Steven Spunt Wins WSOPC Bicycle Casino Main Event for $174k

Steven Spunt has won the 2018 WSOPC Bicycle Casino Main Event, after besting a field of 547 players over four days on the way to collecting his first-ever gold ring in an open-event. The 58-year-old recreational player from Southern California also collected a first place prize of $174,055 for his remarkable efforts.

Prior to his victory, Spunt had $87,215 in winnings dating back to his first live cash back in 2011. This includes in 2106 taking down the $250 Seniors Event WSOP Circuit Bally’s Las Vegas for $13,535. Recently, he also took part in the WPT Five Diamond World Poker Classic, and cashed 5th in two tournaments for a combined $19,864. Commenting after taking down his biggest score ever, Spunt stated:

“Even when I finish fifth, I’m not happy. I play these for fun and I realized that most of the time, I’m just not going to be happy. Except now. Now, I’m very happy.”

$1,700 Main Event

Latest stop on the WSOP Circuit was the Bicycle Casino in Bell Gardens, California from December 1-12. The series subsequently concluded with its $1,700 Main Event, which featured a prize pool worth $828,705, meaning 63 players would see a return on their buy-ins. Among the recognizable players booking a cash was Ankush Mandavia in 29th ($4,600), Phil Laak in 25th ($5,305), Angelina Rich in 14th ($10,590), Sandeep Pulusani in 13th ($10,590), Viet Van Vo in 11th ($12,995), and Brett Apter in 10th ($12,995).

Final Table

First to leave the final table was a short stacked Jorge Leiva, who got his remaining chips all in holding Q-10, but after being called by Jason Bral with 7-7 subsequently exited in 9th. Next, Steven Forman (Q-J) did likewise to a small stacked Ian Steinman (K-7) in 8th, before being dealt A-10 and ousting Vincent Moscati (6-4) from the competition in 7th.

He was followed out the door soon after by Craig Varnell, who shoved preflop holding A-9, but was ultimately picked off by Marcos Exterkotter (A-Q) in 6th. Unfortunately, Exterkotter’s celebration was short lived, though, as he was the next to head to the rail in 5th following an A-J versus A-Q encounter against David Lambard.

More than an hour and half later, Steven Spunt (8-7) joined the fray once after sending Jason Bral (4-4) to the rail in 4th. David Lambard then took care of Steven Forman in 3rd to herald the start of heads-up play against Spunt for the title.

Heads-Up Recap

Steven Spunt and David Lambard started the final battle fairly equal in chips. However, Spunt managed to accumulate around 85% of the chips in play by the time the final hand arose.

David Lambard opted to move all in from the button after being dealt Ks-Kh, and quickly received a call from Spunt holding As-9c. While the 7s-6s-9s flop kept Lambard’s hopes alive, that all changed following a Js turn. Both players had made flushes, but Spunt held the As, making the 10c river card which followed moot.

Lambard received $107,640 for his runner-up finish, in the process increasing his career earnings to $165,750. Meanwhile, Spunt was crowned the 2018 WSOPC Bicycle Casino Main Event champion, and in addition to $174,055 in prize money was also awarded a free seat into the 2018 WSOP Global Casino Championship. Commenting following his remarkable performance, Spunt said:

“I started working on my game a little bit. I study a little bit. Not a lot because I don’t have time because I’m still working. I play for fun. I really enjoy the game. Part of my retirement plan is to play more just because I like it. It’s something to do. Hopefully I’ll semi-retire and play a lot more tournaments.”

Final Table Results

1: Steven Spunt $174,055
2: David Lambard $107,640
3: Steven Forman $78,710
4: Jason Bral $58,405
5: Marcos Exterkotter $43,495
6: Craig Varnell $33,520
7: Vincent Moscati $25,920
8: Ian Steinman $20,320
9: Jorge Leiva $16,145