WSOPC Atlantic City 2011 Won By Brian Ali

Brian Ali has won the World Series of Poker Circuit Main Event at Caesars Atlantic City, after overcoming a field of 442 players over three days to lift the title, as well as collect the $139,284 first place prize.
Since 2010, the 51 year-old telephone company retiree had cashed in at a limited number of tournaments for $29,699 in earnings.
However, following his famous victory Ali’s bankroll has now received a major $139,284 boost and speaking about what his win in Atlantic City meant to him, he commented:
“This is so exciting for me to win this. I was just thinking about this last night that I could win the same amount of money buying a lottery ticket or something like that.  But it would not mean the same at all.  This victory is something I really had to earn. I had to beat some really, really tough poker players, not just here but over the past three days.  So, I’m flying high right now.”
As the final table of nine got underway, Ali got off to the best possible start after doubling up on the second hand holding an ace high flush to his opponent’s trip jacks.
As the tournament reached level 28, Ali then got into his stride and knocked-out five opponents starting with Albert Winchester in 8th ($16,486), whose Q-J failed to improve against Ali’s pocket fours.
Next, Ali eliminated Jerry Van Strydonck in 7th ($20,930), Jeff Rowland in 6th ($26,951) and Ellis Jeff Frazier in 4th ($46,698), whose A-8 ran into Ali’s A-Q.
Eventually, Ali was dealt K-7 to Patrick Houchins’ 7-4, and after the flop fell 2-7-8 Houchins pushed all-in and thus found himself soon out in 3rd ($62,893).
So far the final table was only three hours old and already heading into the heads-up phase of the competition with Ali holding a 2 to 1 chip advantage over John Andress.
Half an hour or so into the battle, Andress was dealt Kh-6d to Ali’s 7h-4c and the Kc-6h-5h-8s board saw both players all in, with a 3s on the river sealing Andress’ fate.
John Andress walked away $86,071 richer for his impressive runner-up finish at Caesars, whereas Brian Ali was crowned the WSOPC Atlantic City champion, and also received a $10,000 ticket to the National Championship finale in Las Vegas in May.