Canadian Frederic Normand Wins WPT bestbet Scramble for $350k
There’s a newly minted member of the WPT Champions Club and it is Frederic Normand, winner of the $5,000 buy-in World Poker Tour bestbet Scramble for $351,650.
The Canadian defeated Heng Zhang heads-up to win the title, and it ended in thrilling fashion. On top of the six-figure career-best score, the champion will also receive free entry into the WPT World Championship $40 million guaranteed event next month at Wynn Las Vegas.
Chip Leaders Reach the Finish Line
The final table went almost by chalk. Those who started the day with smaller stacks were early exits, and the two big stacks Zhang and Normand lasted until the end. There wasn’t much back and forth between the bottom stacks and the big stacks throughout the five-hour session.
Brian Senie, the smallest stack entering the day, was first to go and made a quick exit in sixth place for $70,400. Ian O’Hara, who has over $4.2 million in lifetime live tournament cashes, was second from last in chips heading into the final table, and was second to go ($92,900).
Michael Frierson, a local recreational player who paid just $120 to enter the tournament via a satellite, then busted in fourth place ($123,900) when he jammed ace-queen into Zhang’s pocket kings. The elimination allowed Toby Boas to ladder up to third place and $166,800.
That set up heads-up play between two of the best players at the table, whom also began the day with the two largest stacks. It was clear from the start that the heads-up match would be long as both players were over 80 big blinds and fairly close in chips.
On the 110th hand at the final table, Normand raised in position to 400,000 with A4. The big blind made the call with 106 to see a flop of 875 and both players checked. When the A appeared on the turn, Zhang again checked, and then check-raised his straight draw from 750,000 to all in for 4,675,000.
With top pair and the WPT Champions Club in sight, Normand made the call and then celebrated when the 6 on the river was a brick. The skilled poker players, both accomplished in tournament play prior to the WPT bestbet Scramble beginning, shook hands and Zhang, who received $26,700 as a consolation prize, congratulated his opponent.
Final Table Results
| Place | Player | Prize |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Frederic Normand | $351,650 |
| 2 | Heng Zhang | $226,700 |
| 3 | Toby Boas | $166,800 |
| 4 | Michael Frierson | $123,900 |
| 5 | Ian O’Hara | $92,900 |
| 6 | Brian Senie | $70,400 |
“It feels surreal,’ Normand told the media following his career-defining win. “With tournament variance, it’s hard to win in the end. I feel very grateful.”
Normand, who said he didn’t have a single losing level throughout the entire four-day tournament, now has over $1.1 million in The Hendon Mob results.
“I just felt he had more combo draws, I didn’t feel he had ace-x,” Normand said of his decision to call the turn bet on the final hand. “I think if he did have two pair or better, he would let me bluff.”
After winning life-changing money, what does the champion have planned for this evening to celebrate?
“I have laundry to do,” he joked.
Normand said he’ll attend the World Series of Poker (WSOP) Paradise series in the Bahamas next month before traveling to Las Vegas for the WPT World Championship.
Tags
Related Tournaments
FAQ
Does Sweet Bonanza pay real money?
Does Sweet Bonanza pay real money? About Sweet Bonanza Bananas, Grapes, Watermelons, and Apples, will give you that taste of sweetness, as well as being part of your five a day. Cluster up to 12 of these delicious symbols to win tasty real cash prizes.
How has technology influenced the game of roulette?
How has technology influenced the game of roulette, such as with electronic and automated versions of the game? One of the most significant technological advancements in the game of roulette has been the introduction of electronic roulette tables. These tables feature a digital display that simulates the spinning of the roulette wheel, and players can place their bets on a touchscreen interface. This allows for faster gameplay, as the wheel can be spun more frequently than with a traditional roulette table.
How do you become a WPT player?
How do you become a WPT player? Players can qualify for the WPT at the local casino where the event is held. In addition, online poker operators including partypoker offer satellites to many WPT events. Players can also qualify for free via the Club WPT app and will be able to qualify in the future at WPT Global.
What is the origin of the name Roulette?
What is the origin of the name Roulette? The origin of the name “roulette” is French and it means “little wheel”. The name is derived from the fact that the game is played on a small wheel that spins around, with players betting on where the ball will land. The word “roulette” was first used in its current context in the 18th century, although the game itself dates back much earlier.
Can I use a VPN for WPT global?
Can I use a VPN for WPT global? Wptglobal is one of the world’s largest online poker sites, but it is also one of the most restrictive in terms of IP address restrictions. As a general rule, traditional VPNs cannot be used to access the platform because they can either warn or block your accounts.
