Saturday, June 8, 2024 11:52 PM Local Time
AJ Cummings Wins First Bracelet in Event #22: Limit 2-7 Lowball Triple Draw
After three long days of play, it is Aaron "AJ" Cummings who reigns victorious in Event #22: $1,500 Limit 2-7 Lowball Triple Draw.
After a 90-minute heads-up duel with Yuichi Kanai, Cummings won his first bracelet along with $146,516 in prize money for his efforts. None of the final six players were bracelet holders, so everyone at that table was starving for WSOP gold.
Cummings only has a handful of previous WSOP cashes and this cash is bigger than all of his career earnings combined.
Final Table Results
Rank | Player | Country | Prize (USD) |
1 | Aaron Cummings | United States | $146,516 |
2 | Yuichi Kanai | Japan | $95,981 |
3 | Alexander Wilkinson | United States | $64,256 |
4 | Heather Alcorn | United States | $43,984 |
5 | Sean Yu | United States | $30,800 |
6 | Anthony Lazar | United States | $22,075 |
7 | Danny Wong | United States | $16,204 |
There was an upbeat and cordial atmosphere at the final table. As Cummings described it, "We had a blast, and I just ran the best." Aside from running well, Cummings played extremely well throughout the day, with well-timed bluffs paving the way for getting value with his strong hands.
"There's not a whole lot of poker [in Montana], so I just sneak down here every once in a while for fun."
If winning a bracelet qualifies as fun, then it was a mission accomplished for Cummings.
The Day's Action
13 players started the day, including bracelet winners Ilija Savevski and Danny Wong. Yuichi Kanai entered the day with the chip lead, but it was a close race with many contenders right on his heels. Eventually, champion AJ Cummings came into the day tied for third in chips.
The first casualty was Amir Nematinia, who got his short stack in against Kanai and was drawing dead on the final draw as Kanai had made an eight-six low.
Draw game crusher Jon Turner came in 12th, followed by James "AR" Williams in 11th and Alex Ferrari in 10th, who entered the day second in chips.
After the elimination of bracelet winner Ilija Savevski and Steven Gray, the final table of seven was reached, and play moved to a feature table.
Final Table Action
Shortly after combining tables, bracelet winner Wong exited in seventh place. He patted out of position with a jack after Heather Alcorn drew one. He soon got the bad news as Alcorn patted behind after making a seven-six low.
Alcorn was also responsible for the next knockout of Anthony Lazar in sixth place. Alcorn was drawing to an eight-seven, whereas Lazar was drawing to a nine-eight. Alcorn peeled a four on the final draw, which left Lazar drawing dead and heading to the payout cage.
The next bustout came almost 90 minutes later when Sean Yu was eliminated in fifth place. Yu has had plenty of success in mixed games at the World Series and was chip-leader at the start of the final table. However, his day ended when he peeled a queen on his final draw against the made jack of Wilkinson.
Alcorn was the next casualty, coming in fourth place. With her performance throughout the tournament, the former WSOP Dealer of the Year proved she can be just as successful outside the box. She fell at the hands of Wilkinson, who spiked a three-outer on the final draw to eliminate Alcorn.
The remaining three players then took a short dinner break.
The first post-dinner bust out was Alexander Wilkinson. He showed bravery and skill during the entire tournament, but his luck eventually ran out. On the final draw, Cummings had paired his seven, and Wilkinson needed to fade a two or seven to avoid making a straight. Unfortunately for him, he peeled one of the five outs as he rolled over a seven and was eliminated after making a straight.
Cummings and Kanai played heads-up for around 90 minutes, trading blows to one another as the chip lead switched back and forth. Eventually, Cummings gained a chip advantage and continued his aggression as he built his lead.
On the final hand, both players were drawing one on the final draw. Cummings bet enough to put Kanai all-in. Kanai was put to a tough decision after making a ten-eight low. After about a minute in the tank, Kanai sent the remainder of his chips into the middle, to which Cummings exclaimed, "We got 'em!" to his rail, and he threw his hands into the air in celebration.
Cummings will go back to Montana with an extra $146,516 and the coveted WSOP gold bracelet for his fantastic performance in Event #22: $1,500 Limit 2-7 Triple Draw Lowball.
This concludes our coverage of this event, but stay close to PokerNews for continuing coverage throughout the rest of the 55th World Series of Poker from here at Horseshoe and Paris Las Vegas.
Saturday, June 8, 2024 10:43 PM Local Time
Yuichi Kanai Eliminated in 2nd Place ($95,981)
Yuichi Kanai raised on the button and in the big blind, Aaron Cummings called.
Both players drew two cards and Cummings check-called a bet from Kanai.
On the second draw, Cummings drew two and Kanai drew one, leading to the same betting action.
The final draw saw Cummings and Kanai both draw one and Cummings bet enough to be Kanai all in and Kanai contemplated his decision for a while. After some time he put in the chips to call and put himself at risk.
"We got em!" shouted Cummings to his rail.
