J.C. Tran Wins WPT Title No.2, Now Up $11 Million

J.C. Tran has triumphed at the 2014 WPT Rolling Thunder, after overcoming a field of 465 players over five days on his way to capturing a second career WPT title, as well as the $302,750 first place prize. Tran has also won two WSOP bracelets over his illustrious career.
Last year, Tran reached the final table of the WSOP Main Event, eventually finishing in 5th place for $2,106,893. With his latest victory at the $3,500 event held at the Thunder Valley Casino Resort the poker legend now takes his live tournament earnings to an impressive $11,214,250. Commenting later on winning in Sacramento, California, Tran linked his success with the city’s National Basketball Association franchise, the Sacramento Kings, saying:
“That was a secret no one knew about it. If you had a king in your hand, you had to just gamble. We’re in Sacramento and it’s all about the Kings.”
As the final table got underway, J.C. Tran was the second shortest stack on just 23 big blinds, but was quickly able to double-up after being dealt K-Q and eliminating shortstack Ken Jorgensen (A-3) in 6th for $60,180. Tran followed up by doing likewise to Benjamin Zamani in 5th ($80,130), before being dealt K-J and getting involved in a hand against Mimi Luu holding 8-7. The Q-10-9-4-J then made both players straights and after Luu moved all-in on the river, she, too, exited in 4th for $100,240.
Continuing his assault on the final table, J.C. Tran (Q-10) dispatched Quoc Pham (7-6) to the rail in 3rd ($127,140) to go heads-up against Preston Harwell for the title.
As the final battle commenced, Harwell held an 8.415m to 5.535m chip advantage over Tran, who was then able to reduce his opponent to less than 8bb when Harwell shoved his remaining chips holding 8-5. Tran called with K-4 and after the board rolled out 6-4-2-10-9,  Harwell had to be satisfied with a runner-up finish worth $200,030, while Tran was awarded the WPT title.
Final Table Results:
1 J.C. Tran             $302,750
2 Preston Harwell $200,030
3 Quoc Pham      $127,140
4 Mimi Luu      $100,240
5 Benjamin Zamani  $80,130
6 Ken Jorgensen       $60,180