James Schaaf Claims Maiden WSOP Victory
July 2nd, 2008
James Schaaf has taken home his first WSOP bracelet with victory in the $1,500 H.O.R.S.E Event #51. A total of 803 players had entered the event with hopes of getting their hands on the elusive golden bracelet, but it was James Schaaf who won it in his first WSOP final table appearance.
A total of 20 players still remained as play began on the final day, however with Edward Brogdon’s elimination in 9th place, the final table was set:
Seat 1 - James Schaaf - 392,000
Seat 2 - Matt Grapenthien - 46,000
Seat 3 - Sam Silverman - 310,000
Seat 4 - Phil Hellmuth - 400,000
Seat 5 - Jason Dollinger - 346,000
Seat 6 - Tommy Hang - 680,000
Seat 7 - Victor Ramdin - 78,000
Seat 8 - Esther Rossi - 166,000
Matt Grapenthien was the first to go, falling to Tommy Hang’s full house of kings and aces. Victor Ramdin was then knocked out by James Schaaf’s two pair of tens and twos, before Sam Silverman got bested by Jason Dollinger’s pocket sevens.
Dollinger was then eliminated by Tommy Hand to leave just four players remaining. Esther Rossi was next to go, Phil Hellmuth’s king high enough to give him the hand. Hellmuth’s quest for his 12th WSOP bracelet came to an end once Hang’s pocket queens proved to be too strong, leaving heads-up play between Schaaf and Hang.
After a long 12 hour day Hang finally called all-in with triple sevens. His joy didn’t last long though as Schaaf produced triple eights to seal his victory and take home $256,412 as first place prize.
Final Standings:
James Schaaf - $256,412
Tommy Hang - $158,933
Phil Hellmuth - $93,168
Ether Rossi - $68,505
Jason Dollinger - $54,804
Sam Silverman - $42,966
Victor Ramdin - $32,992
Matt Grapenthien - $27,511
