Ylon Schwartz has finally won himself a much-deserved gold bracelet. After playing at five World Series of Poker final tables, the 2008 November Niner has more reasons to smile this season.
This month provided him his first WSOP gold bracelet, a win that has remained illusive for far too long. His last close call with a WSOP tournament was in 2008 when he was ousted at the 4th place during a $10,000 main event. Schwartz walked out of the 2008 tournament with a 7-figure cash prize of $3,774,974, which earned him lifetime earnings worth more than $4.7 million and 61 career cash prizes.
The final table at the World Series of Poker 2012 $1,500 H.O.R.S.E. title, saw Schwartz beating finals opponent David Chiu to capture the first prize, along with $267,081 in cash and 912 Card Player – Player of the Year points. After a long awaited win, this Brooklyn native is ecstatic now that he has finally bagged the gold.
Schwartz couldn’t hide his excitement at winning and said,
My initial reaction was just, joy. I just feel very happy right now. It’s a really sick feeling to finally get it done. I have been so close so many times, and now I’m there and it’s great.
After years of waiting around for lady-luck to finally be on his side, 2012 is certainly the year of ‘Schwartz’ and the man has finally gotten the closure he deserved.
Ylon Schwartz’s fight for a chance to win was not an easy task in a player field of 889 Poker players with a strong percentage of the player population being notables, compared to the hopefuls. Despite the extremely stressful environment Schwartz managed to last and welcomed day three of his roller-coaster ride to the final table. The path to the end, witnessed a few noteworthy players exiting the event, including – Chip Jett (19th place – $7,116), Cliff Josephy (16th place – $8,641), Rep Porter (14th place – $10,669) and Allen Cunningham (10th place – $17,150).
The final fight opened up with David Chiu, Schwartz and Stephen Chidwick battling it out against high bets. The game had to be restarted, and within 90 minutes into the game, it was over. Schwartz defeated Chidwick, with Chidwick walking out with $112,106 in cash, 608 POY points and 3rd place at the event. Schwartz then went heads-up with a chip-lead against the four-time bracelet winner – David Chiu. Unable to counter Schwartz, Chiu gave in and walked out second place with $164,960 in earnings and 760 POY points.
