The poker community was abuzz as the first event of the 2024 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Paradise—Event #1: $2,500 Mini Main Event—came to an unforgettable conclusion. After six days of high-stakes play, a field of 2,031 entries was whittled down to one champion: Lebanon’s Jeffrey Hakim. This monumental win earned Hakim his first WSOP bracelet and an impressive payday of $575,050.
A Massive Turnout Surpasses Expectations
The $2,500 Mini Main Event began with high expectations, boasting a $5 million guarantee. By the time registration closed, the field size had blown past projections, creating a final prize pool of $5.077 million. With 306 players making it to Day 2, the competition was fierce, and every player was guaranteed a minimum payout of $5,360.
The final day of action saw only 17 survivors battling for poker immortality. Among them was Jeffrey Hakim, a seasoned player with over $2 million in live tournament earnings. However, despite his impressive track record, Hakim had yet to claim a WSOP bracelet—a goal he had been pursuing for years.
Turning Point: Hakim’s Path to Victory
Day 3 was a rollercoaster for Hakim, who started with the chip lead but briefly fell behind as the competition intensified. His breakthrough moment came during a pivotal hand against Dong Chen, where Hakim’s pocket queens faced Chen’s ace-king suited in a classic coin flip. The board ran clean for Hakim, propelling him back into contention. Reflecting on the moment, Hakim shared, “If that hand had gone the other way, I’d be out in 14th place. It’s surreal to think how close I was to busting.”
Hakim continued to build his stack, and as he eliminated opponents one by one, his confidence grew. By the time he reached heads-up play against Belarusian player Alina Paliahoshka, Hakim held a commanding chip lead.
Final Table Chip Counts
- Andrei Piatrushchanka – 20,825,000
- Alina Paliahoshka – 19,075,000
- Jeffrey Hakim – 16,725,000
- Mathew Frankland – 7,750,000
- Matas Cimbolas – 7,250,000
- Dong Chen – 7,200,000
- Ryan Gebow – 6,800,000
- Viktor Ustimov – 5,525,000
- Paul Newey – 5,250,000
- Aram Oganyan – 3,500,000
A Love Story at the Final Table
One of the tournament’s most compelling subplots was the presence of a Belarusian couple, Alina Paliahoshka and Andrei Piatrushchanka, who both reached the final three. Their remarkable performance captured the attention of fans worldwide, as it’s rare to see partners competing for a coveted poker title side by side.
Piatrushchanka had started the final table as the chip leader, but a series of costly hands against Hakim saw his stack dwindle. In a dramatic hand, Piatrushchanka’s pocket tens lost to Hakim’s ace-queen when an ace hit the turn and a queen landed on the river, sealing his fate in third place for $344,000.
With her partner eliminated, Paliahoshka fought valiantly to claim the bracelet for the couple. Despite her tenacity, Hakim’s overwhelming chip advantage proved insurmountable. In the final hand, Hakim’s pocket threes held against Paliahoshka’s ace-king, securing his victory. Paliahoshka finished as the runner-up, earning $445,400.
An Emotional Triumph for Hakim
For Hakim, this win was the culmination of years of hard work and perseverance. “I’ve dedicated so much time and effort to this game, especially in my twenties. Finally winning a bracelet feels like vindication,” he said, overwhelmed with emotion.
Although the $575,050 prize was significant, Hakim made it clear that the bracelet meant far more to him. “The money is great, but the bracelet is what I’ll cherish forever. Winning your first one is the sweetest feeling in the world.”
Notable Performances and Final Table Drama
The $2,500 Mini Main Event was packed with thrilling moments and standout performances. Notable players who cashed included Fedor Holz (28th for $18,390), Stoyan Madanzhiev (48th for $14,520), and Alex Livingston (98th for $9,040).
At the final table, the action was relentless. Former bracelet winner Dong Chen bowed out in 10th place, and Ryan Gebow exited in 5th after running into Piatrushchanka’s flush. The intensity reached its peak during three-handed play, where Hakim’s relentless aggression ultimately turned the tide.
A Historic Start to WSOP Paradise
Hakim’s victory sets the tone for what promises to be an exciting WSOP Paradise series. With over $5 million in prize money awarded in the first event alone, the festival is off to a roaring start.
As the poker world celebrates Hakim’s well-deserved triumph, the story of Alina Paliahoshka and Andrei Piatrushchanka’s deep run adds a heartwarming touch to an already unforgettable tournament.
Final Table Results (USD)
- Jeffrey Hakim – $575,050
- Alina Paliahoshka – $445,400
- Andrei Piatrushchanka – $344,000
- Viktor Ustimov – $261,500
- Ryan Gebow – $202,100
- Mathew Frankland – $152,300
- Paul Newey – $120,600
- Matas Cimbolas – $91,020
- Aram Oganyan – $70,135
- Dong Chen – $51,080
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