England Takes a Bracelet

June 15, 2009

John-Paul Kelly emerged victorious out of Event 20 making him the first Englishman in two years to take a bracelet. Erik Seidel was there for his 30th trip to the final table at the World Series of Poker, but his hopes that he might score a ninth bracelet were dashed by Kelly, taking home the bracelet and the win in the $1,500 pot limit hold’em tournament.

This was only Kelly’s second trip to a final poker table, but his third time at the World Series of Poker. However, none of that mattered when he came in for the win, and he said that it was undoubtedly the highlight of his life so far. He was planning on a big celebration, although he didn’t know what he was doing yet. Although, he did know that it would involve alcohol.

The poker game lasted five hours from start to finish, and Kelly never let go of the lead that he was holding. He had had it since he entered the final day of play and was not about to let it get away. The poker game was down to Kelly and German Marc Tschirch and the way that Kelly played it was the sign of a true champion.

Kelly took home $194,434 for his win, and Tschirch took home $120,102. Seidel may not have gotten the bracelet, but he did get $24,919 for seventh place, which really isn’t a bad amount to get for five hours worth of playing. He is currently tied with Johnny Moss for the fifth place on the all time record number of bracelets from the World Series of Poker.