Tripp Kirk Wins WSOP Circuit Harrahs St. Louis Main Event

When the 2012 World Series of Poker Circuit Harrah’s St. Louis came to an end on Monday night, it was Tripp Kirk sitting at the table with all the chips. The win marks Kirk’s second WSOP Circuit win. Kirk bested a field of 625 players, taking home the $190,961 first place prize, his second gold ring, and a seat to the National Championship freeroll.

Alexandru Masek was still in the field at the start of the day when twenty-one players remained, hoping for his record-tying fifth WSOP Circuit win. But it was not to be. After the elimination of Michael McKuin, Masek opened to 32,000 from early position, Dave Schwartz make the call, prompting a 3-bet from Brian Davis who made it 100,000 to go from the small blind. Masek quickly moved all-in, Schwartz folded, and Davis called.
Davis turned over A-A, dominating the pocket fives of Masek. The board came 3-K-A-K-2, no help for Masek who was sent to the rail, collecting $8,021 for his 20th place finish.

Kirk came into heads-up play with a 2-to-1 chiplead over Tim Killday and quickly eliminated his final opponent. On a board of 7-4-A-2, Killday checked to Kirk who made it 200,000. Killday paused briefly before declaring an all-in check-raise. Kirk snap called holding A-2 for two pair as Killday sheepishly revealed Q-T for no pair, no draw. Seeing that his opponent was drawing dead, Kirk immediately began celebrating with his friends on the rail.