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Wheeler rolls over WSOP Limit Hold'em field, wins $191,6057 June 2013Brent Wheeler won the $1,500 buy-in Limit Hold'em event at World Series of Poker title at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas on Thursday morning, topping a field of 645 players for his first WSOP bracelet and $191,605 in prize money. "It's awesome. This is the moment you play for," Wheeler said afterward. "I've had friends win it. It's great to finally have it too." Wheeler is originally from Texas but spent several years in the Chicago area. He was a gifted golfer and even caddied professionally for six years. While attending the University of Illinois, Wheeler discovered poker might also be an option, and he gradually spent more time playing – mostly online. After the events related to so-called “Black Friday,” Wheeler moved to Las Vegas where he now resides. Most his days are spent in local cardrooms playing for middle to high stakes. Wheeler has also spent several months living in Vancouver where he can engage in online poker more freely. Following his victory, Wheeler was eager to acknowledge the support of his many family and friends, particularly his sister Brittney. Interestingly, he says he learned how to play poker from her. Mark Mierkalns, from Hamilton, Ontario finished second. Mierkalns enjoyed the chip lead for a time when play was heads up. However, Wheeler was assisted by a late flurry of good cards and favorable situations and not only seized the chip lead, but won the tournament in convincing fashion. Nonetheless, the final duel clocked in at more than three hours. "(Mierkalns) was the player I would have picked not to play heads-up against," said Wheeler. "He's a very solid player. When we got heads-up I knew it was going to be a long battle." Mierkalns took home a $118,300 consolation prize. Other final table finishers included: Malissia Zapata (third), Chiduziem Obi (fourth), Grayson Scoggin (fifth), William James (sixth), Brian Nichols (seventh), Alexander Queen (eighth) and two-time bracelet winner Erich Froehlich (ninth). Other gold bracelet winners who cashed included – Doug Saab (24th), Hoyt Corkins (37th), Larry Wright (40th), Vasili Lazarou (55th), Nick Schulman (58th), Tom Schneider (59th), Sam Barnhart (64th), and Matt Hawrilenko (66th). Tournament summary modified from a report by WSOP Media Director Nolan Dalla, reprinted by permission. |