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Isaac Baron is the winner of Event #1 of the 2019 Poker Masters after defeating a field of 97 entries in the $10,000 No Limit Hold’em series opener! Baron collected $223,100 for his win just a few months after winning his first career WSOP gold bracelets this summer. The long-time tournament pro is now the clubhouse leader as the Poker Masters champion will end up taking home a $100,000 top prize along with the highly coveted purple jacket.

Relive the entire Poker Masters Event #1 final table on PokerGO right now. Check out all the upcoming Poker Masters live streams on the Live Events tab. Check out the full payouts of this event right here.

Breaking Down the Action

After the quick eliminations of Thai Ha (8th – $38,800), Dan Shak (7th – 48,500), and former WSOP Main Event champion Scott Blumstein (6th – $58,200), the remaining five were tightly packed together with Baron racing ahead and grabbing a big chip lead.

Baron then found aces to knock out Sam Soverel as the High Roller of the Year leader’s pocket eights did not find any help. Soverel took home $77,600 for his fifth-place finish. Jeremy Ausmus was next to bust when he shoved all in for 9.5 big blinds with queen-seven offsuit. In this blind battle, Baron called from the big blind with queen-nine offsuit and his nine proved to be decisive at showdown. Ausmus collected $97,000 for his fourth-place finish.

Ralph Wong busted in third place for $116,400 when he was unable to hold up with king-nine offsuit versus Baron’s jack-six of diamonds. Baron hit a jack and sent Wong to the rail to begin the heads-up battle against Chance Kornuth with a massive chip lead.

On the first hand of heads-up play, Baron shoved with five-three of clubs and Kornuth called all in for 10 big blind holding ace-nine offsuit. Despite Kornuth’s advantage, Baron won the hand by spiking a three to end the tournament. Kornuth collected $164,900 for his efforts while Baron took home the top prize of $223,100.

Isaac Baron’s Road to Victory and Poker Masters Aspirations

Baron still considers himself a poker player even though we don’t seem him on the tour as much as in his younger years. Working on some business ventures and real estate away from the tables, the player formerly known as westmenloAA, always finds his way back in with big results to show for. Today, Baron took down Event #1 of the Poker Masters for $223,100, and he was delighted to take this one down.

It was all smooth sailing for Isaac Baron over the last two days as he told us this event was unlike most tournaments he’s played in his life.

“There were obviously some small dips along the way, but in general it was a straight-up trajectory and a really smooth tournament for me.”

“It’s been amazing playing at the PokerGO Studio. This is the nicest place I’ve ever played poker. The whole setup, the dealers, the free food, it’s tough to beat. it’s great.”

Isaac Baron in action during the final table of Poker Masters Event #1.
Isaac Baron in action during the final table of Poker Masters Event #1.

Thinking back of bursting onto the scene as a teenager wreaking havoc on the European Poker Tour, Baron is keenly aware of both how fast time goes while the memories of those trips are still very fresh.

“It’s crazy, it’s one of those things that feels both a million years ago and like yesterday. My career has evolved so much and so many things have changed and I could’ve dreamed of it going like this.”

Baron has kept up with the game as his career developed, putting in the hours studying and playing, but more important to him is his drive, focus, and motivation to play.

“I may not be in the lab as much as these other guys, but when I’m in the right state of mind I play my best and I can compete at a very high level.”

Looking ahead at this chance to win the Purple Jacket and the $100,000 championship prize, Baron is highly motivated to use his lead on the standings to his advantage.

“I highly doubt I’ll play the Short Deck because I’ve never played that game before but to me, at this point, I’m committed to these events with the top prize and the jacket to play for. I’m a big golf fan and The Masters is my favorite sporting event of the year. While the money will always come first I love the accolades and accomplishments and having something more to play for at the Poker Masters.”

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Sam Soverel, Jeremy Ausmus, Chance Kornuth, Dan Shak, Scott Blumstein, Poker Masters, Thai Ha, Ralph Wong, Isaac Baron