Grospellier said: “I’ve played so many World Series of Poker events and never really came that close for a bracelet. My closest spot was in 2007 at the final so I’ve been waiting for this for five years.”
The 30-year old pro was a top ranked online gamer for years before notching his first live tournament cash in 2005. Since then he has nearly $8 million in live career earnings.This was Grospellier's ninth major cash of 2011, his third victory after two earlier EPT High Roller events, bringing his earnings on the year to over $1.6 million. ElkY became the fourth member of poker’s Triple Crown club, joining Gavin Griffin, Roland De Wolfe, and Jake Cody (who completed the Triple Crown earlier in the 2011 WSOP) in the very exclusive club.
When asked by reporters about his Stud proficiency, he said he hadn't played it.
“I think I caught up quickly and all the poker games are all similar. It’s about reading your opponents and adapting to the situation. Of course I have a lack of experience but sometimes I think it (helped) me because I was playing really aggressive and getting my opponents to fold in some spots where they’re not supposed to fold.”
Grospellier only had to eliminate his heads-up opponent, Steven Landfish, at the final table of eight, who settled for a runner-up position worth $204,924.Russian pro Alexander Kostritsyn had another deep run finishing in 5th, while Chad Brown had his best result since his 10lb stomach tumor was removed several months ago. Nick Schulman, Men Nguyen and Sorel Mizzi also made the money but just missed out on the final table. Matt Hawrilenko and Jason Mercier made the money as well.
Final table results:
1. Bertrand Grospellier - $331,639
2. Steven Landfish - $204,924
3. Maxwell Troy - $128,341
4. John Hennigan - $92,928
5. Alexander Kostritsyn - $72,627
6. Chad Brown - $57,917
7. Kevin Tang - $47,032
8. Chris Tryba - $38,812
One interesting side fact to go with Grospellier's win, 20 of the first 21 winners at this WSOP are first time winners.
