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Event 58 – $10,000 Main Event World Championship

Pius Heinz Wins the 2011 WSOP Main Event!

The champ!
The champ!

In the very late stages of Nov. 8, 2011, 22-year-old Pius Heinz became the first German to claim poker’s ultimate prize.

The Cologne resident outlasted 6,856 players and then beat a final table that included Sam Holden, Anton Makiievskyi, Bob Bounahra, Eoghan O’Dea, Phil Collins, Matt Giannetti, Ben Lamb and Martin Staszko to win the 2011 WSOP Main Event.

In addition to a world championship gold bracelet, Heinz also took down $8.7 million – one of the biggest payouts in the history of poker.

Heinz entered the final table with the third shortest stack but started winning early and, after winning a huge pot against Eoghan O’Dea, never really looked back.

One of the most aggressive players at the final table, Heinz won pot after pot without having to show his cards and he quickly became a contender as play went from nine-handed to three.

Heinz was the first player to break the 100 million-chip mark and by the time play got down to the last three players he was the chip leader with 107 million.

After nearly four months of waiting, players took one-day break after they reached three-handed, putting even more pressure on Ben Lamb, Martin Staszko and Heinz.

The final day didn’t go exactly as Heinz would have planned as Staszko knocked out Lamb very early and then took over the chip lead but the German was as resilient as a Panzer tank and refused to give up.

Finally Staszko made the mistake of shoving with T♣ 7♣ and Heinz called with A♠ K♣. Heinz successfully faded all of Staszko’s outs and his Big Slick became the winning hand of the tournament.

Heinz rockets up poker’s all-time winning list by taking down the $8,711,000 prize and all of Germany can take pride in his accomplishment.

Thanks for tuning into PokerListings coverage of the 2011 WSOP and be sure to check back for interviews and stories with the winner and runner-up.

  • Level 43
  • Blinds 1200000/2400000
  • Ante 300000
  • Average Stack 205,950,000
  • Players Left 1
  • Tables Left 1

2011 Main Event: Staszko Falls Short! (Second)

Czech-mate!
Czech-mate!

Martin Staszko came into the 2011 WSOP Main Event as the chip leader and put in a performance that nearly won him a world championship.

Nearly.

After the stunning hand that saw Staszko and Pius Heinz essentially trade stacks, Staszko was playing from the short stack.

With about 40 million chips to his name, Staszko looked down at T♣ 7♣ and decided to ship it all in the middle.

Unfortunately for Staszko, Heinz woke up with a veritable monster in A♠ K♣ and made the quick call.

Staszko shook his head as he saw Heinz’ hand and knew that he would need some luck from the board if he wanted to swap stacks with the German at least one more time.

By this point the entire Penn and Teller amphitheater was rocking as fans realized this could be the final hand of the tournament.

The flop came 9♠ 5♣ 2♦ and the Heinz’ supporters went crazy as their hero was still ahead.

With tension so thick you could cut it with a knife the dealer flipped over a J♥ turn. That changed nothing and Heinz was officially within one card of winning the 2011 WSOP Main Event.

The river came… 4♦!

The Penn and Teller amphitheater literally exploded with confetti as Heinz ran to his friends and family and embraced them.

Staszko, who was the first player from the Czech Republic to make the final table, finishes in second place and will receive $5.4 million for his efforts.

Stay tuned for a complete final table recap.

  • Level 43
  • Blinds 1200000/2400000
  • Ante 300000
  • Average Stack 205,950,000
  • Players Left 1
  • Tables Left 1

2011 Main Event: Heinz Stuns Staszko with Double

Pius Heinz is all smiles now.
Pius Heinz is all smiles now.

It took more than five hours but we just had our first all-in and call of the heads-up match between Martin Staszko and Pius Heinz.

On the first hand of Level 43 Staszko completed and Heinz popped it up to 7.9 million pre-flop. Staszko called and the flop went down K♠ T♣ 7♣.

The German did not let up and moved 8.2 million in the pot. Staszko responded by pushing 17.5 million into the middle.

Heinz thought for a minute and announced quietly to the dealer that he was all-in. Staszko has acted fast for the majority of the final table and made a quick call.

The players revealed their hands and it turned out they were both drawing.

Pius Heinz: A♥ Q♥

Martin Staszko: Q♣ 9♣

The room was buzzing as Heinz’ tournament life was on the line and he definitely didn’t want to see any clubs.

The turn came 3♥ and then the river fell… 6♠!

Heinz successfully faded all of Staszko’s outs and is suddenly in command of the match with a huge chip lead.

Here’s how the chips looked after the gigantic hand played out:

Pius Heinz – 161,500,000

Martin Staszko – 44,400,000

  • Level 42
  • Blinds 1000000/2000000
  • Ante 300000
  • Average Stack 102,975,000
  • Players Left 2
  • Tables Left 1

2011 Main Event: Staszko Slips

You seen how much money is on this table?
You seen how much money is on this table?

Once again Martin Staszko has been unable to deal the killing blow to opponent Pius Heinz.

Heinz opened to 4 million and Staszko called. The flop came J♦ 5♥ 4♥ and Heinz immediately led out for 4.5 million.

Staszko thought he sensed weakness and threw 10.2 million into the pot. Instead Heinz re-raised all-in for his last 44.1 million.

Staszko carefully weighed his options for a few minutes but eventually decided he couldn’t make that call.

Heinz raked in that pot and, after adding a few more small pots, is gaining on Staszko. We've been heads-up now for close to five hours.

Here are the updated chip counts:

Martin Staszko – 126,000,000

Pius Heinz – 76,000,000

  • Level 42
  • Blinds 1000000/2000000
  • Ante 300000
  • Average Stack 102,975,000
  • Players Left 2
  • Tables Left 1

2011 Main Event: Trouble for Heinz

Pius Heinz is still loved.
Pius Heinz is still loved.

Martin Staszko has put together a nice string of wins and Pius Heinz is starting to dip into danger territory. 

None of the pots were particularly big over the last 20 minutes but Staszko has been hammering the young German with a number of re-raises.

In perhaps the biggest pot of the last while both players checked their way to the turn of a K♠ J♣ 9♣ 7♣ board.

Heinz bet 3 million and Staszko made the call, which brought the A♥ river. Heinz fired again, this time for 6.5 million but Staszko wasn’t going anywhere and made the call.

