In the largest Omaha Hi-Lo tournament in the World Series of Poker History, Francesco “Cheech” Barbaro has claimed his first bracelet and the $262,283 first place prize. The 37-year-old Barbaro beat 924 contestants to win the third WSOP event. He entered the third and final day with a dominant chip lead.
Barbaro hails from Chicago as a former bartender and, amazingly enough, this is the first WSOP event he has ever entered. He left his old profession to become a professional poker player two years ago. Before this event, his biggest cash came at Chicago’s Horseshoe Hammond for $16,000.
The organizers of the WSOP are likely breathing sighs of relief after seeing such a huge turn out. Many at the WSOP have been anticipating negative effects from Black Friday. If this event is any indication, however, live poker is hardly hurting. This year’s number of entrants is 28% higher than last year’s. The field included notable players such as Barry Greenstein (36th, $6,868), Erik Seidel (32nd, $6,868), Men Nguyen (27th, $8,191), Allen Cunningham (26th, $8,191), Scott Clements (21st, $8,191), and Humberto Brenes (6th, $42,857).
The next WSOP Omaha event is the $10,000 Omaha Hi-Low Championship on Monday.
Final table results:
- Francesco Barbaro — $262,283
- Kostas Kalathakis — $161,675
- Matt Waxman — $104,770
- Bradley Helm — $76,673
- Michael Deveronica — $56,943
- Humberto Brenes — $42,857
- Cameron McKinley — $32,654
- Vladimir Shchemelev — $25,174
- Travis Pearson — $19,617