World Poker Tour victory

David Williams beat off his opponents to take the much coveted World Poker Tour title. Williams will return home with an absolutely massive $1,530,537 prize sum

David Williams has been celebrating this week after a triumphant victory at the World Poker Tour. Williams took the WPT title after a highly competitive contest featuring a number of familiar players each with a string of success to their name. The win marks a major landmark in Williams’ career after a series of near wins in previous tournaments. Williams was the disappointed runner up in the 2004 WSOP main event after losing out to a fierce opponent, Greg Raymer. This year saw him head off an impressive line up including David Benyamine, Phil Hellmuth, The Devilfish and Scotty Nguyen. Williams is reportedly delighted at the win which makes him one of the hottest names in the poker playing world to date. An important career win for any poker player, the title has secured his reputation and makes him a powerful force to be reckoned with.

The World Poker Tour event was not, however, without its difficulties for its organizers. A total of 195 participants took part in the famous contest forcing organizers to stretch out games to suit a contest of such few players. Many blamed the prohibitive $25,000 buy in for the small numbers. Others cited the impact of the Icelandic eruptions and its associated delays which left many stranded abroad. Industry experts, however, noted that WPT numbers have been in steady decline for some time and that this year’s turnout should come as no surprise. Despite such problems however, the event was celebrated as a great success and has put Williams firmly on the poker map.
All of the top players, meanwhile, will be returning home to enjoy their significant cash prizes. Williams will enjoy winnings worth a massive $1,530,537 whilst Eric Baldin will celebrate his$1,034,715. David Buchanan, who finished in third place, took $587,906 alongside Benyamine’s $329,228.

Baxter finished in 5th place and took the sum of $246,921 and 6thplace saw John O'Shea with $199,888. PhilHellmuth Jr finished 7th with$152,856 and Scotty Nguyen finished eighth taking home $105,823. Williams can certainly sit back and relax as he enjoys his impressive earnings and secure reputation. Others will be eager to see how Williams’ play develops in the near future following his new found confidence in his game. The future of the World Poker Tour remains to be seen