Yuichi Kanai: [allin]
Aaron Cummings:
Kanai drew to make a ten, but it was Cummings with the perfect eight-six who drew best. Cummings and Kanai shoot hands while Cummings' rail shouted and cheered.
Both players achieved a career best score with this finish.
Aaron Cummings | 14,350,000 | 1,350,000 |
Yuichi Kanai | 0 | -1,350,000 |
Saturday, June 8, 2024 10:17 PM Local Time
Cummings Closing In
Aaron Cummings raised the button and Yuichi Kanai defended his big blind.
Kanai drew two and Cummings drew three. Kanai led with a bet, Cummings raised, and Kanai called.
Kanai took one and Cummings stood pat. Kanai check-called a bet from Cummings.
On the final draw, Kanai drew one again and the action went check-check.
Cummings showed to take the pot and a massive chip lead.
Aaron Cummings | 13,000,000 | 2,000,000 |
Yuichi Kanai | 1,350,000 | -2,000,000 |
Saturday, June 8, 2024 10:09 PM Local Time
Cummings Over Ten Million
Aaron Cummings raised on the button and Yuichi Kanai three-bet which Cummings called.
Kanai drew three and Cummings drew one which saw Kanai bet and Cummings call.
Both drew one on the following street and Kanai check-called a bet from Cummings.
Kanai drew one and Cummings stood pat with Kanai taking the betting lead on the end which Cummings called.
Kanai flashed for a pair of twos and Cummings showed for a perfect eight-six and his lead over Kanai grew.
Aaron Cummings | 11,000,000 | 2,900,000 |
Yuichi Kanai | 3,350,000 | -2,900,000 |
Saturday, June 8, 2024 10:02 PM Local Time
Number Two for Cummings
Yuichi Kanai raised the button and Aaron Cummings defended the big blind.
Cummings drew three and Kanai drew two, and the action went check-check.
On the second draw, Cummings took one and Kanai took two. Cummings bet and Kanai quickly called.
Both drew one on the final draw and Cummings led with a bet again. Kanai called and Cummings revealed for #2 to scoop the pot.
Aaron Cummings | 8,100,000 | 1,100,000 |
Yuichi Kanai | 6,250,000 | -1,100,000 |
Saturday, June 8, 2024 9:55 PM Local Time
"You Snow?"
Aaron Cummings raised on the button and Yuichi Kanai called in the big blind.
Kanai drew three which saw Cummings draw one and bet once Kanai checked over to him, which Kanai called.
Kanai drew one and Cummings stood pat, Kanai check-called a bet again from Cummings.
Kanai stood pat and much to his amusement, Cummings drew two.
"What? You snow?" he asked with a smile creeping across his face. Both players checked the final betting round and Kanai turned over for a ten-eight.
Yuichi Kanai | 7,350,000 | 2,150,000 |
Aaron Cummings | 7,000,000 | -2,150,000 |
Saturday, June 8, 2024 9:43 PM Local Time
Cummings Gets a Fold from Kanai
Aaron Cummings raised the button, and Yuichi Kanai called in the big blind.
Both players drew three cards. Kanai checked, Cummings bet, Kanai raised, Cummings three-bet, and Kanai called.
Both players took one on the second draw. Kanai decided to lead with a bet which was called.
On the final draw, both players stood pat and Kanai check-folded to a bet from Cummings
Aaron Cummings | 9,150,000 | 150,000 |
Yuichi Kanai | 5,200,000 | -150,000 |
Saturday, June 8, 2024 9:36 PM Local Time
Cummings Cuts Deep Into Kanai
Aaron Cummings raised on the button and Yuichi Kanai called in the big blind.
Both players drew two on the first betting round and Kanai check-called a bet from Cummings.
On the second draw, Kanai drew two and Cummings drew one which saw Kanai check over to Cummings who bet and Kanai raised, getting a quick call from Cummings.
Kanai stood pat and Cummings drew one and called the bet from Cummings.
Kanai said "eight-seven," but it was no good as Cummings turned over for eight-seven perfect and he took a significant lead over Kanai.
Aaron Cummings | 9,000,000 | 2,900,000 |
Yuichi Kanai | 5,350,000 | -2,900,000 |
Saturday, June 8, 2024 9:30 PM Local Time
Level 33 started
Level: 33
Blinds: 200,000/400,000
Ante: 0
Saturday, June 8, 2024 9:29 PM Local Time
Kanai Gets Value from Eight
Yuichi Kanai raised from the button and Aaron Cummings defended the big blind.
Cummings drew two and Kanai drew one. Cummings check-called a bet from Kanai.
Both players took one on the second draw, and Cummings check-called another bet.
On the final draw, Cummings drew one and Kanai stood pat. Cummings check-called for a third time and immediately got the bad news as Kanai had made to win the pot and extend his lead.
Yuichi Kanai | 8,250,000 | 700,000 |
Aaron Cummings | 6,100,000 | -700,000 |
Saturday, June 8, 2024 9:22 PM Local Time
The Battle Rages
Yuichi Kanai raised on the button and in the big blind, Aaron Cummings called.
