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2022 53rd Annual World Series of Poker The Official WSOP Live Updates

Wednesday, June 22, 2022 to Sunday, June 26, 2022

Event #47: $1,000 SENIORS No-Limit Hold’em Championship

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  • Buy-in: $1,000
  • Prizepool: $6,397,320
  • Entries: 7,188
  • Remaining: 0

EVENT UPDATES

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Monday, June 27, 2022 6:58 PM Local Time
Eric Smidinger Full of Emotion After Winning First Bracelet in 2022 WSOP Seniors Event ($694,909)

Eric Smidinger

The 2022 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Event #47: $1,000 Seniors Championship was full of big names, big drama, and some incredible poker.

At the end of five days, there could only be one person from the 7,188-entry field donning the gold bracelet, and that was Eric Smidinger.

In a come-from-behind effort, Smidinger outlasted Ben Sarnoff in a two-and-a-half hour heads-up battle to take home an incredible $694,909 top prize and his very first WSOP gold bracelet.

Smidinger's previous career-high live cash was for $28,831 when he finished in fourth place at a $365 WSOP Circuit event in Baltimore, Maryland back in 2015 according to The Hendon Mob.

This was Smidinger's third year at the WSOP, having enjoyed three cashes in 2019, three cashes in 2021, and four cashes in 2022. The Maryland native claims to have a cash rate of over 50% each and every year so far.

He notably went deep in the 2022 $1,500 Millionaire Maker, finishing in 275th place, with his previous career-best finish being in the WSOP coming in the 2021 $1,000 Double Stack, where he finished in 71st.

Smidinger has attributed his success in poker to his wife's lasagna and being able to study and play poker more while working less in recent years.

Event #47: $1,000 Seniors Championship Final Table Results

PlacePlayerCountryPrize
1Eric SmidingerUnited States$694,909
2Ben SarnoffUnited States$429,420
3Charles MitchellUnited States$323,057
4Biagio MorcianoItaly$244,664
5Kathy LiebertUnited States$186,541

Winner's Reaction

"This is a dream. I love it. This morning, coming in, I knew I had just as good of a chance as anybody. I'm excited," he said after the win. "It's going to be cool to go back to Blackhawk, I live in Colorado (Evergreen) and play there regularly, including tournaments. It'll be nice to sport the bracelet."

When asked how winning the bracelet ranked amongst the top moments in his life, Smidinger began to tear up as he looked over to his wife.

"Uh. Wow. You know, family is so important... (voice breaks) After that, wife, kids, making a family... we have three great kids, five grandkids. After all that, married to a loving partner, a life-long loving partner, this is up there. This is, for sure, a bucket-list item, and I hope to get another one and I'll probably play the Main Event. I can afford it."

He was asked how the money would change his life, he first thought of his wife.

"My wife, Betsy, she's retiring soon. She was planning to retire within the year and now that date will probably come a little sooner."

He added: "Tonight? I haven't had a drop of alcohol since I've been here so we're going to go out and celebrate."

Path to Bracelet

"It's wonderful. I started playing poker in high school, went to Jim Boyd's (Prince's) home game in Maryland with my buddy Gabe (who was on the rail). We used to play tournaments there all the time. Then the casinos came, I didn't start playing tournaments in casinos until 2006. I had minor success but then when work decreased, poker increased and I could study the game. The last few years have been really good.

"I think I played in six events this year, cashed in four. Played five events last year, cashed in three and similar the year before but nothing significantly large. But this tournament, everything just worked out.

"Even though I didn't run overly good. When I did get it in, anytime it was critical, I got it in slightly ahead and those held up, just like the last hand, it just held up."

Final Table Action

Kathy Liebert
Poker Hall of Fame nominee Kathy Liebert

The first player out was the legendary Kathy Liebert ($186,541), who was short-stacked and shoved pocket kings from the hijack. Unfortunately, she ran into the pocket aces of Sarnoff in the cutoff.

A little over 15 minutes went by before Biagio Morciano ($244,664) ran his ace-jack into the pocket eights of Smidinger. After getting it in preflop, he couldn't improve and had to settle for fourth place.

Out in third was Charles Mitchell ($323,057), better known as Mitch. After coming in as the short stack, Mitchell was very active and battled all day until finding himself in a three-way all-in pot with both Sarnoff and Smidinger. Unfortunately for Mitchell, his ace-king was bested by Sarnoff's ace-jack, who also beat Smidinger's pocket sixes.

Though he would be the chip leader for all of Day 5 before it was heads up, it would be the aforementioned Sarnoff ($429,420) to fall just short at the end. Sarnoff's suited ace-king could not catch up to Smidinger's pocket eights and he was visibly disappointed to finish in second.

That does it forPokerNews' coverage of Event #47: $1,000 Seniors Championship, but there are still plenty of great events remaining at the 2022 WSOP. Click here to see what other tournaments are taking place now.

