2008 World Series of Poker

Day 3 completed

Posted 06-04-2008 05:49 GMT-7

Congratulations to Grant Hinkle, Champion of Event #2 ($ 831,462)

We have our champion - Grant Hinkle has won Event #2.

"So Grant, is the ten-four suited your new favorite hand?" Norman Chad asked him after the tournament ended.

"Quad tens is," said Hinkle.

In his interview, Hinkle mentioned he had to reschedule his flight home fives times due to his consistent success in the tournament. "I"m supposed to be on a flight at 6:45 this morning, so I'm gonna have to reschedule that one too," he said.

His mother, Lynn Hinkle, learned of his son's success this morning at 10:30. She says she was on a Southwest Airlines flight by 11:30. "I'm coming out...I'm his mom...he can't stop me," she proudly declared.

Hinkle bested the largest field ever in non main event by outlasting 3,928 other competitors to take home the title. When asked about his decision to quit his job he said that was a decision he won't rush into. "I don't know yet...I need to talk it over with my wife and my family...we'll see," he said.

Whether Hinkle decides to turn pro or not, he has what many would do anything for - a coveted gold bracelet, and his very own place in the history books...oh and $831,462 to go with it.

Hinkle Wins Event #2 and Receives the Bracelet

We have our champion - Grant Hinkle has won Event #2.

"So Grant, is the ten-four suited your new favorite hand?" Norman Chad asked him after the tourney ended.

"Quad tens is," said Hinkle.

Hinkle apparently had to reschedule his flight from home five times in order to make it to Las Vegas in time for this tournament. We guess he's pretty glad he made the effort.

Grant Hinkle Wins Event #2 - $1,500 No-Limit Hold'em ($831,462); James Akenhead Eliminated in 2nd Place ($520,219)

Hand #160 -

Grant Hinkle has the button in Seat 10. He raises to 350,000. Akenhead tries to pop it up again, this time by raising to 1.2 million. Hinkle moves all in and Akenhead quickly calls. Here it is! The moment we've been waiting for over the last two hours.

Akenhead is the one who is all in. The hands are opened:

Hinkle:
Akenhead:

Wow, a stone bluff from Hinkle and now he's in very rough shape. The shouting has begun from the gallery, who have all suddenly found that last reserve of energy to remain on their feet. Side bets are being made on what the flop will contain. Here it comes...



Pandemonium in the Milwaukee's Best Light All-In Lounge! Akenhead is dead to running cards. The crowd is absolutely floored. Akenhead cannot believe his misfortune. He knows he's on thin ice. And just to add insult to injury...



Hinkle makes quad tenshttp://www.pokernews.com/en/reporting.photo_select/74
Add image from photo gallery! Akenhead is drawing dead. The meaningless river completes the hand. Akenhead is eliminated in second place and collects $520,219.

Grant Hinkle is the winner of Event #2. He earns $831,462 and a coveted gold bracelet for his triumph. The winning hand was the all-powerful .

Hand #159 - James Akenhead

James Akenhead has the button in seat 9 and he raises to 420,000. Grant Hinkle folds and James Akenhead wins the blinds and antes.

Updated Chip Counts

Grant Hinkle - 6,600,000
James Akenhead - 5,100,000

Hand #158 - Grant Hinkle

Grant Hinkle has the button in seat 10. He raises to 350,000. James Akenhead reraises to 1,100,000. Hinkle quickly moves all in. The crowd is on its feet -- hoping, praying, pleading for a call. But Akenhead folds, and everyone sits back down.

Hand #157 - Grant Hinkle

James Akenhead has the button in seat 9 and he limps into the pot. Grant Hinkle checks his option. The flop comes . Hinkle bets 200,000 and Akenhead calls. The hits the turn and Hinkle confidently pushes out 400,000. Akenhead folds and Grant Hinkle wins the pot.

Hand #156 - Grant Hinkle

Grant Hinkle has the button in seat 10. He again raises to 350,000. James Akenhead folds, allowing Hinkle to take down the blinds and the antes.

Nobody wants to lose. Perhaps just as accurately, nobody wants to win.

Hand #155 - James Akenhead

James Akenhead has the button in seat 9 and he raises to 420,000. Grant Hinkle folds and James Akenhead wins the blinds and antes.