WSOPC Event #1: $600 No-Limit Hold'em Opener

The first ring of the World Series of Poker Circuit at Harrahs Cherokee Casino and Resort has been awarded.

Event #1: $600 No Limit Holdem Opener was a one-day official ring event with 320 entriewhich created a total prize pool of $164,800. When the final chip fell, Russell Brooks defeated his heads-up opponent, Jonathan Murphy, to win the first-place prize of $34,713, the Gold Ring, and the glory.

Final table results:

1. Russell Brooks - $34,713
2. Jonathan Murphy - $23,146
3. Fikret Kovac - $15,909
4. Jimmie Vogt - $11,184
5. Derrick Cutler - $8,046
6. Andrew Simon - $5,927
7. David Mason - $4,473 
8. Douglas Foley - $3,460
9. Ronald Sewell - $2,746

Brooks is now the proud recipient of another piece of WSOP hardware that he can add to the trophy case. Brooks already has a circuit ring and also shipped his first bracelet over the summer for just shy of six figures. 

To go on a heater like that, you need to run well, but Brooks has the play to back up the results. He aired on the side of aggression all the way into heads-up play, where he even got an all-in bluff through with just four-high. He battled with his friends on the rail, sweating the action, and when it was all said and done, he raised the ring in victory. 

Brooks said he would stay for the remainder of the series to see if he could snag some more hardware before Cherokee comes to an end. Winning Event #1 is never a bad way to start the series.