Juttelstad Thwarts Gagne for WPT Seminole Title

Matt Juttelstad. Photo: BJ Nemeth.

Matt Juttelstad is the new WPT Seminole Hard Rock Lucky Hearts Poker Open champion, defeating Gigi Gagne heads-up after an epic final table today in Florida.

Juttelstad, who led or was in the top five in chips virtually wire-to-wire, earned $268,444 for the win – by far and away his largest live score ever.

All told, 303 hands were needed to play down from the final six but only about 30 of them were needed heads-up between Juttelstad and Gagne.

Starting heads-up play with a 6.8 million to 2 million edge, it took Juttelstad slightly longer than hoped to knock off the game Gagne although she never climbed much past the 2 million.

Gagne Comes Up Just Short

On the final hand, Juttelstad limped for 80,000 with 6♥ 4♣ and Gagne called.

The flop came 5♣ 3♠ 2♥ and Gagne bet 300,000, getting a call from Juttelstad.

The A♠ turn set off the fireworks. Gagne shoved and Juttelstad snap-called with the six-high straight.

Unfortunately for Gagne, the ace had filled her wheel draw with 8-4 and now she was on the ropes.

The river blanked and Juttelstad scooped the tournament after an almost year-long hiatus from poker.

Gagne collected $158,194 for the runner-up finish but came up just short in her attempt to become the first-ever open event female WPT champion.

Florida-native Juttelstad originally busted on Day 1a but re-entered on Day 1b when his grad school interview at Florida Atlantic University ended early.  

On top of the first-place money and WPT trophy, he also earned a $25,500 seat in the WPT World Championship at the Bellagio in May.

Below are the final six and their payouts:

1st:  Matt Juttelstad  -  $268,444
2nd: Gigi Gagne  -  $158,194
3rd:  Uri Kadosh  -  $105,463
4th:  Sharon Levin  -  $73,344
5th:  Todd Jacobson  -  $54,649
6th:  Keith Ferrera  -  $42,185

For a complete recap of all the action, check the WPT live updates,