Ian Cohen Captures the Coveted WSOPC Ring at Harrah’s Pompano Beach
The exhilaration of tournament poker reached new heights on Monday, October 22, 2023, at Harrah’s Pompano Beach, where players from all over flocked for the prestigious World Series of Poker Circuit (WSOPC) series. Among them, Ian Cohen etched his name into the annals of poker history by securing his first WSOPC ring, triumphing in the $1,700 Main Event and pocketing a remarkable $193,100 — the largest cash of his career.
The Journey to Victory
Cohen, a regular on the Pompano Beach poker scene since 2016, had compiled an impressive track record with over 60 cashes at the renowned venue, formerly known as The Isle. However, nothing compared to the high stakes and competitive atmosphere of the WSOPC series running from October 10 to 21, where 20 events attracted a multitude of players eager for their chance at glory. The Main Event was, of course, the crown jewel of this series.
Drawing a formidable field of 721 players, the Main Event secured a post-rake prize pool of $1,092,315, with the winner’s share marked at $193,100. This marked the third-highest turnout of the series, surpassed only by the Mini Main Event and the Monster Stack. After enduring three intense Day 1 flights, players reconvened on Day 2 to battle down to the final table.
Things heated up on Day 3 when the final eight players entered the arena, with Ian Cohen leading the pack. His chip advantage became even more pronounced as he navigated through the final confrontations of the tournament. Ultimately, he faced off against Josh Hillock, solidifying his dominance and maneuvering his stack with precision. By the time heads-up play unfolded, Hillock found himself critically short-stacked, and Cohen’s strategic expertise and careful play left his opponent little room for resistance. Hillock ended up taking home $128,728, a consolation that pushed his lifetime cashes over the seven-figure mark.
WSOP Circuit Harrah’s Pompano Beach Main Event Final Table Results
| Place | Player | Prize |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Ian Cohen | $193,100 |
| 2nd | Josh Hillock | $128,728 |
| 3rd | Anatoly Nikitin | $88,364 |
| 4th | Robert LeBeau | $61,864 |
| 5th | Steve Karp | $44,190 |
| 6th | Jose Chapui | $32,219 |
| 7th | Jack Nathan | $23,988 |
| 8th | James Carroll | $18,246 |
Notable Performances in the Series
While Cohen’s victory stole the spotlight, other notable players also secured rings throughout the series. Among them was Matt Glantz, who clinched the Seniors Event, taking home $18,822. With a lifetime cash record exceeding $8 million, for Glantz, this ring marked the first taste of success in the WSOPC since 2006, showcasing his enduring prowess in the game.
Another highlight was Bin Weng, who emerged victorious in Event #14: $400 No-Limit Hold’em, claiming a cool $11,988. Weng’s impressive live cash totals surpass $9 million, amply illustrating his versatility, as he often shifts from the high-roller circuit to success in lower-stakes tournaments. Weng also managed a fifth-place finish in Event #15 for an additional $3,797, showcasing his ability to maintain a competitive edge across various game formats.
A Series of Success: Full Results Overview
As the WSOPC at Harrah’s Pompano Beach wrapped up, the series chalked up remarkable results across multiple events, with numerous competitors exiting as champions. Below is a summary of the series’ winners and their respective prizes:
| Event | Entrants | Winner | First Prize | Prize Pool |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Event #1: $400 No-Limit Hold’em – 30K Opener | 290 | Eric Arias | $13,765 | $95,700 |
| Event #2: $600 No-Limit Hold’em – Mini Main | 1,177 | Brian Smith | $95,572 | $606,155 |
| Event #3: $400 No-Limit Hold’em | 173 | Neal Corcoran | $13,837 | $57,090 |
| Event #4: $400 No-Limit Hold’em | 71 | Max Golige | $7,359 | $25,000 |
| Event #5: $400 Seniors Event | 252 | Carlos Marquez | $18,671 | $83,160 |
| Event #6: $1,100 No-Limit Hold’em Mystery Bounty | 357 | Evan Kahan | $54,097 | $348,075 |
| Event #7: $400 No-Limit Hold’em | 109 | Jiexi Guo | $9,422 | $35,970 |
| Event #8: $300 Ladies Event | 61 | Betsy Buckley | $4,303 | $14,640 |
| Event #9: $400 Pot-Limit Omaha | 198 | Andrei Mitsiuk | $15,227 | $65,340 |
| Event #10: $400 Monster Stack | 999 | Ryan Hogan | $53,857 | $329,670 |
| Event #11: $400 Pot-Limit Omaha 8 or Better | 106 | Michael Reed | $9,313 | $34,980 |
| Event #12: $300 No-Limit Hold’em – 30K Multi-Day | 436 | Cody Manning | $23,149 | $111,120 |
| Event #13: $1,700 MAIN EVENT | 721 | Ian Cohen | $193,100 | $1,092,315 |
| Event #14: $400 No-Limit Hold’em | 143 | Bin Weng | $11,988 | $47,190 |
| Event #15: $600 No-Limit Hold’em | 129 | Rigo Vanagrelli | $16,591 | $66,435 |
| Event #16: $600 No-Limit Hold’em | 83 | Wagner Wysotchanski | $14,168 | $50,000 |
| Event #17: $400 Seniors Event | 256 | Matt Glantz | $18,822 | $84,480 |
| Event #18: $600 No-Limit Hold’em | 127 | Neal Corcoran | $16,336 | $65,405 |
| Event #19: $2,200 High Roller | 58 | Nitis Udornpim | $36,646 | $116,000 |
| Event #20: $400 No-Limit Hold’em Double Stack Closer | 144 | Akeelo Rhoden | $12,070 | $47,520 |
Conclusion: Onward to New Challenges
The excitement doesn’t end here for the WSOPC community, as the series turns its eye towards the next events. The WSOPC Caesars Southern Indiana, which began on October 17, is now in play until October 24. Following closely will be the WSOPC Harveys Lake Tahoe, slated to kick off on October 24, followed by the WSOPC Choctaw starting October 30.
For players like Ian Cohen, this represents not just a monumental victory but a pathway leading to greater heights in their poker journey. With dedication and skill, Cohen’s triumph might very well be the start of an impressive saga yet to unfold in the world of competitive poker.
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