Heinz immediately mucked and Staszko showed K♦ 8♥ to take the pot.

The German lost a few pots after that hand and these are the updated chip counts:

Martin Staszko – 161,000,000

Pius Heinz – 44,900,000

  • Level 42
  • Blinds 1000000/2000000
  • Ante 300000
  • Average Stack 102,975,000
  • Players Left 2
  • Tables Left 1

2011 Main Event: Heinz Begins Slow Road to Recovery

Something, something, Ketchup joke.
Something, something, Ketchup joke.

Don’t look now but Pius Heinz is once again on his way to evening up the chip stacks.

There hasn’t been a ton of action over the last 10 minutes but Heinz has been consistently winning.

After winning three hands in a row, Heinz added this slightly more significant pot.

Heinz opened for 4 million pre-flop and Martin Staszko called bringing a A♠ A♦ J♦ flop.

Staszko checked but Heinz threw 4 million more into the pot. Staszko flat-called and the turn came 9♠.

This time Staszko bet, putting 6 million into the pot. Heinz called and the board finished with the 4♦. Both players checked and Heinz showed 9-5, which was enough to win the pot.

So far neither player has shown the ability to close out an opponent and there’s no telling how long we could be here if Heinz re-takes the chip lead.

Here are the updated chip counts:

Martin Staszko – 129,000,000

Pius Heinz – 76,900,000

  • Level 42
  • Blinds 1000000/2000000
  • Ante 300000
  • Average Stack 102,975,000
  • Players Left 2
  • Tables Left 1

2011 Main Event: Staszko Takes Heinz to the Brink

So close.
So close.

The pressure is suddenly on Pius Heinz.

Martin Staszko called and Heinz checked his option to see a flop of J♥ T♣ 3♥. Both players checked and that brought the Q♥ turn.

That’s when the fireworks began and Heinz threw 3 million into the pot. Staszko raised to 7.5 million and Heinz went into the tank, pondering his next move.

Finally Heinz called and that brought the 6♠ river. This time Heinz checked but Staszko chucked 10 million into the pot.

Heinz spent several minutes planning his next move but eventually decided to call. Staszko immediately showed K♦ 9♣ for the king-high straight and that was enough to give Staszko the pot.

The Czech player now has a huge lead over Heinz. Here are the current chip counts:

Martin Staszko – 143,300,000

Pius Heinz – 62,600,000

  • Level 42
  • Blinds 1000000/2000000
  • Ante 300000
  • Average Stack 102,975,000
  • Players Left 2
  • Tables Left 1

2011 Main Event: Staszko Strikes Back

Settle in, this might take awhile.
Settle in, this might take awhile.

It seems like an understatement to call these two players evenly matched.

For the umpteenth time this heads-up match the chip lead has switched hands and Staszko is once again on top.

On the very first hand of Level 42, Heinz opened for 4.2 million and Staszko responded by raising to 11.5 million.

Heinz stared down his opponent but eventually opted to re-raise to 20.6 million. Staszko immediately moved all-in and the entire room was nervous as they waited for Heinz to make his choice.

In the end Heinz laid it down and the Staszko supporters went crazy. The Czech player once again has the chip lead and this how the chips currently look:

Martin Staszko – 109,900,000

Pius Heinz – 96,000,000

  • Level 42
  • Blinds 1000000/2000000
  • Ante 300000
  • Average Stack 102,975,000
  • Players Left 2
  • Tables Left 1

2011 Main Event: Heinz Overtakes Staszko

This kid can PLAAAAAY!
This kid can PLAAAAAY!

Apparently you can’t keep a resilient German down and Heinz has once again taken the chip lead here at the 2011 WSOP Main Event.

Heinz has had all the momentum in the last 10 minutes and finally won a big enough pot to give him the chip lead.

The Cologne resident bet 2.7 million pre-flop and Staszko responded with a 9.5 million raise.

Heinz thought for a minute and then fired 19.9 million into the pot. Staszko thought for a couple minutes but, after some visible frustration, decided to lay his hand down. Heinz picks up a 20+ million pot without ever seeing a flop and he now has the chip lead.

We have yet to experience an all in and call in heads-up play.

Here how the stacks currently look at the final table:

Pius Heinz – 115,000,000

Martin Staszko – 92,800,000

  • Level 41
  • Blinds 800000/1600000
  • Ante 200000
  • Average Stack 102,975,000
  • Players Left 2
  • Tables Left 1

2011 Main Event: Heinz Wakes Up

Can Heinz catch up?
Can Heinz catch up?

Pius Heinz seems to have survived the recent barrage of big Martin Staszko pots and just took down a big one of his own. 

Staszko finally opened a pot for a standard bet and Heinz raised to 5.1 million. Staszko thought for a minute but then called.

The flop ran out 9♠ 4♣ 2♥ and Heinz bet 5.1 million. Staszko called and the turn came 3♥.

This time Heinz checked but Staszko bet 7.5 million. Heinz opted to make the call and the river fell 5♣.

Both players apparently lost their will to bet at this point and checked it down.

Heinz showed T♠ 9♦ and that was enough to prompt Staszko to throw his hand in the muck. The German won a few minor pots after that and is now closing in on Staszko’s chip lead. Staszko and Heinz have now been heads-up for nearly three hours.

Here are the latest counts:

Martin Staszko – 114,500,000

Pius Heinz – 91,400,000

  • Level 41
  • Blinds 800000/1600000
  • Ante 200000
  • Average Stack 102,975,000
  • Players Left 2
  • Tables Left 1

2011 Main Event: Staszko Drags Monster Pot

Don't underestimate this man.
Don't underestimate this man.

We’ve been waiting for the next big hand for a while now and it feels like we just witnessed it.

The potentially tournament-defining hand began with Pius Heinz opening for 3.4 million and Staszko calling.

The flop came A♦ 9♠ 3♦ and Staszko checked but Heinz threw 3.8 million into the pot.

Staszko called and the turn brought the A♠. Once again Staszko checked but Heinz bet 8.4 million.

As he’s been doing all night, Staszko suddenly shifted gears and check-raised to 18.5 million.

Heinz called and the dealer flipped over a 6♦ river.

This time Staszko was the aggressor and he bet 20 million, leaving Heinz with a critical decision.

