WSOP Circuit Middelkerke
A milestone in Belgian poker history
The WSOP Circuit Middelkerke is over! The festival has put Belgium firmly on the international poker map. Large fields, impressive prize pools, some of the world's best players and an exceptional location... Pokahroom Middelkerke has undoubtedly made an impression. A total of no less than 4,101 entries were registered during the festival, good for a spectacular prize pool that approached 2 million euros. A look back at ten days of pure poker sensation.
Twelve Ring Events were on the program of the festival. In addition to their first prize, the winners each won one of the iconic WSOP rings and a Bahamas package worth $5,000.Our Belgian delegation of twelve Middelkerke champions will leave for the WSOP Paradise in a few weeks for a fully catered unique poker experience.
12 Ring Winners
Mini Main, Maxi Field
The festival started with a huge turnout for the Mini Main. No fewer than 734 players chose the most accessible event of the series, good for a prize pool of more than €250,000. Winner Henk Pol, a talented Dutch player, wins the first prize of €45,300 after two days of competition.
Jackpot when opening the chests
There are days when everything works out... That is exactly what Frenchman Xavier Sitruk experienced on Day 2 of the Mystery Bounty. Not only did he win the event and the €17,500 for first place, but he also opened two Golden Chests of €10,000 and €5,000. In total, he left with €18,750 in bounties. The Top Bounty of €15,000 went to Pokahnights regular Jan Kusters.
A Highroller with absolute top players
The Highroller of the WSOP Circuit Middelkerke had a top line-up. The field was packed with 'top regs' like Sonny Franco (7 WSOP rings), recent CPS winner Romain Le Dantec, two-time Belgian champion Arne Coulier and Cécile Ticherfatine ($1M+ live cashes).
Gary Hasson put down the best Belgian performance with a nice third place. The heads-up became an all-French affair between Patrick Faraut and Sacha Cohen. After a long and intense duel, Faraut came out on top and secured the victory and the top prize of €47,100.
Omar crowned in Middelkerke
He has almost 4 million in live winnings and dozens of titles, but a WSOP title was still missing from Omar Lakhdari's record. That box has now been ticked. The formidable Algerian player won the Main Event of the WSOP Circuit Middelkerke after three intense days. At the TV table on the final day, he delivered a flawless masterclass, good for the first prize of €118,000. His gaze can now be set on the Bahamas, as this performance also won him a package to the WSOP Paradise.
