The WPT Lucky Hearts Poker Open delivered an unforgettable climax as a trio of elite players dominated the final stretch of a packed series in Hollywood, Florida. At the center of it all was Giuseppe Iadisernia, who erased earlier near misses to capture the Main Event title and take home $611,700 along with a coveted spot on the Mike Sexton WPT Champions Cup.
Just days after finishing second in the $25,000 High Roller for $187,700, Iadisernia turned things around by leading the Championship final table from early on and holding off fierce competition in a stacked field.
Familiar Faces at the Final Table
Several familiar contenders from the High Roller returned for the $3,500 Championship final table, including Thomas Boivin and Anatoly Nikitin, all vying to knock off the early chip leader.
After more than two hours of play, Ted McNamara fell in seventh place, paving the way for a six‑handed showdown. Iadisernia briefly ceded the lead to Nikitin before regaining control. Eddie Blumenthal exited shortly after, boosting Boivin’s stack on the way out.
Nikitin’s run ended in fifth when pocket nines couldn’t crack pocket tens in a showdown with Jorge Gomez. That set up a final four where Martins Adeniya—last year’s Lucky Hearts champion—managed a key double but ultimately bowed out in fourth after running into Iadisernia.
Heads-Up Action and Final Results
Three players remained: Iadisernia, Gomez, and Boivin. Boivin staged a comeback from a short stack but was eventually sent home in third place. Iadisernia held a commanding chip advantage in heads-up play and never looked back, ultimately dispatching Gomez to secure the title.
Final Table Payouts:
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Giuseppe Iadisernia — $611,700
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Jorge Gomez — $395,000
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Thomas Boivin — $295,000
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Martins Adeniya — $220,000
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Anatoly Nikitin — $167,000
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Eddie Blumenthal — $127,000
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Ted McNamara — $98,000
Boivin, who also claimed the $25,500 High Roller title earlier in the series for over $310,000, continued his strong run of form, while Iadisernia’s victory marks his first Main Tour WPT title and boosts his career earnings well over the $3.5 million mark.
The World Poker Tour will now pause briefly before heading overseas to Cambodia in early February, followed by the WPT Venetian Las Vegas Spring Championship later in the month.