Finally Heinz shook his head and threw his hand into the muck. Staszko takes a 2-1 chip lead over the young German. Here are the updated chip counts:

Martin Staszko – 141,340,000

Pius Heinz – 65,750,000

  • Level 41
  • Blinds 800000/1600000
  • Ante 200000
  • Average Stack 102,975,000
  • Players Left 2
  • Tables Left 1

2011 Main Event: Heinz Up Then Down

It’s turning into all-out war here at the 2011 WSOP Main Event. 

Pius Heinz successfully battled back and re-took the chip lead when he forced a huge fold from Staszko on a Q♦ 5♦ 2♣ A♥ 3♦ board after a 16 million bet.

Shortly after that hand, however, Staszko won a monster pot to take the chip lead back.

Staszko opened for 3.5 million pre-flop and Heinz made it 10 million to play. Staszko called and the flop came T♠ 7♦ 2♥.

Heinz continued to pile on the pressure with a 9.8 million bet. Staszko immediately called and that brought the A♣ river.

Yet again Heinz bet and this time he poured 21.3 million chips into the pot. Staszko thought for a minute but then announced he was all in.

It didn’t take long for Heinz to fold and once again Staszko has the chip lead. The Czech player has won several pots after that hand and the chip counts are now:

Martin Staszko – 124,800,000

Pius Heinz – 81,100,000

  • Level 40
  • Blinds 600000/1200000
  • Ante 200000
  • Average Stack 102,975,000
  • Players Left 2
  • Tables Left 1

2011 Main Event: Staszko Fights Back

Martin Staszko has successfully turned the heads-up match around and now holds the chip lead.

Heinz never let up in his pressure but Staszko found a couple good spots to fire back at the young German.

In one of the bigger hands Heinz, as usual, made an opening bet of 3.3 million and Staszko called.

The flop came Q♥ Q♣ 9♥ and both players checked. The turn came 3♥ and Staszko checked again but this time Heinz threw a 3.7 million bet into the pot.

The board finished with the 9♣ on the river and Heinz finally checked. Staszko followed suit and showed K♥ 8♣ for king-high, which was enough to win the pot as Heinz threw his hand into the muck.

About 10 hands later, Staszko successfully reclaimed the chip lead after the following monster hand.

Staszko had the button and completed while Heinz checked his option to see a flop of Q♠ 9♥ 2♣.

Heinz led out for 2 million and Staszko called. The dealer peeled a K♠ turn and Heinz fired for 4.5 million.

Once again Staszko called and the board finished with the 7♠. Heinz went for the triple barrel and threw 14 million in the pot.

Staszko pondered his decision for about two minutes but then called and showed Q♥ 7♣, which was enough to beat Heinz’ 7♦ 2♥.

After the hand the stacks looked like this:

Martin Staszko – 110,650,000

Pius Heinz – 95,250,000

  • Level 40
  • Blinds 600000/1200000
  • Ante 200000
  • Average Stack 102,975,000
  • Players Left 2
  • Tables Left 1

2011 Main Event: Heinz Takes the Lead

Can Staszko slow Heinz?
Can Staszko slow Heinz?

Pius Heinz and Martin Staszko have only been heads-up for about 30 minutes but the German is causing all sorts of problems for Staszko.

Heinz, who we’ve been calling the German Raising Machine for the last couple days, has been putting an extraordinary amount of pressure on Staszko and has won several huge pots without showdown.

The biggest hand so far saw Heinz bet 3.7 million pre-flop and Staszko made the call to see a flop of 9♦ 8♦ 5♣.

Heinz made a continuation bet of 4.3 million and Staszko immediately called. That brought the Q♦ and Heinz kept the pressure on by betting 8.8 million.

Staszko called and the river came T♣. Heinz finally checked but Staszko had no intention of following suit and bet 14.5 million.

With nearly 50 million in the pot, Heinz thought for a few minutes before announcing he was all-in.

Staszko looked tormented by the play and carefully weighed his options. Finally he decided to throw his hand in the muck.

Heinz took the chip lead in the hand and has since added to his stack. Here’s how it looks at the moment:

Pius Heinz – 135,250,000

Martin Staszko – 70,650,000

  • Level 40
  • Blinds 600000/1200000
  • Ante 200000
  • Average Stack 102,975,000
  • Players Left 2
  • Tables Left 1

2011 Main Event: Lamb Sacrificed! (Third)

Ben Lamb's WSOP has finally come to an end.
Ben Lamb's WSOP has finally come to an end.

There’s a good chance the last 15 minutes are going to haunt Ben Lamb for a very long time.

In less than five hands of three-handed play the Tulsa, Oklahoma, native went from second in chips to the rail paving the way for a heads-up match between Martin Staszko and Pius Heinz.

In his final hand Lamb open-shoved for his last 10 million with Q♠ 6♥ and Staszko woke up with J♦ J♣.

Lamb looked sick as the dealer prepared to put out the board.

The flop came 5♣ 5♥ 2♠ and that didn’t offer a whole lot for Lamb. The turn also changed very little when it came 2♣.

Lamb was left hoping for one of the three remaining queens in the deck. Considering the incredible WSOP Lamb's had, it wouldn’t have been a complete shock to see a queen peel off the deck on the river.

Instead the river came 7♠ and the pro-Staszko crowd thundered with approval.

Lamb is out in third place and will take home $4 million for his incredible performance here at the 2011 WSOP Main Event.

The crowd seems stunned here at the Main Event final table, as there was a huge contingent of Lamb supporters that have been silenced.

Our advice? Don’t blink! This event could be over in a matter of minutes.

Here are the stacks as Heinz and Staszko enter heads-up play:

Martin Staszko – 117,000,000 

Pius Heinz – 88,600,000

  • Level 40
  • Blinds 600000/1200000
  • Ante 200000
  • Average Stack 102,975,000
  • Players Left 2
  • Tables Left 1

2011 Main Event: Boom! Staszko Doubles on First Hand

Staszko strikes!
Staszko strikes!

Apparently the three remaining players have no intention of messing around. We just had a double up on the very first hand of three-handed play.

Pius Heinz, Ben Lamb and Martin Staszko had just received their official introductions and UFC announcer Bruce Buffer had just finished the official shuffle up and deal when Staszko and Lamb got into a pre-flop raising war.

