Hugues Girard Claims Victory at the WPT Prime Paris Championship

The world of poker has witnessed another thrilling chapter with the conclusion of the €1,100 WPT Prime Paris Championship. This prestigious tournament, held at the iconic Club Circus in Paris, not only showcased the skill and determination of poker players from around the globe but also highlighted the growing appeal of poker in Europe.

A Stellar Turnout

The tournament kicked off with an impressive turnout, attracting 1,242 entrants across five starting flights. The excitement built as players vied for a share of the colossal prize pool of €1,192,320 (approximately US $1,285,559) offered to the top 156 finishers. This year’s event has further solidified the WPT’s reputation for attracting significant participation and producing high-stakes action.

Final Table Dynamics

After three intense days of action, one name stood out as the beacon of triumph: Hugues “Hugo” Girard, who nearly dominated the final table from start to finish. Girard’s performance culminated in a remarkable victory, earning him a prize of €170,000 (around US $183,294) and a coveted seat in the WPT World Championship at Wynn Las Vegas in December 2024.

The climax of the final table was gripping, taking 124 hands to determine the champion. As the players were whittled down, Girard found himself in a pivotal heads-up showdown against Mathieu Goncalves. The defining moment came on Hand #242 when Goncalves pushed all-in with king-nine, while Girard called with king-seven. As the community cards revealed two more sevens, Girard’s hand was secured, leaving Goncalves to take second place with €117,120 (approximately US $126,279) in earnings.

Hugo Girard’s Career Milestone

This victory marked a new career-high for Girard, who had previously secured a solid second place at the 2024 Winamax Poker Tour Grande Finale Event #5, earning $137,772. With this latest triumph, his lifetime tournament earnings eclipsed $770,000, affirming his status as a formidable force in the poker community.

Final Table Results

The competition at the final table was fierce, with seasoned players battling for a slice of the lucrative prize pool. Here are the results of the final table:

Broadcast and Audience Engagement

The excitement of the final table was broadcast live on Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook, allowing fans worldwide to witness the action as it unfolded. The livestream featured commentary and analysis, enhancing the viewing experience for poker enthusiasts eager to catch every strategic move and dramatic showdown.

Additional Players of Note

Throughout the tournament, several other noteworthy players finished in the money. Notables included Kevin Garcia (10th – $17,251), Clement Kerrien (16th – $11,213), and WPT Global Ambassador Conor O’Driscoll, who had a notable run before finishing in 31st place for $7,332.

O’Driscoll’s exit was marked by two unfortunate hands that exemplified the unpredictable nature of poker. In one hand against Kostya Zaks, he lost a significant portion of his stack despite initially leading, showcasing how quickly fortunes can turn at the poker table.

Looking Ahead

As the dust settles in Paris, the WPT circuit plans to head back to Montreal for their final events of the year. The anticipation builds for the upcoming $5,000 WPT bestbet Scramble Championship in Florida from November 15-19, promising to deliver more high-stakes action and engaging moments for fans and players alike.

With each tournament, the World Poker Tour continues to elevate the game, drawing in a diverse array of players and fans, and creating unforgettable experiences that captivate poker enthusiasts around the globe.

Photos courtesy of World Poker Tour (WPT)

Author: Chad Holloway
Role: PR & Media Manager
Bio: PR & Media Manager for PokerNews, Podcast host & 2013 WSOP Bracelet Winner.

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