Scott Stewart’s latest poker win has solidified his status as one of the sport’s premier talents. On December 21, 2024, he triumphed at the World Poker Tour World Championship, held at Wynn Las Vegas, securing a massive $2.6 million payday. This victory marks a major milestone in his career, catapulting him to new heights with a total of 19 titles and more than $5.6 million in career earnings.
Stewart, a seasoned poker pro from Long Beach, California, topped a competitive field of 2,392 entries in the $10,400 buy-in tournament. His win not only provided a financial windfall but also earned him 2,700 Card Player Player of the Year points, pushing him closer to the top 100 in the prestigious Player of the Year race.
For Stewart, this win holds special significance as it surpasses his previous high score of $535,000, earned in 2017, by over $2 million. “No plans for the money, but plans to have some fun,” Stewart said after the victory, clearly relishing the moment. “We like to have fun, anything we do. We had a little bit of extra fun today and it was worth it.”
A Competitive Field and Thrilling Final Day
The final day of the World Poker Tour World Championship kicked off with just six players left, including Eddie Pak in the lead and Stewart trailing in second. For Stewart, the title was a long-awaited achievement, especially as the event brought together some of poker’s brightest stars.
The tournament, which ran from December 14 to 21, attracted 2,392 entries and generated a $23.4 million prize pool. This massive field included several notable names, such as three-time bracelet winner Paul Volpe (28th), Mikita Badziakouski (19th), Jeremy Wien (14th), and five-time bracelet winner Brian Yoon (11th). Despite the stiff competition, Stewart kept his composure, focusing on his game and eventually taking down the top prize.
The first few hands of the final day saw an explosive pace, with three players eliminated in quick succession. Christian Roberts of Venezuela was the first to fall, his flush draw not enough to overcome Stewart’s pocket aces. Roberts was sent packing with $665,000 for his efforts.
The very next hand saw Canada’s Ryan Yu become the fifth-place finisher, after his pocket nines failed to hold up against Pak’s pocket aces. Yu earned $875,000 for his efforts, while Pak continued to build his stack.
Stewart’s Path to Victory
While the eliminations were fast and furious, Stewart’s journey to the final table was a masterclass in consistency and discipline. After overcoming numerous hurdles in the early rounds, Stewart made it to the final table with a well-timed surge. By the time the final day rolled around, he was in contention for the win, and he didn’t waste the opportunity.
At the final table, Stewart’s key hands included a critical showdown with Rob Sherwood, who was knocked out after Stewart’s pocket aces held strong. Stewart’s ability to control the flow of the game and stay calm under pressure ultimately secured him the title.
The defining moment of Stewart’s victory came when he outlasted two-time bracelet winner Chris Moorman. Moorman had been a force at the table, but he was eliminated in fourth place after a dramatic hand against Pak, who made a check-raise all-in with pocket tens, forcing Moorman to fall short for the second year in a row.
The heads-up match between Stewart and Pak was intense, but in the end, Stewart came out on top, claiming the title, the money, and the respect of his peers.
A Monumental Achievement
This victory is a defining one for Stewart, who has consistently shown his skill and perseverance on the poker circuit. With 19 career titles under his belt, including multiple World Series of Poker Circuit gold rings, Stewart’s resume continues to grow. But this win, with its massive payout and high-stakes competition, sets him apart as one of the best in the game.
In addition to the financial rewards, Stewart’s title earned him 2,700 Player of the Year points, a testament to his remarkable year of poker. This win marks his fifth final-table appearance of the year and his first WPT title, further cementing his place among the poker elite.
As Stewart celebrates his monumental victory, he remains grounded, taking the time to thank his friends and supporters. “I got the best friends in the world… A lot of friends came out. Shout out to you guys. You’re the best,” he said. For Stewart, poker is not just a game; it’s about the people and the experiences that come with it.
With a career now boasting more than $5.6 million in earnings, Scott Stewart’s future in poker looks incredibly bright. As for the $2.6 million prize, Stewart’s plans are simple: to have some fun, with plenty of celebrations on the horizon.
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