Both players drew three, with Cummings taking the betting lead on the first round and Kanai called.
On the second draw, both players drew two with Cummings betting once more and Kanai raised which Cummings called.
The final draw saw Cummings stand pat and Kanai drew one. Both players checked and Cummings showed for an eight-seven which was good for the pot to bring the two stacks closer to even.
Yuichi Kanai | 7,550,000 | 350,000 |
Aaron Cummings | 6,800,000 | -350,000 |
Saturday, June 8, 2024 9:11 PM Local Time
Cummings Gets There on Final Draw
Yuichi Kanai raised the button and Aaron Cummings called from the big blind.
Both drew two cards, and Cummings led with a bet which was called.
Cummings drew one while Kanai drew two and called a bet.
On the final draw, Cummings took one while Kanai stood pat. Cummings led for a third time which Kanai called. Cummings showed for #4 which was more than enough to take down the pot.
Yuichi Kanai | 7,200,000 | 200,000 |
Aaron Cummings | 7,150,000 | -200,000 |
Saturday, June 8, 2024 9:05 PM Local Time
An Even Race
Yuichi Kanai raised on the button and in the big blind, Aaron Cummings called.
Cummings drew three while Kanai drew two and Cummings checked over to Kanai who bet and Cummings raised, which saw Kanai call.
The second draw saw Cummings stand pat while Kanai drew one and Cummings bet, getting a quick call from Kanai.
On the final draw, Cummings stood pat and Kanai drew one with the action checking through on the river.
Kanai tabled for a nine-seven which was good for the pot and the race came to a much closer spot then it had initially.
Aaron Cummings | 7,350,000 | -500,000 |
Yuichi Kanai | 7,000,000 | 500,000 |
Saturday, June 8, 2024 8:58 PM Local Time
Kanai Bluff-Catches with Queen
Aaron Cummings opened the button and Yuichi Kanai defended the big blind.
Kanai drew two and Cummings drew three. Kanai led with a bet which was called.
Both took one on the second draw, and the action went check-check.
Both drew one again, Kanai checked, Cummings bet, and Kanai went deep into the tank. He eventually winced and tossed in calling chips. He immediately got the good news as Cummings turned over for a straight. Kanai then revealed which was good
Aaron Cummings | 7,850,000 | -2,150,000 |
Yuichi Kanai | 6,500,000 | 2,150,000 |
Saturday, June 8, 2024 8:46 PM Local Time
Cummings Draws First Blood In Heads Up
Aaron Cummings raised on the button and Yuichi Kanai called in the big blind.
Both players drew two and Kanai checked over to Cummings who bet and Kanai called.
On the second draw, both players drew one and Kanai took the betting lead with Cummings calling.
The final draw saw both players stand pat and Cummings tabled for a nine-eight which was good for the pot.
Aaron Cummings | 10,000,000 | 1,075,000 |
Yuichi Kanai | 4,350,000 | -1,075,000 |
Saturday, June 8, 2024 8:40 PM Local Time
Heads Up Chip Counts
Aaron Cummings | 8,925,000 | 0 |
Yuichi Kanai | 5,425,000 | -75,000 |
Saturday, June 8, 2024 8:39 PM Local Time
Alexander Wilkinson Eliminated in 3rd Place ($64,256)
Alexander Wilkinson opened the button and Aaron Cummings called from the small blind.
Cummings drew one and Wilkinson drew two. Wilkinson bet all-in for 75,000 and Cummings called.
Cummings took two and Wilkinson drew one.
Both players drew one on the final draw.
Alexander Wilkinson: [allin]
Aaron Cummings:
Cummings flipped his card first, and he caught the to pair his hand. Wilkinson however, caught the to make a straight and he was eliminated in 3rd place.
Aaron Cummings | 8,925,000 | 1,475,000 |
Alexander Wilkinson | 0 | -1,125,000 |
Saturday, June 8, 2024 8:31 PM Local Time
Wilkinson Loses A Big One To Cummings
Alexander Wilkinson raised in the small blind and in the big blind, Aaron Cummings three-bet. Wilkinson four-bet and Cummings five-bet it to cap.
Wilkinson drew one and Cummings stood pat which saw Wilkinson check-call a bet from Cummings.
Both stood pat and checked through on the following round.
On the final draw, both stood pat and Wilkinson bet which Cummings called.
"Eight-seven perfect," said Willkinson, about to table his hand.
"No good," replied Cummings as he fanned for number four which was good for the pot as Wilkinson fell below five big bets.
Aaron Cummings | 7,450,000 | 975,000 |
Alexander Wilkinson | 1,125,000 | -1,375,000 |
Saturday, June 8, 2024 8:21 PM Local Time
Play Resumes
The three players have returned from dinner break.
Saturday, June 8, 2024 8:21 PM Local Time
Level 32 started
Level: 32
Blinds: 150,000/300,000
Ante: 0