Samuel Chartier Wins WSOP Circuit in Atlantic City

The final table of the $5,000 buy-in World Series of Poker Circuit Event Championship at Caesars Atlantic City was won by Canadian Samuel Chartier. Chartier, who hails from Montreal, defeated fellow Canadian John Nixon, from Toronto. A total of 208 entrants competed and 23 year old Samuel Chartier took home a cool $322,944. The tournament began last Thursday, with a 25% drop-off in entrants. Last years event had 277 players competing for the title.

David Zeitlin finished in ninth after running into Frank Vizza’s pocket rockets. Chris “Sloppyklod” Klodnicki final hand was a pair of jacks. He unfortunately ran into another huge pair from Vizza. This time Kings. Once again Vizza’s big pair held up. Jason Young who was short stacked, reluctantly pushed a K-Q on an 8-4-3 board. Chartier called with Jacks and took down the pot, sending Young home in 7th. Chartier then took out Mike Brady with pocket threes. Brady’s pocket eights were a huge favorite, but Chartier hit a flush. Alex Bolotin was next to go. On the short stack he went all-in with K-3. Vizza called with A-Q and the better hand held up.

4th place finisher Michael Michnik saw his A-J go down to Chartier who also held an A-J. Chartier once again hit a flush. Vizza was sent packing in third after his A-2 could not hold up against Nixon’s K-J. A jack hit the river setting up an all Canadian showdown for the title. Samuel Chartier held nearly a 2:1 chip lead to start the heads up match. John Nixon decided to shove with A-10, and Chartier called with A-J. The flop came A-J-5, giving Samuel top two pair. The turn and river produced a 5 and 10, sealing the victory for Samuel Chartier. He earned a healthy $322,944 plus a $10,000 seat into the 2009 WSOP Main Event.

Chartier told tournament officials after the tournament concluded, “It’s amazing. I can’t describe the feeling I have right now. I knew the final table lineup was pretty tough, so I hoped to pick up a few good spots to put my money in and that’s what I managed to do.” Chartier also made a huge cash for $250,000 when he took 7th in the 2008 European Poker Tour (EPT) Barcelona stop.

Here is a recap of the final table finishes and payouts in Atlantic City:

1st Place: Samuel Chartier – $322,944
2nd Place: John Nixon – $177,619
3rd Place: Frank Vizza – $90,828
4th Place: Michael Michnik – $70,644
5th Place: Alex Bolotin – $60,552
6th Place: Matt Brady – $50,460
7th Place: Jason Young – $40,368
8th Place: Chris Klodnicki – $30,276
9th Place: David Zeitlin – $20,184

The WSOP Circuit Event series now moves to Harrah’s Rincon in San Diego. Beginning on March 19th, Harrah’s Rincon will play host to WSOP festivities. The Championship event begins on March 30th, with a $5150 buy-in.