Venetian Deep Stack Extravaganza Ends With Three Winners

Note: This story was updated on Dec. 5 to reflect newly available information from the players and tournament staff.

The Venetian Deep Stack Extravaganza recently wrapped up with its $2,500 main event. The no-limit hold'em tournament attracted 233 entrants and generated a total prize pool of $539,628. This was the ninth edition of the popular tournament series that pushed the trend of giving players more bang for their buck with more play in smaller buy-in events.

Among the notables to make the final two tables and cash included Denny Lee (14th), Tim Frazin (12th), and Blake Cahail (seventh).

When play got three-handed, a deal was struck according to the chip counts. Joanne "J.J." Liu held the chip lead, Ulises Roman was in second, and Nicholas Sliwinski was the short stack. A total of $15,000 was set aside to play for, though Liu was given credit for the victory. Because the players were so deep and the hour was late, the tournament took on a light-hearted feel and the all-ins came often. After spreading some chips around the table, Liu was eliminated in third. This score brought Liu near the $2-million mark for lifetime earnings.

After Liu's elimination, the two remaining players agreed to chop the extra $15,000, resulting in an odd finish where all three players laid claim to a portion of the victory. Sliwinski took home the trophy, Liu took home credit for the win, and Roman took home the most cash.

Here were the final results:

1. Joanne "J.J." Liu -- $110,492*
2. Ulises Roman -- $115,760*
3. Nicholas Sliwinski -- $98,610*
4. Richard Dinunzio -- $48,567
5. Stewart Yancik -- $32,378
6. Anasavanh Sittivong -- $26,981
7. Blake Cahail -- $21,585
8. Christopher MacNeil -- $16,189
9. Randy Dorfman -- $10,793

* Based on a three-way chop awarding an extra $15,000 to the winner, which was chopped as well.

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