Lamb opened for 3 million chips and Staszko raised to 7 million. Lamb thought for a minute and then shoved. It didn’t take long for Staszko to call as he flipped over 7♣ 7♠.

It turned out that we were in for one heck of a coin flip as Lamb had K♥ J♦. The entire crowd was on their feet as there was a chance of an elimination on the very first hand of the session.

The dealer quickly threw down a 9♠ 3♥ 2♦ flop, which gave nothing to Lamb. The turn came 3♠ and Lamb was down to six outs to win the hand.

Instead the river finished with the T♣ to give Staszko the pot and cripple Lamb. Here’s how the stacks look after the hand:

Pius Heinz – 107 million
Martin Staszko – 85 million
Ben Lamb – 12 million

  • Level 40
  • Blinds 600000/1200000
  • Ante 200000
  • Average Stack 68,650,000
  • Players Left 3
  • Tables Left 1

2011 Main Event: The Final Lap

It all ends tonight.
It all ends tonight.

It’s November 8th and after nearly four months of waiting we will have finally have a new world champion either tonight or early tomorrow.

Pius Heinz, Ben Lamb and Martin Staszko have already outlasted 6,862 players but will have to bring their A-game one more time if they want to claim the title and the $8.7 million that goes along with it.

Heinz will carry the chip lead into the final three with 107 million and is looking to become the first German Main Event winner in the history of poker.

Lamb is second in chips with 55 million and has the chance to top off a WSOP where he won Player of the Year with a championship title.

Finally Staszko enters third in chips with 42 million but has been a formidable opponent throughout the final table. He has a shot at becoming the first Main Event winner from the Czech Republic.

Barry Greenstein and Linda Johnson have just been inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame after rousing speeches by Mike Sexton and Doyle Brunson.

We’re now just 30 minutes from getting the final shuffle up and deal and fans are getting downright antsy as they prepare for the conclusion to one of the biggest poker tournaments ever held.

All we can say is get ready. It should be one hell of a night.

  • Level 40
  • Blinds 600000/1200000
  • Ante 200000
  • Average Stack 68,650,000
  • Players Left 3
  • Tables Left 1

2011 Main Event: Lamb Ends Giannetti, Final Three Set

Not a big Benba fan at the moment.
Not a big Benba fan at the moment.

In the end it could happen no other way.

Ben Lamb, the 2011 WSOP POY and one of the hottest players in recent memory, simply would be not be denied a seat in the final three here at the Main Event.

Matt Giannetti, who played well at this final table but got unlucky against Lamb, finally made an ill-timed shove with A♦ 3♠ and smacked right into Lamb’s monster K♦ K♠.

The air in the Penn and Teller amphitheater was electric, as it’s been for most of the night, and it truly seemed something momentous was about to happen.

That feeling was justified when the flop came a stunning K♠ K♦ Q♠ to end Giannetti’s tournament in dramatic fashion. The board finished with a meaningless 4♥ and then the Q♦.

Giannetti crashes out in fourth place but on the plus side picks up $3 million for his efforts in the tournament.

The Texan’s elimination leaves just three players – Pius Heinz, Ben Lamb and Martin Staszko – still chasing poker’s ultimate prize.

It’s been an interesting day down here at the Rio as action shifted gears more times than the average Formula 1 driver.

The day started very tentatively as no player wanted to end their Main Event run with the minimum payout. Finally Sam Holden, the short stack to enter the final table, crashed in ninth place.

Holden’s elimination heralded a rapid succession of bustouts. Anton Makiievskyi (8th), Bob Bounahra (7th) and the aforementioned Holden all hit the rail in the same level.

Eoghan O’Dea (6th) and Phil Collins (5th) weren’t far behind and both bowed out just before dinner at 6:45 p.m.

That’s when action slowed and it took several hours to find the final elimination of the evening. Giannetti got unlucky against Lamb and then ended up on the rail in fourth place.

The final table will now go on break for one entire day as the ESPN production crews scramble to edit their footage for the final broadcast.

Action resumes on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. Las Vegas time so be sure to check back for the exciting conclusion to one of the biggest tournaments in the history of poker. In the meantime be sure to check our news section for interviews with eliminated players and a preview of the final three.

Here’s a look at the chip counts of the final three players heading into action on Tuesday:

Pius Heinz – 107,800,000
Ben Lamb – 55,400,000
Martin Staszko – 42,700,000
Matt Giannetti
Phil Collins
Eoghan O’Dea
Bob Bounahra
Anton Makiievskyi
Sam Holden

  • Level 40
  • Blinds 600000/1200000
  • Ante 200000
  • Average Stack 68650000
  • Players Left 3
  • Tables Left 1

2011 Main Event: Lamb Scores Massive Double Against Giannetti

Lamb not so little now.
Lamb not so little now.

The Ben Lamb heater lasted an entire summer, so what's a couple more days?

Matt Giannetti opened for a standard bet and Ben Lamb, who had been the shortest stack at the final table for the last while, decided to ship it all-in.

Giannetti thought for a minute but then called and tabled J♣ J♦ while Lamb showed A♥ 7♥.

Lamb was in a scary place, with his tournament life on the line, but the poker gods have been extraordinarily kind to the Las Vegas resident and you had to wonder if what the board would bring.

The dealer flipped over a K♥ 9♦ 5♥ and suddenly Lamb had picked up a massive draw. The crowd was thrilled and went into an absolute frenzy when the turn came 4♥, completing Lamb’s flush.

Yet again, Lamb dodged a bullet and in the process crippled the popular Giannetti down to 6.7 million.

Shortly after the hand Giannetti doubled up with Q-T suited against Staszko’s Q-2 but he is still on life support with 14 million.

Stay tuned.

Here are the latest chip counts:

Pius Heinz – 93,400,000
Ben Lamb – 54,200,000
Martin Staszko – 43,950,000
Matt Giannetti – 14,400,000
Phil Collins
Eoghan O’Dea
Bob Bounahra
Anton Makiievskyi
Sam Holden

  • Level 40
  • Blinds 600000/1200000
  • Ante 200000
  • Average Stack 51,487,500
  • Players Left 4
  • Tables Left 1

2011 Main Event: Staszko Doubles through Heinz

Not ready to go.
Not ready to go.

