Kurt Jewell Wins Harrah's Tunica WSOP Circuit Main Event

Last year, only 167 players registered for the World Series of Poker Circuit Harrah's Tunica Main Event, but this year, the event drew an astounding 647 player field. After three days of play, Kurt Jewell emerged victorious. His play netted him his third gold ring, the $192,984 first-place prize and a seat in the National Championship.

Jewell entered heads-up play with 7,200,000 against Chris Thompson, who had 5,665,000. The two swapped the chip lead back and forth, but Jewell had Thompson covered as the final hand developed.

Thompson opened on the button for 125,000 and Jewell made it another 325,000. Thompson flipped in a stack of chips and made it another 550,000 to go. Jewell announced all-in. Thompson hesitated briefly before announcing a call.
Thompson tabled pocket tens and Jewell showed QJs. What followed was a virtual seesaw. Thompson was in the lead with pocket tens preflop. A jack in the window gave Jewell the higher pair on a K7J flop. A ten on the turn gave Thompson a set eliciting a “Yes!” that was quickly silenced by the realization that the card gave Jewell straight outs. The river nine completed the straight sending Thompson out in 2nd place and earning Jewell his 3rd WSOP Circuit ring and his 2nd Main Event victory.