Stephen Chidwick Crowned 2018 US Poker Open Champion

Stephen Chidwick Crowned 2018 US Poker Open ChampionThe inaugural US Poker Open has completed its eight event run at the Aria Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, with the UK’s Stephen Chidwick claiming the overall title and trophy having reached four final tables, and recorded two victories.

In total, Chidwick won $1,202,250 at the 11-day series, and now boosts his live earnings to $11,285,613, further cementing his position as the UK’s second biggest tournament winner behind Sam Trickett ($20,790,658), with a third placed Jack Salter a long distance back on $6,779,816. Chidwick also boasts a further $5,044,350 in online winnings which he amassed playing under the screen name Stevie444.

Chidwick’s impressive run at the US Poker Open Champion started after he took down Event #3: $26,000 NLHE for $374,000, followed a couple of days later by Event #4: $26,000 Mixed Game Championship for $382,500. Chidwick then booked a 3rd place finish at Event #6: $26,000 NLHE for $183,750, before narrowly missing out on one more UPO title after a runner-up finish at Event #7: $26,000 NLHE for $262,000.

Another player taking part in the US Poker Open Champion was Daniel Negreanu, who too put in a solid performance, eventually cashing in five events for $621,500. Commenting after Chidwick was officially awarded the 2018 UPO title, the Canadian pro tweeted:

“If you asked me before this series who was the unluckiest player on the high roller circuit, Stephen Chidwick would be on a short list. After his USPO run he is no longer on that list! Couldn’t happen to a nicer guy.”

Between 2008-2012, Chidwick earned $928,162 playing live tournaments, but since then has won more than $1 million each year, with 2017 being his most successful to date after earning $3,505,259. That year he also recorded his biggest score to date after emerging victorious at the PokerStars Championship Barcelona €25,500 NLHE event for €690,400 ($813,144). After winning back-to-back events at the US Poker Open Champion, Chidwick stated:

“The trophy will be a very nice cherry on top if I can close this out. I think I have a pretty good shot right now. I’m excited to push hard through the last five days of poker and then take a few weeks off and go skiing.”

Having now completed the job, we extend our congratulations to Stephen Chidwick and wish him a great skiing holiday and a well-earned vacation.


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