Short stack Martin Staszko finally found the double-up he’d been looking for in Pius Heinz.

Staszko open-shoved for the third time in the last hour and Pius Heinz finally decided to see what the Czech was messing around with.

It wasn’t a bad call as Staszko flipped over A♠ 8♣ to Heinz’ 6♠ 6♥. Staszko was in for approximately 20 million and in danger of becoming our final elimination of the evening.

The dealer flopped 8♥ 8♠ 5♠, which put Staszko firmly in the lead. The turn brought the 4♦ and Heinz had picked up an inside straight draw.

Fortunately for Staszko the river was a safe Q♣ to give him the checkmark. Ben Lamb is now the short stack at the final table.

Here are the latest chip counts:

Pius Heinz – 73,800,000
Matt Giannetti – 56,000,000
Martin Staszko – 44,550,000
Ben Lamb – 31,600,000

  • Level 40
  • Blinds 600000/1200000
  • Ante 200000
  • Average Stack 51,487,500
  • Players Left 4
  • Tables Left 1

2011 Main Event: Who Will Blink First?

Can anyone land the knockout blow?
Can anyone land the knockout blow?

Outside of a couple uncalled Staszko shoves, action has gotten downright tentative over the last 30 minutes of play.

It’s understandable as the stacks have gotten significantly deeper compared to the previous three hours of play and the final three players are no slouches when it comes to final table strategy.

Every remaining player seems focused intently on making it to the final day of the 2011 WSOP Main Event and considering every player that makes it to Tuesday will receive at least $4 million its easy to see why everyone wants to hang on.

Pius Heinz has done a fantastic job as the chip leader over the half our and is a serious threat to break the 100 million chip mark soon.

Here’s the latest chip counts:

Pius Heinz – 96,625,000
Matt Giannetti – 55,775,000
Ben Lamb – 29,750,000
Martin Staszko – 23,775,000

  • Level 40
  • Blinds 600000/1200000
  • Ante 200000
  • Average Stack 51,487,500
  • Players Left 4
  • Tables Left 1

2011 Main Event: One Must Fall!

Something, something, wife joke.
Something, something, wife joke.

We’re once again live from the 2011 WSOP Main Event and the four remaining players now set about ousting one of their own to set the three-player final day of the event.

Pius Heinz, Ben Lamb, Matt Giannetti and Martin Staszko all of chips now but by the time the evening is complete one of them will hit the zero mark.

Interestingly Guy Laliberte, the founder of the One Drop foundation and, co-creator of the $1 million buy-in Big One tournament at the WSOP this summer, stopped by to share some information on the upcoming event.

According to Laliberte 24 players have already expressed their interest in playing the event and he’s planning taking a trip to Russian and Macau to recruit more businessmen who enjoy high stakes poker.

Bertrand “ElkY” Grospellier and Jonathan Duhamel both confirmed they would play the tournament.

Finally Laliberte wished the remaining November Nine players luck and gave the official shuffle up and deal.

We're officially in Level 40 and blinds are 600,000/1,200,000 with a 200,000 ante. Here are the chip counts as we head into what should be the final portion of the evening:

Pius Heinz – 85,500,000
Matt Giannetti – 50,325,000
Ben Lamb – 46,300,000
Martin Staszko – 23,900,000
Phil Collins
Eoghan O’Dea
Bob Bounahra
Anton Makiievskyi
Sam Holden

  • Level 40
  • Blinds 600000/1200000
  • Ante 200000
  • Average Stack 51,487,500
  • Players Left 4
  • Tables Left 1

2011 Main Event: Dinner for Four

Kara Scott calling the action.
Kara Scott calling the action.

Another level is down here at the 2011 WSOP Main Event and the action simply refuses to let up.

Over the last level we’ve seen Eoghan O’Dea and Phil Collins hit the rail as Pius Heinz continues to build his massive stack.

The resurgent Ben Lamb also looks very dangerous as we get ever closer to crowning a champion.

Once we hit one more elimination, however, the entire final table will go on break for one day to give the ESPN production crews some time to catch up.

Right now the shortest stack is Martin Staszko with 23 million as Ben Lamb snapped him off just before the level ended. Staszko still has some room to wiggle so he doesn’t need to get too crazy just yet.

As we mentioned above, players are officially on their dinner break. Check back here at the 8 p.m. local time for more red-hot poker action live from the Rio.

Here are the updated chip counts at the dinner break:

Pius Heinz – 85,500,000
Matt Giannetti – 50,325,000
Ben Lamb – 46,300,000
Martin Staszko – 23,900,000
Phil Collins
Eoghan O’Dea
Bob Bounahra
Anton Makiievskyi
Sam Holden

  • Level 39
  • Blinds 500000/1000000
  • Ante 150000
  • Average Stack 51,487,500
  • Players Left 4
  • Tables Left 1

2011 Main Event: Heinz Denies Collins One More Night (Fifth)

That's the end of that.
That's the end of that.

They certainly haven’t wasted much time here at the 2011 WSOP Main Event final table.

With Eoghan O’Dea’s seat still warm Phil Collins decided to make his big move.

Pius Heinz initially opened for 2.1 million but Collins decided to shove for 18 million. Heinz eventually decided to make the call with 9♣ 9♥ while Collins could only muster A♦ 7♦.

The flop came 6♠ 5♣ 4♦ and, although Heinz was still in the lead, Collins had picked up a ton of outs with his up-and-down straight draw and backdoor flush draw.

The turn came 9♦, which gave Heinz a set but more importantly gave Collins even more outs with the flush draw in play. The dealer finally flipped… 7♠!

Collins missed his outs and Heinz knocks out yet another player.

On the bright side Collins does pick up $2.2 million for coming in fifth place and his crew seemed to understand this as they broke into “In the Air Tonight” for one more time in the Penn and Teller amphitheater.

Just one more player must fall before this final table goes on a one-day recess.

Here are the updated chip counts:

Pius Heinz – 82,350,000
Matt Giannetti – 53,175,000
Ben Lamb – 39,650,000
Martin Staszko – 30,850,000
Phil Collins
Eoghan O’Dea

Bob Bounahra
Anton Makiievskyi

Sam Holden

  • Level 39
  • Blinds 500000/1000000
  • Ante 150000
  • Average Stack 51,487,500
  • Players Left 4
  • Tables Left 1

2011 Main Event: Staszko Sends O’Dea Packing (Sixth)

O'Dear
O'Dear

Irish pro Eoghan O’Dea was in a very unique position at the 2011 WSOP Main Event final table.

