Event #43: $50,000 Poker Players Championship
Day 5 Completed
2023 World Series of Poker
Event #43: $50,000 Poker Players Championship
Day: 5
Event Info
Final Results
Event Info
Level Info
Players Info - Day 5
2023 World Series of Poker
Buy-in
$50,000
Prize Pool
$4,727,250
Entries
99
Level
25
Blinds
0 / 0
Ante
0
Entries
5
Players Left
1
Level 25
The 2023 World Series of Poker has awarded one of the most prestigious bracelets at the Horseshoe and Paris Las Vegas. Out of a field of 99 entries in Event #43: $50,000 Poker Players Championship, American poker pro Brian Rast has capped off a dominant Day 5 performance to claim his third Poker Players Championship and sixth career WSOP bracelet.
Rast defeated British businessman Talal Shakerchi in a very brief heads-up encounter that lasted just five hands, with Rast sealing his victory by making an eight-seven in Razz on the final hand.
Unlike in the previous years, the final day lasted fewer than five hours and went from four hopefuls to a winner in fewer than one dozen hands in quite remarkable fashion. The top two finishers shared the largest portion of the $4,727,250 prize pool with Rast banking a top prize of $1,324,747.
Shakerchi had entered the day as the chip leader, but his stack plummeted quickly before he was able to rebuild and make it to heads-up play where he entered at a five-to-one deficit. His third deep run during the ongoing 2023 WSOP in Sin City came with a consolation prize of $818,756.
Rast eliminated each of his previous three final-day opponents, then made quick work of Shakerchi as well to become just the 19th player in World Series of Poker history to win a sixth bracelet. His impressive poker resume prior to the event already merited an introduction into the Poker Hall of Fame (HOF), for which he is currently nominated once again, and Rast made a strong case that it will be just a matter of time.
He also becomes just the second player, along with Michael Mizrachi, to win the Main Event of mixed game players for the third time.
Final Table Result Event #43: $50,000 Poker Players Championship
| Place | Winner | Country | Prize (in USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brian Rast | United States | $1,324,747 |
| 2 | Talal Shakerchi | United Kingdom | $818,756 |
| 3 | Matthew Ashton | United Kingdom | $573,679 |
| 4 | James Obst | Australia | $411,824 |
| 5 | Kristopher Tong | United States | $303,071 |
| 6 | Phil Ivey | United States | $228,793 |
| 7 | Ray Dehkharghani | United States | $177,294 |
Winner Reaction
Rast immediately jumped on the phone to share the good news with his wife in Brazil and was still pumped with emotions when the first rush of victory had settled. There now appears little debate that he will at some point be inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame and he certainly let his performance at the tables speak once again to further cement his status as one of the best mixed game players.
"I mean, listen, I have my opinion but the truth is, is the people that vote on are in the Hall of Fame. So what I think doesn't matter, you know, my job is to come to the poker table and play when I want to and compete and we'll let the people in the poker hall of Fame make that decision and, you know, I just keep doing what I do and we'll see what they say," Rast clarified in the winner interview.
The monetary aspect for the seasoned high-stakes cash game player was not on the back of the mind nor was the repeat nomination for the Hall of Fame either that came through before the start of play, as he "rather just cleared all that nonsense out".
Rast, however, appeared overjoyed from emotions just moments after his triumph and that also resonated with his feelings when the adrenaline had worn down a few minutes later.
"I mean, the most emotional maybe was after I won my first PPC, which was like my first major tournament I ever won. Maybe a little more emotional after this one than the second one. I don't know, this one just, you know, it just, it just meant a lot, like I'd say, in like 16, 17 and 18, I was playing everything all the time," Rast added.
The last victory during the WSOP came back in 2021 when he took down Event #51: 6-Handed No-Limit Hold'em, and since then he reached another four final tables but came short of the sixth title. His latest milestone increased the tally to half a dozen and he did so against some of the toughest competition in the mixed game scene.
"Another thing is like, maybe as I've gotten a little bit older, I've kind of learned, like you really have to enjoy it when things work out because it doesn't happen all the time."
Throughout the tournament, Rast appeared laser-focused and clarified that he didn't make any major adjustments on such a high level when facing "some of the very best guys" in the world of poker the last couple of days.
"I do think I made some headway with it is, you know, it takes a lot of concentration but, like, really watching a lot of hands, like, even when I'm not in it, trying to pick up reads on people. And, you know, I do think that there were a number of times throughout this tournament and even against some of the world's best players, I felt very comfortable with a lot of my reads."
The gratification of competing in high stakes and various mixed games has become apparent for the now six-time WSOP bracelet winner, who can certainly be expected again at the tables of the Horseshoe and Paris Las Vegas in the following days and weeks.
