by Mario Alfonsi | Published on Jun 30, 2022 | Updated on Jun 30, 2022
Summary
- 2022 WSOP Colossus event attracted a massive field of 13,565 entries
- UK pro Paul Hizer won the event for $414,490
- This was his first tournament victory in his six years as a poker pro
Brit Paul James Hizer will not forget the 2022 WSOP anytime soon as he is now the newest World Series of Poker (WSOP) Colossus champion.
The UK poker resident topped a massive field of 13,565 entries to take home $414,490 in top prize, along with his maiden gold bracelet. That win also marked his first-ever tournament victory in his six years being a poker pro.
Final Table Results
The final action kicked off with Hizer second in chips. Ahead of him was American poker pro Sam Laskowitz who would end up as the runner-up finisher.
Five more players returned for the final day, including Anthony Ruttler who was the first to exit, falling in 7th place for $66,670. The second elimination happened shortly after the remaining players took a 15-minute break, and it was Jeff Loiacono who had to leave the table, finishing 6th for $86,160.
Next to go was Luong Quach who settled for 5th place, collecting $112,060. Hizer had gone through some difficult spots at the final table. During four-handed play, he was left with less than three big blinds, but he was able to recover at the expense of fellow countryman James Scott and with the help of the mighty King on the turn which eliminated Scott in 4th place for $146,680.
Claiming 3rd place was France’s Jordan Pelon who walked away with $193,240 for his efforts.
Laskowitz had the chip edge as the heads-up play kicked off, but Hizer managed to narrow the gap during the early stages of the battle and eventually moved all-in for 169,500,000 on the button with AsQh versus Laskowitz’s two threes.
Laskowitz was nearing victory when the board ran 10c8h5sJs, but the King of hearts showed up on the river and saved Hizer once more as his British rail erupted in celebration. From there, Hizer continued to build his stack and pulled away. He ultimately shipped the title with Ac3c against Laskowitz’s 8c2c. The American poker pro finished second for $256,170.
Destined to Win
Hizer said his win was “written in the stars“. He entered the tournament filled with confidence; he had a plan which he successfully executed. The English pro admitted being a professional poker player was something his family initially did not agree with as they wanted him to carve a different career path. Hizer decided to follow his passion, trust his gut, and do his best, and everything just fell into place.