He was the only player that had a relative who also made the Main Event who also made the final table.

Way back in 1983, Eoghan’s father - Donnacha O’Dea - made the WSOP Main and eventually finished in sixth place. In 1991 Donnacha made the final table again, this time finishing in ninth place.

As luck would have it, O’Dea finished in the exact same spot his father did, in 1983.

O’Dea was crippled in an earlier hand against Lamb and decided to ship it with Q♥ 6♣ and Martin Staszko called with 8♥ 8♦.

The board came T♥ 9♣ 5♥ J♦ 2♥ and that was enough to end O’Dea’s run here at the 2011 WSOP Main Event.

Fortunately for O’Dea he’s taking home a lot more than his father did (Donnacha took $43k in 1983) as he’ll earn $1.7 million for finishing sixth.

Here are the latest chip counts after the huge hand:

Pius Heinz – 67,500,000
Matt Giannetti – 49,875,000
Martin Staszko – 40,750,000
Ben Lamb – 28,700,000
Phil Collins – 18,150,000
Eoghan O’Dea

Bob Bounahra
Anton Makiievskyi

Sam Holden

  • Level 39
  • Blinds 500000/1000000
  • Ante 150000
  • Average Stack 41,190,000
  • Players Left 5
  • Tables Left 1

2011 Main Event: Lamb Cripples O’Dea

Ben Lamb has been a shell of his former self since getting unlucky against Phil Collins but the poker gods finally shined on the pro in a recent hand against Eoghan O’Dea. 

O’Dea opened for 1.6 million from the cutoff and Lamb decided to just ship his last 14 million in the middle.

The play seemed to torment O’Dea and the Irish pro was unsure of his next move. Having about 16 million, O’Dea barely covered Lamb and was essentially making the decision for his tournament life. After carefully calculating his decision, O’Dea finally decided to make the call with A♣ 9♦.

On paper it looked like the right call as Lamb flipped over a miserly Q♦ 8♦. The poker gods, as we mentioned earlier, had other ideas.

It was a quite a sweat as the board came J♠ J♦ 6♦ 4♣… 8♥! The rivered pair of eights were enough for Lamb to take the pot.

It’s been awhile since we’ve seen much emotion from Lamb but this time he ran to his fans and enthusiastic high-fived them. After the hand Lamb moved up to 29 million while O’Dea moved all the way down to 2.6 million and is in serious danger of going out in sixth.

Players just went on a 15-minute break but you’ll see the updated chip counts below. When they return they’ll have to deal with Level 39 and blinds of 500,000/1,000,000 and a 150,000 ante.

Pius Heinz – 65,200,000
Matt Giannetti – 51,675,000
Martin Staszko – 38,250,000
Ben Lamb – 29,450,000
Phil Collins – 18,750,000
Eoghan O’Dea – 2,600,000
Bob Bounahra
Anton Makiievskyi

Sam Holden

  • Level 38
  • Blinds 400000/800000
  • Ante 100000
  • Average Stack 34,325,000
  • Players Left 6
  • Tables Left 1

2011 Main Event: Against All Odds Collins Doubles Up

That was scary.
That was scary.

Phil “USCPhildo” Collins just survived a heart-wrenching close call.

Collins had been getting short over the last 30 minutes and with 13.5 million chips left finally looked down at Q♥ J♦ and decided it was go time. Collins open-shoved and everyone folded… except for Ben Lamb.

Lamb decided to call and it was easy to see why. The 2011 WSOP POY flipped over A♣ Q♣ and Collins was in a very rough spot.

The flop came K♦ 5♦ 3♠, which meant Lamb was still in the lead but Collins picked up a backdoor flush draw. The turn was an intriguing T♦. The card gave Collins a metric ton of outs as he had straight and flush draws.

With the entire room on it’s feet the dealer finally flipped over the hand-defining Q♦! Collins takes the pot with a queen-high flush.

All the Collins fans immediately broke into a delirious rendition of “In the Air Tonight” as he raked in the pot.

Here’s how the stacks looked after the hand:

Pius Heinz – 53,500,000
Matt Giannetti – 49,875,000
Martin Staszko – 45,750,000
Phil Collins – 28,150,000
Ben Lamb – 15,325,000
Eoghan O’Dea – 13,325,000
Bob Bounahra
Anton Makiievskyi
Sam Holden

  • Level 38
  • Blinds 400000/800000
  • Ante 100000 Average
  • Stack 34,325,000
  • Players Left 6
  • Tables Left 1

2011 Main Event: Staszko Strikes Bounahra (Seventh)

Taking $1.3 million back to Belize.
Taking $1.3 million back to Belize.

Bob Bounahra may have been the most beloved player at the final table today but even that couldn’t save him from hitting the rail in seventh place.

Bounahra was extremely short-stacked for the last 10 minutes and, after a 1.7 million bet from Martin Staszko, he moved all-in with A♥ 5♣.

Unfortunately for him Staszko called with A♠ 9♦ and all of Belize was suddenly gasping for air.

The flop came 7♣ 6♥ 2♣ and that changed nothing. The turn was an eventful K♥ and all Bounahra could do was pray for one of the three remaining fives in the deck.

Finally the dealer peeled off… the 6♦! It gave Staszko fans a scare but it wasn’t good enough to give Bounahra the checkmark.

Bounahra is out and we’re assuming he’s going to take his small army of Belizean fans with him. He picks up $1.3 million for his efforts in the 2011 WSOP Main Event.

Here’s a look at the updated chip counts:

Pius Heinz – 52,300,000
Matt Giannetti – 47,175,000
Martin Staszko – 39,875,000
Ben Lamb – 32,900,000
Phil Collins – 15,375,000
Eoghan O’Dea – 11,625,000
Bob Bounahra
Anton Makiievskyi
Sam Holden

  • Level 38
  • Blinds 400000/800000
  • Ante 100000
  • Average Stack 34,325,000
  • Players Left 6
  • Tables Left 1

2011 Main Event: Heinz Hits Makiievskyi (Eighth)

King-Queen no good!
King-Queen no good!

