The first event of the WPT Montreal 2018 is now in the books, and Miguel Goncalo has claimed the title of WPT500 champion after 3 full days of poker.
Through 10 total starting flights, including 3 online on partypoker, there were a total of 2,536 entries, forming a massive $1,229,960 prize pool. 513 players found a bag for Day 2, of which the top 323 secured a cash prize. Once the dust settled, there were only 35 players remaining coming back for Day 3.
Trevor Argue had a strong start to his Day 3, and when the field was nearing the final table he managed to double-up his second biggest stack through the chip leader at the time, Vasilios Gerontakos, to take a massive lead on the field. He carried his lead onto the final table, however after a few unfortunate hands he found himself eliminated in 5th place.
Following Trevor’s elimination was the fall of Thomas Hall, who saw his pocket-Aces get cracked by pocket-Nines, and then his flopped nut straight get outdrawn by top-two pairs.
With Thomas out in 4th place, the 3 finalists decided to strike a deal, leaving the required $40,000 for the eventual winner. William Blais was eliminated shortly after the deal in 3rd place, leaving heads-up play between Said El-Yousfi and Miguel Goncalo.
Said began with a 2-to-1 chip advantage over Miguel, however in less than a level Miguel was able to flip the stacks. Miguel continued to chip away at his opponent, until Said flopped a set and doubled-up back to average stack. Heads-up play continued for a few levels, with each player taking the lead at multiple occasions, until Miguel finally delivered the final blow.
Said limped in for 1,250,000, and then called when Miguel raised to 4,250,000. Both players checked the 
flop, and Miguel fired 4,000,000 on the 
turn. Said made the call, and a 
was dealt on the river. Miguel checked, and Said bet 9,500,000. Miguel paused for a moment and then went all-in, finding a quick call. He tabled 
for a full-house, besting Said’s straight with 
. With that pot, he became our WPT500 tournament champion!
Congratulations!
WPT500 Champion: Miguel Goncalo – $173,030
Runner up: Said El-Yousfi – $136,030
Last hand of play
, while Miguel tabled top-two with 
. The turn brought another 
was dealt as a formality as Thomas congratulated his table-mates, earning himself a $67,000 consolation prize for his deep run.
board.