WSOP Event #5

In terms of star names, the final table of the $2,500 Half Omaha High-Low / Half 7-Card Stud High-Low tournament at the World Series of Poker did not disappoint, but it was author and poker player Tom Schneider who took top spot with $214,387 from a prizepool of $752,100.

The final table of the 327 runner tourney also included David Benyamine, Chris ‘Jesus’ Ferguson, John Phan, Josh Arieh and Annie Duke.

Poker pro and former WSOP gold bracelet winner Annie Duke finished a less-than-satisfying third place in this event. This was her 30th in-the-money finish at the WSOP, dating back to 1994. She has more WSOP cashes than any female player in history.

The 2000 world poker champion Chris "Jesus" Ferguson finished in fourth place in this event, missong out on what would have been his sixth WSOP gold bracelet. Scotty Nguyen, the 1998 world champion finished tenth in this event.

With his cash in this event, Mel Judah moved up into 13th place all-time – with 38 WSOP in-the-money finishes in his lifetime.

This final table was played simultaneous to Event #4, which took place just steps away inside the main poker arena. The Rio Pavilion was packed to capacity with spectators, as both final tables were filled with well-known players. Interestingly, both final tables started and ended just minutes apart. Total Prize Money: $752,100

The third time was a charm for 47-year old Schneider. This was the Scotsdale Arizona resident’s third time to make it to a WSOP final table. His previous finishes include a fourth and fifth. Schneider is the author of a poker book called, "Oops! I Won Too Much Money", and also hosts a regular radio show called "Beyond the Table" in Phoenix.

Final results:
1. Thomas Schneider Scottsdale, AZ $214,347
2. Edmond Tonnellier London, Ontario $118,456
3. Annie Duke Los Angeles, CA $75,210
4. Chris “Jesus” Ferguson Las Vegas, NV $50,391
5. Christopher Bell Raleigh, NC $39,109
6. David Benyamine Las Vegas, NV $29,708
7. Joe Bolnick Los Angeles, CA $22,939
8. John “The Razor” Phan Long Beach, CA $16,922
9. Josh Arieh Atlanta, GA $11,658