Travis Rice wins Aruba Poker Classic

By: Erik Sylven

Top pros such as Phil Hellmuth, Mike Matusow, Freddy Deeb and Annie Duke came to play in the Aruba Poker Classic, but they were no match for online high roller Travis Rice. "TravestyFund," as Rice is known online, took home the event and the $800,000 first prize.

Travis Rice played solid poker throughout the tournament, but he needed a little luck to seal the deal and claim the Aruba Poker Classic title.

In the final hand, Rice was in a bad position holding K-T against his opponent James Mordue, who had moved all-in pre-flop with A-K.

If Mordue had won that hand, he would have taken over the chip lead, but a ten on the turn ended his dream of winning the prestigious tournament.

Rice received $800,000 for the victory, while Mordue had to settle for $478,405.

Final-table results:

Place	Name	Country	Prize
1st	Travis Rice	United States	$800,000
2nd	James Mordue	United States	$478,405
3rd	Brad Smithson	United States	$252,490
4th	Nick Blackburn	United States	$146,180
5th	Jason Gray	United States	$106,310
6th	Jordan Rich	United States	$77,075