Alex Foxen Wins 2018 L.A. Poker Classic Rockstar Energy $25,000 High RollerPoker Pro Defeats Field of 50 Entries To Win $424,625 |
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Alex Foxen has won the 2018 L.A. Poker Classic Rockstar Energy High Roller, defeating a field of 50 entries in the $25,000 buy-in event to win $424,625. This was the second largest live tournament cash of the 26-year-old poker pro’s career, behind only his recent runner-up score in the 2017 World Poker Tour Five Diamond Poker Classic main event for $1,134,202. He now has lifetime live tournament earnings in excess of $2.6 million.
In addition to the title and the money Foxen was also awarded 420 Card Player Player of the Year points.
Foxen eliminated Darren Elias in seventh place ($56,250) to take the chip lead into the six-handed televised final table. Foxen extended that lead further by scoring the first knockout on the final day, sending Isaac Baron home in sixth place with $71,375. Not long after he busted Eli Berg in fifth place ($94,625) when his top pair held up against Berg’s flopped flush draw. With that Foxen surpassed the 2.6 million chip mark, meaning that he held just over half of the chips with four players remaining.
Nick Petrangelo flopped a flush to eliminate Sam Panzica, sending the two-time WPT champion to the rail in fourth place with $131,000.
Maria Ho entered the day in second chip position but was the shortest stack left when the field had been narrowed to three. Her last chips went in with the A5 against Foxen’s pocket nines and failed to improve. Ho hit the rail in third place with $188,875.
Foxen took more than a 7-to-1 lead into the final showdown with Petrangelo, who is one of the most accomplished high roller players in poker with over $10 million in lifetime live earnings.
On the final hand of the event Foxen raised to 65,000 from the button and Petrangelo called. The flop brought the 1086 and both players checked. The 4 came on the turn and Petrangelo bet 65,000. Foxen called and the 2 completed the board. Petrangelo checked and Foxen moved all in. Petrangelo went into the tank before he made the call with the K4. Foxen revealed the 62 for sixes and deuces, securing the pot and the title. Petrangelo earned $283,250 as the runner-up finisher.
Here is a look at the payouts and POY points awarded in this event:
Place | Player | Earnings (USD) | POY Points |
1 | Alex Foxen | $424,625 | 420 |
2 | Nick Petrangelo | $283,250 | 350 |
3 | Maria Ho | $188,875 | 280 |
4 | Samuel Panzica | $131,000 | 210 |
5 | Eli Berg | $94,625 | 175 |
6 | Isaac Baron | $71,375 | 140 |
7 | Darren Elias | $56,250 | 105 |
Winner photo courtesy of WPT / Joe Giron.