JAKE CODY WINS INAUGURAL WPT LONDON POKER CLASSIC

GBP 273 283 payday for 22-year-old Brit

22-year-old UK wonderkid Jake Cody was crowned champion of of the inaugural WPT London Poker Classic Main Event this week. Cody, from Rochdale, UK picked up his first WPT title and a cheque for GBP 273783, and is now two thirds of the way to securing a triple crown after also winning EPT Deauville earlier this year.

Cody’s victory also saved tournament sponsors and WPT parent group Party Poker.com from paying out an extra $1 million bonus on top of the prize money as 21-year-old Swedish online qualifier Kristoffer Thorsson stood to win an extra $500 000 for himself and an extra $500 000 for his fellow online qualifiers if he finished first!

Thorsson dominated the action for the much of the tense final table but eventually it was Cody who went through the gears and forcefully imposed himself on the final in front of a big crowd at The Palm Beach Casino in Mayfair. Thorsson finished fourth, while fellow Swede Nichlas Mattsson was runner-up.

Mike Sexton, who was joined by Jesse May in the commentary box, said: “Jake Cody is an outstanding young player and mark my words when you see this action on television this final table is something very special. I rate it is amongst the best poker I have seen in nine years commentating for the WPT. This is going to be a real treat when it airs, I can hardly wait.”

Cody, who was dubbed ‘The Grim Reaper’ by a railbirding Dave ‘Devilfish’ Ulliott, was delighted with his win. He said: “This is crazy – I am so happy to win my first WPT title. It’s been an amazing year for me so far and to win a major tournament on UK soil is very special. I was totally aware there was huge pressure on Kristoffer because of the extra $1 million bonus. I thought he did well and actually believe he was the best player at the table.”

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