German Poker Pro Ole Schemion Earns WPT Tournament Of Champions Title

This year, a total of 76 players entered the World Poker Tour Tournament of Champions, down slightly from last year’s total of 80. After three days of play, it was none other than high-stakes German pro Ole Schemion who came away with the victory, earning his second WPT title and the top prize of $440,395.

Schemion, who currently sits in fifth place on Germany’s all-time money list with more than $15.3 million, topped a stacked final table that included the likes of Nick Schulman (6th), Griffin Paul (5th), Simon Lam (4th), Ryan Tosoc (3rd), and even WPT commentator Tony Dunst (2nd).

“Champion of champions,” Schemion said to WPT reporters. “It feels great. I’m tired and happy to go home now, but I’m satisfied. It was a nice tournament overall and nice to win.”

Schemion picked up his first WPT title early last year at the WPT European Championship for $255,352. His second title didn’t come very easily. After entering the final table with a large chip lead, Schemion stumbled a bit before recovering en route to victory.

Players who won a WPT title during season XVII automatically earned their buy-in as part of their first-place prize, but past champions also had the option of participating for $15,000. There was also $50,000 added to first-place by the WPT.

In addition to the cash, Schemion also earned a $15,000 entry into next year’s event, along with a special edition Hublot watch, Baccarat Crystal vase, and a custom BBO poker table.

The other players who finished in the money included Noah Schwartz (10th), Jonathan Little (9th), Dominik Nitsche (8th), and Aaron Mermelstein (7th).

With the conclusion of the WPT season, a new Player of the Year has been crowned. Erkut Yilmaz, a past Card Player Poker Tour event winner, managed to win two tournaments during the season to earn the title.

Yilmaz won the WPT Borgata Poker Open in September for $575,112, and followed that up by taking down the WPT Rolling Thunder in April for another $303,920. As part of the perks of finishing on top, Yilmaz gets a special edition Hublot watch, $15,000 in tournament buy-ins, and complimentary accommodations at all WPT tour stops next season.

Here is a look at the final results.

Season XVIII of the WPT kicks off July 20 at the Gardens Casino near Los Angeles with a $5,000 buy-in main event.

Photo credits: Joe Giron/WPT

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