Adam Friedman Bests Todd Brunson to Win WSOP Event #15

Ohio’s Adam Friedman picked up $269,037 after besting a 212-player field to win the $5,000 buy-in Seven-Card Stud Hi-Lo Split-8 or Better event #15.

The 30-year-old pro – who now lives in Vegas – ultimately beat one-time bracelet winner Todd Brunson in their heads-up encounter that left the disgruntled runner-up with $166,269.

Brunson’s dissatisfaction as collecting a rather handy cheque was almost certainly increased by holding the chip lead for much of the heads-to-head, only to lose out to Friedman.

The three-and-a-half-hour match-up eventually ended when the blinds were at 80,000/160,000 with a 20,000 ante. Having folded the previous hand, Brunson was left with just 600,000 chips.

Two Pair Good Enough for Title

Friedman brought it in, Brunson completed, and then Friedman called. Brunson had (x-x)/10♥ 7♦ J♠, while Friedman held (x-x)/2♣ 5♦ Q♦. Brunson then check-called a bet on fourth street, as well as fifth street. Then, after a succession of raises, Brunson shoved all-in to show his 10♣ 3♣ hole cards.

Friedman, though, revealed J♥ J♣ to be ahead with his pair, leaving Brunson requiring help. Nothing changed on sixth street, but Friedman made two pair when seventh street was dealt – leaving Brunson drawing to a ten. However, the 7♥ on seventh street changed nothing and Friedman was crowned champion.

In what was a terrific final table, Phil Ivey picked up $34,595 in seventh place, while Bryn Kenney collected $27,012 doe exiting in eighth.

WSOP 2012 Event #15 Top 10 Payouts

1. Adam Friedman (USA) – $269,037

2. Todd Brunson (USA) – $166,269

3. John Monnette (USA) – $109,444

4. Nikolai Yakovenko (USA) – $79,831

5. Sven Arntzen (Norway) – $59,395

6. Zimnan Ziyard (UK) – $44,967

7. Phil Ivey (USA) – $34,595

8. Bryn Kenney (USA) – $27,012

9. Brian Twete (USA) – $21,392

10. Jesse Martin (USA) – $21,392