Michael Newman Beats Tough Field to Win SHRPO Main Event

The Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood Poker (SHRPO) series recently took place in Hollywood, Florida, with 585 players entering its $2 million guaranteed $3,500 Main Event. The competition then lasted six days, at the end of which it was New York resident Michael Newman who would ultimately triumph over the field, and walk away with a top prize worth $374,240.
As a result of his stunning victory, the 48-year-old former Wall Street worker now doubles his career earnings to $757,457, with his previous biggest score recorded in 2014 at the same Rock ‘N’ Roll Main event, where he finished in 12th place for a $30,640 payday.
Describing the feeling of actually taking down the tournament this time around, Newman said that it was the best thing that he had ever done in poker, especially considering it was against the toughest field that he had ever played faced. Newman further added:
“I’m glad I’m able to play at this level, but it would take a lot of time to be a pro. I don’t know if I could handle the ups, the downs, and the swings.”
Amongst the tough players Newman referred to who also managed to secure one of the tournament’s 79 money spots was Brian Hastings in 78th ($4,900), Kevin MacPhee in 61st ($6,740), Faraz Jaka in 28th ($10,260), Joe McKeehen in 13th ($24,920), Dan Colman in 10th ($31,260), and Shaun Deeb in 9th ($37,420).
Ari Engel (6d-4d) then entered the final table in pole position, but gave up a large portion of his chips after losing a crucial hand against Newman (Ad-7d) after moving all-in on an As-10d-8h-3d board. The river card was immaterial, and later talking to reporters Newman stated:
“The first hand was very pivotal, I had top pair with the nut flush draw on the turn. I was like, ‘The first hand I’m going to be out?’ but I had to call, and I was right.”
Newman subsequently progressed all the way through to heads-up play, where he enjoyed a more than 5:1 chip lead over WPT champion Matas Cimbolas. Three hands later, and the title was decided after Cimbolas went all-in with pocket threes against Newman’s Q-7, with a 7 then showing up on the river.
“I always like a challenge and I always want to be playing against the best,” commented Newman following his incredible victory. “That was the best of the best.”
Final Table Results
1: Michael Newman (USA) $374,240
2: Matas Cimbolas (Lith) $262,440
3: Darryll Fish (USA) $168,920
4: Sheddy Siddiqui (USA) $121,920
5: Ari Engel (Can) $93,560
6: Tom Marchese (USA) $75,380