"I'm going to keep playing. And for me, the World Series of Poker has kind of become my favourite thing. And why is that because I play all the games."
Action of the Final Day
Five players returned to their seats in the mothership and Talal Shakerchi was leading the way in pursuit of a potential maiden WSOP gold bracelet. The British businessman pulled further ahead in the opening stages only to drop to the bottom of the leaderboard with just a single big bet. Two double ups later, Shakerchi was suddenly back in the mix while Brian Rast was the commanding chip leader.
Shakerchi pulled all the way back into second place only to lose a bigger pot to Rast in 2-7 Triple Draw, who then cemented his lead in rather ordinary fashion. With nine different variants in the mix, it was the Cadillac of poker that got the chips into the middle. Kristopher Tong puts his hopes on pocket nines while Rast had ace-king suited. Two clubs on the flop were followed by an ace on the turn and there was no miracle escape for Tong anymore thereafter.
Obst was scooped by Rast in an Omaha Hi-Lo hand to bow out right after as three-handed play commenced with two-time PPC champion Rast holding more than four times as many chips as second-placed Shakerchi. Rast extended his run-good by scooping another pot to send Ashton to the rail and in a matter of minutes, the field went from four hopefuls to the final two.
Heads-up play commenced with a lead of more than five-to-one for Rast and they chopped twice before Rast earned yet another scoop to gain an even more overwhelming lead. Ultimately, the unstoppable wrecking ball swung a final time when Rast received a favourable runout in the second hand of Razz, concluding the short-lived heads-up duel with Shakerchi after a mere five hands.
The victory came in seemingly record fashion as Rast never looked back once he took over the top spot from Shakerchi, but he was certainly aware it wasn't just the skill but also the run-good when it mattered the most during the final stages which contributed to the final outcome as he was "hit by the deck".
That concludes the PokerNews coverage of Event #43: $50,000 Poker Players Championship and the second half of the annual summer camp is slowly gearing up for what many expect to be a record-breaking WSOP Main Event in July 2023.
The Winners of the WSOP Poker Players Championship
| Year | Entries | Prize Pool | Winner | Prize (in USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 99 | $4,727,250 | Brian Rast | $1,324,747 |
| 2022 | 112 | $5,362,000 | Dan Cates | $1,449,103 |
| 2021 | 63 | $3,016,125 | Dan Cates | $954,020 |
| 2019 | 74 | $3,552,000 | Phillip Hui | $1,099,311 |
| 2018 | 87 | $4,176,000 | Michael Mizrachi | $1,239,126 |
| 2017 | 100 | $4,800,000 | Elior Sion | $1,395,767 |
| 2016 | 91 | $4,176,000 | Brian Rast | $1,296,097 |
| 2015 | 84 | $3,696,000 | Mike Gorodinsky | $1,270,086 |
| 2014 | 102 | $4,896,000 | John Hennigan | $1,517,767 |
| 2013 | 132 | $6,336,000 | Matthew Ashton | $1,774,089 |
| 2012 | 108 | $5,184,000 | Michael Mizrachi | $1,451,527 |
| 2011 | 128 | $6,144,000 | Brian Rast | $1,720,328 |
| 2010 | 116 | $5,568,000 | Michael Mizrachi | $1,559,046 |
| 2009 | 95 | $4,560,000 | David Bach | $1,276,806 |
| 2008 | 148 | $7,104,000 | Scotty Nguyen | $1,989,120 |
| 2007 | 148 | $7,104,000 | Freddy Deeb | $2,276,832 |
| 2006 | 143 | $6,864,000 | Chip Reese | $1,716,000 |
Level 25
Razz
Talal Shakerchi: 8x2x / 4xAxQxJx / Kx
Brian Rast: 4x3x / 8x2x10x8x / 7x
Talal Shakerchi completed and called a raise by Brian Rast. On fourth street, Shakerchi bet and Rast raised to earn a call from his opponent.
The bet by Rast on fifth street was called by Shakerchi, and they then got it in after sixth street when Rast paired his open eight.
Rast peeled a seven to improve while another high card for Shakerchi ended yet another close call for the British businessman.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
|
29,700,000
2,150,000
|
2,150,000 |
|
||
|
Busted | |
|
||
Level 25
Omaha Hi-Lo
Brian Rast raised on the button with the 4?2?2?2? and Talal Shakerchi defended the A?Q?9?5? in the big blind. Shakerchi bet his top two pair on the A?Q?2? flop and Rast called to do so again on the 7? turn. The 9? river was checked by Shakerchi and Rast bet, Shakerchi called and was scooped again to drop below four big bets.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
|
|
27,550,000
2,400,000
|
2,400,000 |
|
|
||
|
|
2,150,000
-2,400,000
|
-2,400,000 |
|
|
||
Level 25
Omaha Hi-Lo
Talal Shakerchi raised with 10?7?7?5? and got three-bet by Brian Rast with A?9?8?2?.
