Congrats are in order for Blake Ellinghaus who went into bestbet Jacksonville with a dream, and came out with his first World Poker Tour title and his largest tournament cash of his life.
Ellinghaus topped a field of 294 in the $5,000 WPT bestbet Scramble Championship to put his name on the Mike Sexton WPT Champions Cup and a pay slip worth $284,000. The $1,337,700 easily surpassed the $1 million guarantee. The top 37 players cashed at least $9,100.
“It’s the coolest accomplishment in poker that you can think of,” said Ellinghaus after his win. “To be on a trophy with all of the legends of the game. I’m so happy.”
In April, the $34,147 Ellinghaus won in a $400 event at the Daytona Beach Poker Open was his largest lifetime cash until he won this one.
According to PokerReporting.com, Ellinghaus has been playing poker for seven years, starting in love home games held in a garage.
“Congratulations to Blake Ellinghaus on an impressive run to the title and earning his place on the WPT Mike Sexton WPT Champions Cup,” said WPT CEO Adam Pliska. “We are grateful to bestbet Jacksonville for their continued partnership and to all the players who helped make this another memorable WPT stop.”
WPT bestbet Scramble Championship Final Table Results
1st. Blake Ellinghaus – $294,900*
2nd. Jared Reinstein – $184,000
3rd. Bryan Paris – $135,000
4th. Skyler Dennis – $100,000
5th. Michael Macchia – $75,000
6th. Hugh Membrino – $57,000
Following the WPT bestbet Scramble, the 24th season of the World Poker Tour continues in Australia with the WPT Australia festival at The Star Sydney. The AUD $1,500 WPT Prime Australia Championship runs Sept. 17-22, followed by the AUD $5,000 WPT Australia Championship from Sept. 24-30. Special hotel rates are available for players. Click here to book your stay.
