Ari Engel came onto this final table of the partypoker Million North America as the chip leader, and was likely the most feared player on a stacked table. Currently chasing the #1 spot in the 2017 Player of the Year Race, Ari surely only had one idea in mind: becoming the tournament champion.
He came out swinging in his usual manner, however a few tough spots saw his starting stack get cut in half as the day moved forward. With around 25 big blinds left, he was faced with an all-in from short-stacked Philippe D’Auteuil, and made the call for roughly half of his stack. Ari’s 
was in a dominating spot, however Philippe caught a runner runner flush with 
on a 
board to secure his double-up.
Ari became the short-stack himself after the hand, and let a few hands pass before taking advantage of an unopened pot from the button. He moved all-in, and was looked up by his Philippe in the big blind.
Ari: 
Philippe: 
Ari connected with the 
board, but not enough to overcome the pocket pair of his nemesis, and was eliminated in 5th place. A $235,000 prize is waiting for him at the cash as he adds yet another final table score to his impressive resume.
5th place: Ari Engel – $238,350.00
