Spring, Sprang, Spragg! Spraggy Triumphs in UKIPT Brighton Main Event

The UK and Ireland Poker Tour (UKIPT) embarked on its journey this year with the Irish Open in April, and the tour has been going strong ever since. The latest stop on the UKIPT circuit was Brighton, where a thrilling Main Event unfolded from the 5th to the 10th of September. With a £1,100 buy-in, the tournament attracted 532 entries, amassing an impressive £337,920 prize pool. In the end, it was Benjamin “Spraggy” Spragg who emerged victorious, claiming the coveted title.

A £69,120 Prize Triumph

As Day 2 concluded, three final table contenders fell short, leaving only six poker enthusiasts to battle for the championship on the following day. Spraggy, renowned for his streaming presence on Twitch.tv, began Day 3 with the fifth-largest chip stack. Despite the odds, he managed his stack masterfully and found himself in a heads-up showdown against Germany’s Dominik Nitsche. By eliminating Nitsche with a remarkable 10-3 hand against K-J, an emotional Spraggy clinched the championship along with a substantial £69,120 prize.

“I’m Just a Poker Pro”

The accomplished Spraggy, a member of Team PokerStars, was overwhelmed by emotions after securing his first major live title. Despite the high stakes, the award-winning streamer didn’t feel the typical tension associated with a final table:

“I’m genuinely really emotional. I didn’t think I would be because there was such a good atmosphere at the final table; it didn’t feel like a final table.”

The familiar faces among the final six players likely contributed to the relaxed yet intense ambiance at the Rendezvous Casino. Notably, football YouTuber and podcaster Adam McKola, a close friend of Spraggy, made an impressive third-place finish, earning £30,110. Considering that McKola, a UK resident, only began playing poker two years ago, his achievement is commendable. He also fell victim to one of the most brutal bad beats of the tournament, encountering fellow countryman Sebastian Gohr’s quads while holding a full house right at the end of Day 2.

With the Brighton title now on his resume, Spraggy, primarily known as an online poker player, feels like a formidable presence in the live poker scene as well:

“I no longer feel like an online guy who plays a bit of live. I’m just a poker pro.”

London Calling!

With Spraggy’s triumphant win in Brighton, the UKIPT is now heading to London! The festival will take place from September 19th to 24th, with the Main Event scheduled from the 21st to the 24th. The Hippodrome Casino will play host, and the anticipation is building to see who will claim the next UKIPT Main Event trophy.

UKIPT Brighton Main Event Final Table Payouts:

A Remarkable Final Table

The final table of the UKIPT Brighton Main Event was a thrilling affair, with notable players from various countries competing for the prestigious title. Here’s a closer look at the top finishers:

1. Benjamin Spragg (United Kingdom) – £69,120: Spraggy’s impressive victory showcased his skill and determination, securing his place in the annals of UKIPT history.
2. Dominik Nitsche (Germany) – £42,150: Nitsche’s strong performance throughout the tournament earned him a well-deserved second-place finish and a substantial cash prize.
3. Adam McKola (United Kingdom) – £30,110: McKola’s remarkable journey at the final table, considering his relatively short poker career, demonstrates his potential in the poker world.
4. Oliver Hutchins (United Kingdom) – £23,160: Hutchins’ solid gameplay earned him a respectable fourth-place finish in a competitive field.
5. Alessandro Spina (Italy) – £17,820: Representing Italy, Spina showcased his poker skills and secured a fifth-place finish.
6. Sebastian Gohr (United Kingdom) – £13,700: Gohr’s participation in the final table added to the intensity of the competition, and he secured a commendable sixth-place finish.
7. Jun Beum Chum (South Korea) – £10,540: Chum represented South Korea and made a notable appearance at the final table.
8. Stewart Kirby (United Kingdom) – £8,690: Kirby’s poker prowess earned him an eighth-place finish and a share of the prize pool.
9. Oscar Tompsett (United Kingdom) – £7,240: Tompsett’s journey at the UKIPT Brighton Main Event showcased the depth of talent in the tournament.

The UKIPT Brighton Main Event was a testament to the skill and dedication of the players who competed. As the tour heads to London, poker enthusiasts eagerly anticipate another exciting Main Event at the Hippodrome Casino. Stay tuned for more thrilling poker action in the coming days!