Ian Cohen Claims Championship Title at the 2024 WSOP Circuit in Pompano Beach
Photo credit: WSOP / Hayley Hochstetler
The excitement and tension of the World Series of Poker (WSOP) Circuit made a resounding return at Harrah’s Pompano Beach, where players from all corners gathered for the 2024 WSOP Circuit. This year, the $1,700 buy-in no-limit hold’em main event turned heads by attracting a formidable 721 entries, far surpassing its $1 million guarantee by over $92,000. After three bustling starting flights and intense days of action, Ian Cohen, a local from Ft. Lauderdale, triumphed over the competition to win not only a coveted gold ring but also a substantial first-place prize of $183,100.
A Career-Defining Moment
Cohen’s remarkable victory provided a significant boost to his career earnings, bringing his lifetime tournament winnings to over $301,000. This pivotal moment marks a career-best payday for Cohen, further solidifying his position within the poker community. In addition to the financial win, he secured 912 Card Player Player of the Year points, a noteworthy achievement in the competitive landscape of tournament poker. This victory represents his second POY-qualifying win of the year, having previously clinched a $400 buy-in event at the Seminole Hard Rock Poker Open for $14,470 and an additional 134 points. With 1,046 total points, Cohen’s success places him firmly inside the top 600 contenders in the 2024 Player of the Year standings, sponsored by Global Poker.
The Final Table Face-Off
The tournament reached its exhilarating conclusion with 74 players cashing out, but only eight advanced to the final day. The final table witnessed moments of brilliance and heartbreak, beginning with the elimination of two-time World Poker Tour champion James Carroll. Carroll, holding pocket jacks, faced Cohen’s dominating pocket queens, leaving him in eighth place with a payout of $18,246.
As the eliminations progressed, the likes of Jack Nathan (seventh place, $23,988) and Jose Chapui (sixth place, $32,219) fell victim to Cohen’s strategic plays. Cohen’s stack continued to grow when he eliminated Steve Karp, who finished fifth with a payout of $44,190, and Robert LeBeau, securing fourth place for $61,864.
It was Anatoly Nikitin’s third-place finish, earning $88,364, that set the stage for an eagerly anticipated heads-up duel. Both Cohen and Nikitin exhibited strong gameplay, but Nikitin’s pair of fives proved insufficient against Cohen’s pocket queens.
The Heads-Up Showdown
Entering heads-up play, Cohen held a decisive chip lead against Josh Hillock. The dynamics shifted when Hillock pushed all-in with 9♣2♠ in a desperate attempt to minimize his dwindling stack. Cohen comfortably called with J♦10♦. The board opened to reveal Q♦7♥2♣5♦10♣, giving Cohen a pair of tens and sealing Hillock’s fate as the runner-up with winning earnings of $128,728.
Ultimately, Cohen’s strategic moves and solid hand management not only secured him the title but also demonstrated his ascent within the ranks of poker’s elite.
The Final Standings
Here’s a detailed overview of the payouts and Player of the Year points awarded at the final table:
| Place | Player | Earnings | POY Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ian Cohen | $183,100 | 912 |
| 2 | Josh Hillock | $128,728 | 760 |
| 3 | Anatoly Nikitin | $88,364 | 608 |
| 4 | Robert LeBeau | $61,864 | 456 |
| 5 | Steven Karp | $44,190 | 380 |
| 6 | Jose Chapui | $32,219 | 304 |
| 7 | Jack Nathan | $23,988 | 228 |
| 8 | James Carroll | $18,246 | 152 |
| 9 | Marcos El-Husick | $14,184 | 76 |
Conclusion
Cohen’s victory at the 2024 WSOP Circuit in Pompano Beach highlights not only his skill and determination but also the vibrant atmosphere of poker tournaments that continue to captivate players and fans alike. With his eyes set on further glory in the upcoming events, Ian Cohen has certainly established himself as a player to watch in the world of competitive poker.
1
20
20
