Jonathan Roy is the first-ever WPT Montreal champion. The 25-year-old from Quebec outlasted a field of 1,173, one of the biggest in the WPT’s history, on his way to taking down the title and the $785k cash prize. In addition to his trophy and substantial pay-packet, the Canadian also earned a $25,500 seat for the WPT Champions Cup and a US seat in the 2013 WPT World Championship at Bellagio!
Taking place at the Playground Poker Club in Montreal the $3,300 buy-in event amassed a total prize pool of $3.4 million. It also attracted a star-studded rail for the final table, which included Antonio Esfandiari and the most decorated olympican of all time, Michael Phelps who were both in attendance to support their close friend Jeff Gross. The pair did their best to will their friend to victory but he eventually ended up finishing in third place. Gross’s exit meant the stage was set for two Canadians, Roy and LeFrancois, to fight it out for the title. Roy, who is an online heads-up specialist was the favourite for the win but the chip-lead shifted back and fourth between the two before Roy finally emerged victorious.
On the final hand, LeFrancois was forced all-in with his few remaining chips after he had been left virtually chipless when his pair of sixes was cracked by Roy’s K-Q in the previous hand. His 8-3 didn’t hold up and he had to make do with second place and just over $470k.
Here is how the final table finished up:
1. Jonathan Roy – $779,710
2. Pascal Lefrancois – $470,920
3. Jeff Gross – $317,450
4. Gavin Smith – $211,745
5. Sylvain Siebert – $146,360
6. Peter Kaemmerlen – $113,155