When it rains, it pours.

Just a handful of hands after Holden became our first elimination from the final table, Ukrainian Anton Makiievskyi followed him to the rail.

In the end Makiievskyi open-shoved for around 10 million chips. Heinz thought for a minute but then made the call, having Makiievskyi easily covered. Both players flipped over their hands:

Makiievskyi: K♣ Q♣

Heinz: 9♦ 9♥

The Ukrainian contingent of the crowd was on their feet as their horse’s tournament life was in dire straights.

They had to like the flop when it came K♠ J♥ J♠ giving Makiievskyi a pair of kings and the lead.

Unfortunately what the poker gods giveth they can also taketh away and that’s just what happened when the 9♣ spiked on the turn. Suddenly Heinz had a stranglehold on the hand with a set of nines.

Makiievskyi needed a minor miracle on the river and it didn’t come as the dealer flipped over the 7♥.

Makiievskyi’s dream of becoming the first Ukrainian Main Event winner is over. He does pick up $1.01 million for coming in eighth place.

Here are the updated chip counts:

Pius Heinz – 61,150,000
Martin Staszko – 43,075,000
Matt Giannetti – 34,625,000
Ben Lamb – 34,400,000
Eoghan O'Dea – 13,325,000
Phil Collins – 12,875,000
Badih Bounahra – 6,475,000
Anton Makiievskyi
Samuel Holden

  • Level 38
  • Blinds 400000/800000
  • Ante 100000
  • Average Stack 29,421,429
  • Players Left 7
  • Tables Left 1

2011 Main Event: Lamb Hooks Holden (Ninth)

Holden can't hold it!
Holden can't hold it!

Sam Holden entered the final table as the shortest stack and despite a valiant effort has officially been relegated to the rail in ninth place.

After several shoves without getting any action, Holden finally picked up A♠ J♠ and decided to move the last of his 11 million stack in the middle while facing a 1.7 million-chip Ben Lamb bet.

Unfortunately for Holden, Lamb had A♥ K♣ and was not willing to make that laydown.

To make matters worse the flop came A♣ 9♣ 8♣ which gave Lamb a pair of aces and the nut-flush draw.

As luck would have it the turn spelled disaster for the U.K. pro when it came K♣, giving Lamb the flush and eliminating Holden.

Holden is the first player to bust at the final table but does pick up $782,115 for his efforts. Expect play to loosen up somewhat as the remaining players have the relief of knowing they won’t go out first.

Here’s a look at the updated chip counts:

Pius Heinz – 49,050,000
Martin Staszko – 43,425,000
Ben Lamb – 34,400,000
Matt Giannetti – 26,425,000
Phil Collins – 15,675,000
Badih Bounahra – 13,925,000
Eoghan O'Dea – 12,925,000
Anton Makiievskyi – 10,100,000
Samuel Holden

  • Level 38
  • Blinds 400000/800000
  • Ante 100000
  • Average Stack 25,743,750
  • Players Left 8
  • Tables Left 1

2011 Main Event: Heinz Takes Charge

He's got 57 varieties of kicking ass.
He's got 57 varieties of kicking ass.

We just finished Level 37 and what a level it was for German Pius Heinz.

Heinz went from zero to hero as he climbed from the bottom of the chip counts to the overall chip lead.

The German stunned Eoghan O’Dea in the biggest hand of the tournament and then went on to win significant hands against Phil Collins, Bob Bounahra and numerous others.

Although he gave up the chip lead, Martin Staszko still has 43 million and might be the only serious competition for Heinz at the moment.

Meanwhile Anton Makiievskyi, Sam Holden, Eoghan O’Dea and Bob Bounahra are all picking up the rear and just one big hand away from going home. After about three hours of play we’re still waiting for our first elimination.

Updated blinds are 400,000/800,000 with a 100,000 ante.

Here’s a look at the most recent chip counts:

Pius Heinz – 49,950,000
Martin Staszko – 43,525,000
Matt Giannetti – 26,525,000
Ben Lamb – 21,675,000
Phil Collins – 15,775,000
Badih Bounahra – 14,025,000
Eoghan O'Dea – 13,025,000
Samuel Holden – 11,225,000
Anton Makiievskyi – 10,200,000

  • Level 38
  • Blinds 400000/800000
  • Ante 100000
  • Average Stack 22,883,334
  • Players Left 9
  • Tables Left 1

2011 Main Event: Heinz on Fire

No biggie.
No biggie.

Pius Heinz just went into beast mode.

The aggressive German won a big hand against Phil Collins pre-flop and then played what turned out to be the biggest hand of the tournament thus far against Eoghan O’Dea.

Heinz opened for a standard bet from middle position and Lamb called from late position.

O’Dea raised to 4.1 million from the big blind and Heinz called while Lamb immediately got out the way.

The flop came 8♣ 8♦ 4♣ and O’Dea kept the pressure on by throwing 4.6 million into the pot. Heinz thought for a minute but then called, which brought the 2♣ turn.

O’Dea made a huge bet of 8.2 million. This sent Heinz deep into the tank. The German carefully weighed his options but after what felt like an eternity he moved all-in for the last of his chips.

O’Dea snap-folded and all of a sudden Heinz is near the top of the chip counts with 44 million while O’Dea stumbles into the danger zone with 11 million.

We've since learned from the ESPN live stream that O'Dea folded A♦ Q♦ while Heinz held Q♣ Q♠.

Here are the updated chip counts:

Martin Staszko – 47,850,000
Pius Heinz – 44,175,000
Matt Giannetti – 26,675,000
Ben Lamb – 21,075,000
Phil Collins – 16,975,000
Badih Bounahra – 15,750,000
Anton Makiievskyi – 12,825,000
Eoghan O'Dea – 11,500,000
Samuel Holden – 9,100,000 

  • Level 37
  • Blinds 300000/600000
  • Ante 75000
  • Average Stack 22,883,334
  • Players Left 9
  • Tables Left 1

2011 Main Event: Bounahra Bounces Back

Don't underestimate this man.
Don't underestimate this man.

Losing that big hand against Martin Staszko seems to have woken the beast in Bob Bounahra.

The Belize-native has been involved in almost every pot over the 10 minutes and has been climbing back up the leaderboard.

