Tony Sinishtaj Wins WPT Showdown Championship for $661k

The Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown proved a popular affair, with 1,207 players entering the $3,500 buy-in tournament to almost double the $2 million guaranteed prize pool to $3,862,400. Taking part in the WPT event was also some of the games biggest names, but in the end it was Tony Sinishtaj who would triumph over the field to secure his first major title, as well $661,283 in prize money, representing the biggest score of his career.
Following a victory which doubles his live earnings to $1,201,972, Sinishtaj commented: “It’s really hard to put into words. It’s a long time coming. I’ve been playing a long time, and it feels great to finally put your name on the trophy.”
The $3,500 WPT Showdown Championship was held at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, with 151 players subsequently seeing a return on their money. Amongst the notable pros receiving a reward for their efforts was Bryn Kenney in 56th ($10,888), Dietrich Fast in 44th ($13,658), Kelly Minkin in 28th ($15,967), Erik Seidel in 13th ($38,512), and Matt Affleck in 7th ($109,728).
Dan Colman then started the final table of six as chip leader, and 13 hands later he took out a short stacked Simeon Naydenov in 6th to add further to his stack. Robert Mizrachi (K-K) subsequently did likewise to Eric Beller (A-7) in 5th, before a massive hand was played with Sinishtaj (Kd-8d) reraising all-in against Dan Colman on an 8s-6d-2h flop. After deliberating for four minutes, Colman made the call with A-A, and after the turn and river came 10d and Ad, Colman busted in 4th place for $217,686.
Darryll Fish then eliminated Robert Mizrachi in 3rd to usher in heads-up play, with the deciding hand eventually played after Sinishtaj (Kd-Qd) and Fish (As-3d) went all-in on an 8d-3s-2d board, and a 6d arrived on the turn to secure the win for Sinishtaj.
Final Table Results:
1: Tony Sinishtaj $661,283
2: Darryll Fish $453,185
3: Robert Mizrachi $293,864
4: Dan Colman $217,686
5: Eric Beller $164,438
6: Simeon Naydenov $132,889