Ryan Riess Crowned 2013 WSOP Champion
November 6, 2013 12:49 pmRyan Riess has been crowned the 2013 WSOP champion, after besting a 6,352 player field over nine days on his way to capturing tournament poker’s most prestigious honor, as well as collecting a whopping cheque for $8,359,531.
Following his remarkable victory at the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, the 23-year-old Michigan native, commented: “I’ve been dreaming about this for a long time. Ever since I was 14 and saw Moneymaker win it. I just had a great feeling about it.”
By the time the November Nine had been reached back in July, Ryan Riess was placed exactly half way down the list of finalists in 5th spot, behind Jay Farber in 4th, with chip leader JC Tran way ahead of the pack and everyone’s favourite choice for ultimate winner. Nevertheless, Tran would eventually succumb in 5th place ($2,106,893), while Ryan Riess and Jay Farber would progress to the heads up phase of the tournament to compete for WSOP Main Event glory.
When heads-up play got underway yesterday, Farber held a 100b to 85bb lead over Riess, but the young Michigan man was quickly able to power his way to the front with solid play and timely tactics. The defining hand was subsequently played with a short-stacked Farber all-in holding Q-5 to Riess’ A-K. The board then produced a J-10-4-3-4 to consign Farber to a runner-up finish worth $5,174,357, while Ryan Riess earned the title of 2013 World Series of Poker Main Event champion.
After being awarded the WSOP gold winner’s bracelet, Reiss, said: “I want to thank my family and my friends, they’re the best friends in the world..I’m extremely excited. I’m excited for what the future holds.”