PHOTO: Kevin Nee Dominates WPT Seminole Rock 'n' Roll Poker Open for $605,100

The Rock 'n' Roll Poker Open is one of the most beloved stops on the WPT calendar – the mix of Florida’s vibe, the iconic Hard Rock location, and massive guarantees draws both professionals and recreational players to Hollywood each year. This year was no different: the $3,500 buy-in and guaranteed $3,000,000 prize pool were just the starting line, with reality pushing nearly $4 million.

From a field of 1,224 entries, 153 players made it to ITM, with big names like Rob Wazwaz, Stoyan Madanzhiev, Shannon Shorr, and Natasha Mercier among those cashing. The tournament advanced through the third and fourth days, narrowing the field to the final six competitors heading into the final day.

A Lightning-Fast Final Table

With Joel Gola as the clear leader, the table witnessed a series of rapid hands, marking this as one of the fastest in WPT history – the champion was decided in just 60 hands, and the heads-up lasted a single deal. After Gola's fortunate 3-outer knocked out Hyndi Khomutetsky, it seemed the tournament was his to lose. However, everything shifted after two-time WPT champion Chad Eveslage exited in 4th place.

In one of the evening's largest pots, Gola executed a triple-barrel bluff with T c 6 c, firing off three hefty wagers on a board of Q d 9 s 4 c 5 h 5 s. Nee risked the majority of his stack, eventually calling with 9 d 4 d, and secured a solid chip lead for the first time in the tournament. From that moment on, he took command of the final table, never letting go.

Shortly after this heroic call, Aram Zobian busted out in third place, claiming $295,000 and pushing his lifetime earnings toward $8,800,000. The tournament moved into the concluding heads-up, with Nee holding a 2-to-1 stack advantage over Gola. Few expected this title duel to last just one single hand.

Kevin opened from the button with 3bb holding A s 2 s, while Gola from the big blind made a 3-bet shove with his 45bb holding K c J c. The surprising all-in received an even more surprising snap-call, as the audience eagerly awaited the dealer's flop. The flop delivered Q s 7 s 5 s, leaving Joel drawing dead.

Runner-up Joel Gola walked away from Hollywood with $395,000, the biggest cash of his career. Similarly, champion Kevin Nee is living his poker "rock 'n' roll" dream – before this victory, his highest cash was $15,500. From an unknown recreational player from Pennsylvania, he became a member of the WPT Champions Club and a six-figure prize winner within a week. Besides the $605,100 check, Nee also secured a $10,400 entry to the seasonal WPT World Championship at Wynn Las Vegas, where he hopes to continue his deep run success.

Final Table Results WPT Seminole Rock 'n' Roll Poker Open Championship

We round off with a few moments and photos from the event (source – flickr/WorldPokerTour)

Sources – Flickr, worldpokertour.com