Monday, June 27, 2022 5:26 PM Local Time
Ben Sarnoff Eliminated in 2nd Place ($429,420)

Ben Sarnoff

Eric Smidinger raised to 4,000,000 on the button and Ben Sarnoff shoved all in for around 27,000,000 from the big blind. Smidinger instantly flicked in a chip to call and the cards were on their backs.

Ben Sarnoff:   
Eric Smidinger:   

They were off to the races and Smidinger was looking to hold to capture the title. The flop came     and Sarnoff was unable to connect as of yet. The   on the turn changed nothing and it was the   that bricked on the river.

"Yeah, baby!" Smidinger shouted as he got up from his seat. The two players shook hands and Sarnoff was off to the payout desk to collect his runner-up prize.

Eric Smidinger147,500,00025,500,000
Ben Sarnoff0-21,500,000
Monday, June 27, 2022 5:17 PM Local Time
Smidinger Makes Massive River Call, Catches Sarnoff Bluffing

Eric Smidinger

Ben Sarnoff opened to 4,500,000 and Eric Smidinger called.

Both players checked the     flop. The   turn brought a 5,500,000 bet from Sarnoff and Smidinger called.

On the   river, Sarnoff put out a huge bet of 12,500,000. Smidinger let out a huge exhale, thought for about 45 seconds, and made the call.

Sarnoff looked meekly at his cards before tossing them into the muck face down, allowing Smidinger's rail to let out a huge roar as he took a six-to-one chip lead.

Sarnoff is now left with around 11 big blinds.

Eric Smidinger122,000,00021,500,000
Ben Sarnoff21,500,000-25,500,000
Monday, June 27, 2022 5:10 PM Local Time
Smidinger Gets Paid Off

Eric Smidinger limped in on the button this time and Ben Sarnoff checked his option. The flop came     and Sarnoff check-called a bet of 4,000,000 from Smidinger.

The   landed on the turn and both players checked to the   on the river. Sarnoff checked once more and Smidinger pushed out a bet of 6,500,000. Sarnoff deliberated for a minute before making the call. Smidinger turned over    for trip threes and raked in the pot.

Eric Smidinger100,500,00018,000,000
Ben Sarnoff47,000,000-14,000,000
Monday, June 27, 2022 5:00 PM Local Time
Smidinger Flops Two Pair

Eric Smidinger

Ben Sarnoff opened for 4,500,000 and Eric Smidinger called.

The flop came     and Sarnoff continued for 4,000,000. Smidinger called.

Both players checked the   turn and the   river.

Smidinger turned over   , getting a surprised reaction out of Sarnoff, who had   .

Eric Smidinger82,500,0009,500,000
Ben Sarnoff61,000,000-9,500,000
Playtika - Jason Alexander
Monday, June 27, 2022 4:44 PM Local Time
Back to Even

Ben Sarnoff was just starting to take a small chip lead and raised to 4,500,000 on the button. Eric Smidinger called from the big blind and the flop came    . Smidinger checked to Sarnoff who continued for 5,000,000 and Smidinger called.

The   paired the board on the turn and both players checked to the   on the river. Two more checks and Smidninger turned over    for a rivered flush to win the pot.

Eric Smidinger73,000,0003,000,000
Ben Sarnoff70,500,000-3,000,000
Monday, June 27, 2022 4:40 PM Local Time
Level 41 started
Level: 41
Blinds: 1,000,000/2,000,000
Ante: 2,000,000
Monday, June 27, 2022 4:37 PM Local Time
Sarnoff Gets River Fold Following Flop Lead

Eric Smidinger opened for 3,000,000 and Ben Sarnoff called.

The flop came     and Sarnoff lead for 3,000,000. Smidinger called.

They both checked the   turn and on the   river, Sarnoff put out a bet of 4,000,000. Smidinger took a few seconds before laying down his hand.

Ben Sarnoff73,500,0001,500,000
Eric Smidinger70,000,000-1,500,000
Monday, June 27, 2022 4:22 PM Local Time
It's a Dead Heat

Ben Sarnoff raised to 3,500,000 on the button and Eric Smidinger called from the big blind. The flop came     and Smidinger check-called a bet of 4,000,000 from Sarnoff.

The turn was the   and both players checked to the   on the river. Smidinger checked one last time and Sarnoff tossed in a bet of 7,000,000. Smidinger gave it some thought but decided to lay his hand down.

Ben Sarnoff72,000,0005,500,000
Eric Smidinger71,500,000-5,500,000
Monday, June 27, 2022 4:18 PM Local Time
ALEX FOXEN WINS $250K SUPER HIGH ROLLER | WSOP 2022
Playtika - Jason Alexander
Monday, June 27, 2022 4:14 PM Local Time
Smidinger Raises Flop, Gets Fold

Ben Sarnoff opened to 3,500,000 and Eric Smidinger called.

