
$1,774,089
Event Info
Buy-in
$50,000
Prize Pool
$6,336,000
Entries
132
Level Info
Level
26
Blinds
0 / 0
Ante
0

Seat 3: Don Nguyen (5,068,000)

Don Nguyen
Don Nguyen

To be honest, little is known about our chip leader, Don Nguyen other than the fact that he hails from Chino Hills, California and has made his presence known here at the 2013 World Series of Poker.

Nguyen's first-ever WSOP cash came last year when he finished 24th in Event #34 $5,000 PLO Six Handed for $16,463. In June of this year, Nguyen finished 33rd in Event #8 $2,500 Eight-Game Mix for $4,784. Nothing too special, but then came Event #16 $10,000 Heads-Up No-Limit Hold'em five days later.

Nguyen impressed on his way to the final four, which is where he squared off against online legend Ben "Sauce123" Sulsky. All eyes were on Sulsky as the man who has consistently dominated the virtual felt was in the midst of a deep run in one of the most prestigious live tournaments around. Nguyen, however, made quick work of Sulsky, defeating him in just 41 short hands. On the final hand, Nguyen raised to 60,000 from the button, Sulsky three-bet to 145,000, Nguyen pushed out what looked like 800,000 in chips, and Sulsky moved all in for 935,000. Sulsky showed {a-Spades}{j-Clubs} and was ahead of Nguyen's {8-Diamonds}{2-Diamonds}. However, after the board ran out {k-Clubs}{9-Hearts}{7-Diamonds}{j-Spades}{10-Hearts}, Nguyen was able to seize victory with his straight and secure his seat in the finals.

Nguyen was one player away from a WSOP bracelet, but he ultimately fell to Mark Radoja in the final match. Even so, Nguyen took home $204,648 for his runner-up finish in one of the summer's most prestigious tournament and established himself as a one to watch here at the WSOP.

No matter where Nguyen finishes today, and he's the best positioned to make a run at the title, he'll score the biggest cash of his young career.

For more on Nguyen, check out his player profile on PokerNews.

Tags: Don Nguyen