He won a massive pot with pocket sevens against Staszco who had A♣ 5♣ on a K♠ K♦ 9♥ 5♠ 3♥ board.

Shortly after that hand Bounahra won big hands off Phil Collins and Sam Holden. He’s out of the danger zone and back up to around 18 million chips.

In other news both Sam Holden and Anton Makiievskyi have open-shoved but everyone else got out of the way.

Here’s a look at the updated chip counts:

Martin Staszko – 42,200,000
Eoghan O'Dea – 34,250,000
Matt Giannetti – 25,175,000
Pius Heinz – 21,575,000
Phil Collins – 20,850,000
Ben Lamb – 19,250,000
Badih Bounahra – 17,400,000
Anton Makiievskyi – 14,475,000
Samuel Holden – 10,750,000 

  • Level 37
  • Blinds 300000/600000
  • Ante 75000
  • Average Stack 22,883,334
  • Players Left 9
  • Tables Left 1

2011 Main Event: Staszko vs. Bounahra

Martin Staszko and Bob Bounahra just can’t seem to avoid each other at this final table.

The two international players just played what appears to be the biggest hand of the final table thus far.

Bounahra bet 1.3 million from early position and Staszko called from the big blind.

The flop came J♥ 5♦ 3♠ and Staszko checked but Bounahra c-bet to 1.85 million. Staszko called and the turn came 8♥. Both players checked and that brought the 9♣ river.

Suddenly Staszko became the aggressor as he threw 2.35 million into the pot. Bounahra spent a couple minutes pondering his decision but eventually folded, much to the delight of the Staszko fans.

The Czech player is showing no signs of giving up the chip lead any time soon. Here are the updated chip counts:

Martin Staszko – 44,425,000
Eoghan O'Dea – 37,350,000
Matt Giannetti – 26,300,000
Phil Collins – 24,550,000
Ben Lamb – 19,475,000
Pius Heinz – 16,650,000
Badih Bounahra – 13,675,000 
Anton Makiievskyi – 12,525,000 
Samuel Holden – 10,975,000

  • Level 37
  • Blinds 300000/600000
  • Ante 75000
  • Average Stack 22,883,334
  • Players Left 9
  • Tables Left 1

2011 Main Event: Giannetti, Collins Make Moves

Nice start for Phil Collins
Nice start for Phil Collins

It hasn’t taken long for the final table contestants to start testing each other. Matt Giannetti and Phil Collins have been the two most active players in the early stages

Giannetti won a minor pot off Collins when he led out for 1.3 million on a Q♦ 7♥ 2♣ 8♠ board while Collins won a decent pot off German Pius Heinz with Ace-high on a T♥ 6♣ 6♦ K♠ K♦ board.

It hasn’t changed the chip counts significantly but Heinz did drop down to 14,850,000 and is in danger of becoming the shortest stack at the table.

We just hit level 37, which means blinds are cranked up to 300,000/600,000 with a 75,000 ante.

Here are the updated chip counts:

Martin Staszko – 39,875,000
Eoghan O'Dea – 35,120,000
Matt Giannetti – 26,455,000
Phil Collins – 24,175,000
Ben Lamb – 20,675,000
Badih Bounahra – 17,750,000 
Pius Heinz – 14,425,000 
Anton Makiievskyi – 13,375,000 
Samuel Holden – 13,125,000

  • Level 37
  • Blinds 300000/600000
  • Ante 75000
  • Average Stack 22,883,334
  • Players Left 9
  • Tables Left 1

2011 Main Event: Here. We. Go.

Madness!
Madness!

The biggest final table of the year has officially begun.

Players just made their official entrances to the 2011 WSOP Main Event and fans were literally on their feet screaming for their heroes.

The shouting continued for a good five minutes after the final table began and organizers finally had to try and calm the frenzied crowd down.

Play begins in Level 36 with blinds of 250,000/500,000. We’ll play down to the last three players and then take a one-day break. We’ll find the new world champion on Tuesday.

ESPN Poker’s Norman Chad provided the shuffle up and deal, although it was difficult to hear the TV presenter through the all the fans, and we are once again live at the 2011 WSOP Main Event.

If you're looking for even more coverage be sure to check our @PokerListings Twitter account.

  • Level 36
  • Blinds 250000/500000
  • Ante 50000
  • Average Stack 22883333.333333
  • Players Left 9
  • Tables Left 1

2011 Main Event: The Beginning of the End!

Ready to rumble?
Ready to rumble?

It’s been 111 days since the last hand was played in the 2011 World Series of Poker but at long last cards will once again be in the air in little more than an hour.

For nearly four months Martin Straszko, Eoghan O’Dea, Matt Giannetti, Phil Collins, Ben Lamb, Badih Bounahra, Pius Heinz, Anton Makiievskyi and Sam Holden have been dreaming about this moment and it’s finally here.

The PokerListings crew has set up in the orchestra section of the Penn and Teller amphitheater and, as expected, the air is positively electric in the room.

There are a huge number of poker fans in the room but the support for Badih Bounahra is incredible. There looks to be over 100 Belizean poker fans in the room and they’re already chanting Bounahra’s name.

There’s no final table like the November Nine and that’s certainly true this year with music blaring over the PA, hundreds of poker fans filing into the theater, a 6’5 Jack Links Sasquatch mascot wandering around, attractive girls with t-shirt guns and one of the shiniest poker tables we’ve ever seen.

It’s going to be one hell of a day so be sure to keep checking this page for non-stop action from the 2011 WSOP Main Event final table.

The plan is to play down to three players today and then take a one-day recess and crown a champion on Tuesday.

Here’s a look at the player’s chip counts to start the day:

Seat 1 – Eoghan O'Dea – 33,925,000 
Seat 2 – Martin Staszko – 40,175,000 
Seat 3 – Ben Lamb – 20,875,000 
Seat 4 – Phil Collins – 23,875,000 
Seat 5 – Pius Heinz – 16,425,000 
Seat 6 – Anton Makiievskyi – 13,825,000 
Seat 7 – Samuel Holden – 12,375,000 
Seat 8 – Badih Bounahra – 19,700,000 
Seat 9 – Matt Giannetti – 24,750,000

  • Level 36
  • Blinds 250000/500000
  • Ante 50000
  • Average Stack 22,883,334
  • Players Left 9
  • Tables Left 1

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