The flop came     and Sarnoff continued for 3,000,000. Smidinger raised to 10,500,000 and Sarnoff patiently deliberated his decision.

After about 90 seconds, Sarnoff opted for the fold.

Eric Smidinger77,000,000-6,000,000
Ben Sarnoff66,500,0006,500,000
Monday, June 27, 2022 3:59 PM Local Time
Smidinger Takes Over Chip Lead

Eric Smidinger

Eric Smidinger opened to 3,000,000 and Ben Sarnoff called.

The flop came     and they both checked it down.

The turn brought the   and Sarnoff put out a bet of 3,000,000. Smidinger called.

On the   river, Smidinger put out a bet of 3,500,000 and was instantly called off.

Smidinger turned over    to take over the chip lead.

Eric Smidinger83,000,00015,000,000
Ben Sarnoff60,000,000-16,500,000
Monday, June 27, 2022 3:51 PM Local Time
Smidinger Gets Paid Off

Ben Sarnoff raised to 3,500,000 on the button and Eric Smidinger defended from the big blind. The flop came     and Smidinger checked to Sarnoff who continued with a bet of 3,500,000. Smidinger check-raised to 8,000,000 and Sarnoff quickly called.

The turn was the   and both players checked to the   on the river. Smidinger led out with a bet of 5,000,000 this time and Sarnoff looked him up. Smidinger tabled    for two pair and Sarnoff conceded the pot.

Ben Sarnoff76,500,000-3,500,000
Eric Smidinger68,000,0004,000,000
Monday, June 27, 2022 3:45 PM Local Time
Smidinger Nearly Back to Even

Eric Smidinger

Ben Sarnoff opened for 3,500,000 and Eric Smidinger called.

The flop came     and both players checked.

The turn was the   and both players tapped the table once more.

On the river, the   popped up and Smidinger fired for 4,000,000. Sarnoff took roughly a minute before making the call.

Smidinger showed    for the full house and has clawed back to nearly even.

Ben Sarnoff80,000,000-10,000,000
Eric Smidinger64,000,00010,400,000
Monday, June 27, 2022 3:35 PM Local Time
Level 40 started
Level: 40
Blinds: 1,000,000/1,500,000
Ante: 1,500,000
Playtika - Jason Alexander
Monday, June 27, 2022 3:26 PM Local Time
Break

Players are now on a 15-minute break.

Ben Sarnoff90,000,000-8,400,000
Eric Smidinger53,600,0008,300,000
Monday, June 27, 2022 3:19 PM Local Time
Smidinger Continues to Chip Away

Eric Smidinger raised to 2,600,000 on the button and Ben Sarnoff called from the big blind. The flop came     and Sarnoff check-called a bet of 1,800,000 from Smidinger.

The turn was the   and Sarnoff started with another check. Smidinger sized up with a bet of 4,200,000 this time. Sarnoff grabbed the chips to call but elected to send his cards to the muck.

Ben Sarnoff98,400,000-5,100,000
Eric Smidinger45,300,0005,300,000
Monday, June 27, 2022 3:11 PM Local Time
Smidinger Closes the Gap

Ben Sarnoff opened to 2,600,000 and Eric Smidinger called.

The flop came     and Sarnoff continued for 3,000,000. Smidinger called.

Both players checked the   turn and on the   river, Smidinger fired for 8,000,000.

Sarnoff thought about the large bet and eventually laid it down.

Ben Sarnoff103,500,000-12,000,000
Eric Smidinger40,000,0008,500,000
Monday, June 27, 2022 3:03 PM Local Time
Charles Mitchell Eliminated in 3rd Place ($323,057)

Charles Mitchell

Eric Smidinger raised to 2,700,000 on the button and Ben Sarnoff called from the small blind. Charles Mitchell jammed all in for 13,300,000 and both players called.

The flop came     and with the action still live on the side pot, both Sarnoff and Smidinger checked to the   on the turn and the   on the river.

Mitchell turned over    but was bested by the    of Sarnoff who flopped a pair of jacks. Smidinger's cards went into the muck but he said he held   . Mitchell was eliminated in third place and Sarnoff will take a commanding chip lead into the heads-up match.

Ben Sarnoff115,500,00031,900,000
Eric Smidinger31,500,000-14,500,000
Charles Mitchell0-15,000,000
Monday, June 27, 2022 2:58 PM Local Time
Smidinger Gets Revenge, Full Double Up on Sarnoff

Eric Smidinger

Ben Sarnoff opened for 2,500,000 from the button and Eric Smidinger called from the big blind.

The flop came     and both players tapped the table.

On the   turn, Smidinger bet 2,000,000. Sarnoff announced all in and Smidinger snap-called.

Eric Smidinger:   
Ben Sarnoff:   

Though Sarnoff had turned two pair, Smidinger turned a straight and it held on the   river.

Ben Sarnoff83,600,000-21,400,000
Eric Smidinger46,000,00022,200,000
Playtika - Jason Alexander
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