Marc Naalden Wins Event 38 of the 2009 WSOP

Gambling News - June 23, 2009 - Written By Bonnie

Congratulations to Marc Naalden, who was named champion of event 38 of the 2009 WSOP, the No Limit Hold Em'. To say that Marc Naalden cruised his way through the tournament would be a understatement. Up against 445 other players, Naalden took control of the game right from the start plowing through players one by one and making his way to the final table. The road along the way proved to be challenging at times, but Naalden's determination led him straight to victory.

Day 2 of the tournament left 126 players still fighting for their spot at the final table. Only 45 of the remianing players would be those walking away with some sort of cash prize. Among those players were previous WSOP bracelt winners, Ivo Donev, Brock parker, and Greg Mueller all who were eliminated fairly soon after play began. Alex Keating wasted no time getting in on the action and turning his 20,000 that he started they day with, into a chip count of 96,000 and passing David Baker who once sat in chip lead on day 1. Phil Hellmuth sprung into action as well collecting over 55,000 in chips but that was not enough to earn him a spot at the final table.

By the end of the second day, the final table of nine was set and among them was Naalden who started the final day at a chip count of 755,000, which was nearly double the next largest stack of 323,000 belonging to Danny Qutami. It was the head to head match against professional poker player Steven Cowley that would lead Naalden to victory. Quatami certainly made his presence known and gave Naalden quite a run for his money. Several times throughout the heads up  match, chip lead exchanged hands among the two players but in the long run, it was Naalden who was left as the last man standing. Danny Qutami finished in second and received a payday of $117,902. Naalden's efforts earned him the the championship title, a cash prize of $190,770 and a WSOP gold bracelet.