The flop came Q?7?6?, giving Shakerchi a set of sevens, while Rast held the ace-high flush and nut-low draws.
Shakerchi called a bet from Rast and the 5? came on the turn, bringing Rast everything he needed to drag a potentially critical pot.
Rast bet and Shakerchi called, needing to fill up on the river. Fortunately for him he did, as the dealer put the 6? down on the river.
Rast and Shakerchi would then exchange three bets each before turning their cards over and revealing the dramatic chop of the pot.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
|
|
25,150,000
-50,000
|
-50,000 |
|
|
||
|
|
4,550,000 | |
|
|
||
Level 25
Level 25
Omaha Hi-Lo
Talal Shakerchi raised on the button with the A?K?Q?2? and Brian Rast called out of the small blind with the A?7?6?2?. Matthew Ashton in the big blind made it three ways with the K?Q?3?2? and they headed to the Q?4?3? flop.
Rast bet and Ashton raised, Shakerchi called the raise for Rast to then make it three bets for 750,000 total. Ashton called all in and already had a stoic expression on his face even before Shakerchi had tossed in calling chips.
The 5? turn gave Rast gin and he bet, Shakerchi called before they headed to the 5? on the river. Another bet by Rast was called by Shakerchi with the nut low, who received just one quarter of the pot as Rast had the seven-high straight and same nut low. Ashton was denied a shot at a second Poker Players Championship title and had to settle for a consolation prize of $573,679.
Heads-up play will get underway in a few minutes from now with a commanding lead for Rast over Shakerchi.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
|
|
25,200,000
2,175,000
|
2,175,000 |
|
|
||
|
|
4,550,000
-825,000
|
-825,000 |
|
|
||
|
Busted | |
|
||
Level 25
Omaha Hi-Lo
With just 125,000 after losing the previous hand, James Obst put it in on the button with 4?3?3?2?. He was then raised by Talal Shakerchi in the small blind with A?5?4?2?. Brian Rast called in the big blind with Q?10?7?3?.
The flop came J?K?2? and Shakerchi bet with Rast making the call.
On the 10? turn, both players checked to the Q? river, leaving Obst dead as Rast held two pair, queens and tens.
The players checked, and another pot was shipped to Rast, while Obst headed to the payout desk to claim his fourth-place winnings of $411,824.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
|
|
23,025,000
875,000
|
875,000 |
|
|
||
|
|
5,375,000
-750,000
|
-750,000 |
|
|
||
|
|
1,300,000 | |
|
|
||
|
Busted | |
|
||
Level 25
Omaha Hi-Lo
First to act, Brian Rast raised with the Q?6?3?2? and Matthew Ashton three-bet on the button with the A?A?8?5?. James Obst in the small blind double-checked his remaining short stack and then called with the A?7?5?3?, Rast also came along.
Three ways to the Q?8?6? flop, all players checked and that led to the J? on the turn. Obst now bet his nut flush and low draw, earning calls from Rast with two pair and low draw while Ashton also stuck around with his naked pair of aces.
The Q? fell on the river and Obst bet for Rast to raise, forcing out Ashton and earning a sigh-call from Obst to leave two opponents on the verge of elimination.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
|
|
22,150,000
3,875,000
|
3,875,000 |
|
|
||
|
|
6,125,000
-125,000
|
-125,000 |
|
|
||
|
|
1,300,000
-1,250,000
|
-1,250,000 |
|
|
||
|
|
125,000
-2,500,000
|
-2,500,000 |
|
|
||
Level 25
Seven Card Stud
Talal Shakerchi: K?J?/10?9?7?J?
Matthew Ashton: 10?7?/Q?6?7?A? - folded sixth street
James Obst: 9?7?/4? - folded bring-in
After talal Shakerchi completed James Obst's bring-in, Matthew Ashton again made it two bets to go with three to a flush. Obst folded and Shakerchi again called.
On fourth street, Shakerchi picked up a card that Ashton could have used and the players both checked.
Fifth street saw each player pick up sevens, which paired Ashton to give him the lead. The players checked again to get to sixth street where Shakerchi paired his jack to make the best hand.
This time after a check from Ashton, Shakerchi now bet and Ashton folded, sending Shakerchi more firmly into second place.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
|
|
18,275,000
-350,000
|
-350,000 |
|
|
||
|
|
6,250,000
600,000
|
600,000 |
|
|
||
|
|
2,625,000
350,000
|
350,000 |
|
|
||
|
|
2,550,000
-600,000
|
-600,000 |
|
|
||