Poker is just as popular in South Africa as it is anywhere else in the world. The World Poker Tour (WPT), hosted annually at Emperors Palace in Johannesburg, has become the perfect stage for thrilling poker action.
This year’s Main Event with a $3,500 buy-in attracted many enthusiastic players. At the beginning of Day 3, things didn’t look great for the eventual winner Dylan Wilkerson from the USA.
Fortunately, the bubble had already burst and all remaining players were guaranteed at least $5,472.
One of the biggest unlucky moments hit Johan de Graff, who lost with Pocket Queens against Pocket Kings – as Tom from casinoonlinespielen.info shared with us.
📑 Table of Contents
- Land of Luck – The WPT Atmosphere
- The Dance on the Volcano – Final 17 Players
- The Final Duel: Barnard vs. Wilkerson
- The End of a Dramatic Finale
- No Second Class – More Tournament Options
Land of Luck – The WPT Atmosphere
The World Poker Tour at Emperors Palace is a major highlight in the South African poker scene. Players from all over the world gather in an unforgettable environment.
As Day 3 began, tension was high – and Wilkerson’s chip stack was far from promising.
The Dance on the Volcano – Final 17 Players
Only 17 players remained, including South African hometown favorite Richard Barnard.
Wilkerson had to fight his way up hand by hand, and soon it became clear that these two would face each other in the final duel.
Before the heads-up could begin, several players exited the tournament – including Aaron Oveton, who had been the Day 2 chipleader.
The Final Duel: Barnard vs. Wilkerson
In the decisive hand, Barnard checked his cards. With fewer chips than Wilkerson, he raised to 175,000 before the flop.
Wilkerson looked him in the eye and calmly said:
“All-in.”
Barnard paused, took a deep breath, and looked at his cards again. His groan revealed everything.
With only three outs, the winner seemed almost predetermined.
The End of a Dramatic Finale
One breath later, it was over.
Dylan Wilkerson took down the Main Event and won $147,509.
Barnard, though disappointed, secured a respectable $85,651.
No Second Class – More Tournament Options
Even for those not aiming for the Main Event, the WPT in South Africa offered plenty of exciting options.
Side events with buy-ins starting at only $165 attracted players of all levels.
Rebuys were available, and besides Texas Hold’em, alternatives like Omaha and Five Card Draw were also played.
Poker brings people together – and South Africa provides a stage like no other.
If poker is your passion, you should experience this unique atmosphere at least once.
