Russian Poker Pro Vitaly Lunkin Triumphs at the $40K No Limit Holdem Commemorative Tournament

On May 31st, 2009, the $40k No Limit Hold'em Commemorative Tournament came to an end tonight and it was a fitting end to one of the 2009 World Series of Poker's showcase events. The 200 participants combined to make the largest world series of poker cash pool outside of the Main Event, which means that the winner will take home $1,891,012. In the end, it was Vitaly Lunkin of Russia who triumphed after an astounding heads-up showdown against online poker pro Isaac Haxton.

Lunkin said that he is very happy about his win because he was able to defend the bracelet he won last year. Lunkin had to edge out a playing field packed with well-known poker names to acquire his 2nd bracelet, following a win in the $1,500 No Limit Holdem event at the 2008 World Series of Poker. The final table of the event was a mixed of old school poker pros and online sensations, providing a unique mix of poker gaming styles to entertain the spectators.

It was poker pro Ted Forrest who hit the rail first in the initial levels. He was quickly joined in the rail by young poker pros Noah Schwartz, Alec Torelli and Lex Veldhuis. Isaac Haxton, came into the final table as the chip leader, but once Justin Bonomo hit the rail, Haxton found himself in trouble and likely lined-up next for the chopping block. But the twists that had dominated the final table were only just starting.

07/14/2009, Tuesday
Sherry Barlow

Russian Poker Pro Vitaly Lunkin Triumphs at the $40K No Limit Holdem Commemorative Tournament

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