Punta Cana Poker Classic shatters participation record in 2015

PUNTA CANA - This year’s sixth annual Punta Cana Poker Classic is in the books with its biggest turnout ever. Luis Yepez of Venezuela was the overall winner, finishing atop of a record-high field of 567 players who combined for an $824,985 prize pool. Americas Cardroom is the flagship sponsor of the land-based poker tournament that took place at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic from Nov. 2-9.

“This year’s event defied all expectations by blowing away the $500,000 posted guarantee by over $320,000,” stated Americas Cardroom’s spokesperson Michael Harris. “Players are turning to the Punta Cana Poker Classic because it offers a substantial prize pool poker tournament and a tropical beach vacation all in one.”

Yepez took home $156,000 for his first place win, after a deal was made. He came into the final table dead last in chips and managed to navigate his way to this year’s championship by dispatching player after player in the final two days of play and holding on in a heads-up battle versus Jaime Farriol.

After the first six players were eliminated at the final table, the remaining three cut a deal. The final table and winnings breakdown is as follows from first to ninth place: Yepez ($156,000); Farriol ($108,000); Gabriel Diaz ($105,000); Ari Engel ($41,250); Jose Tavarez ($33,000); Pablo Bravo ($24,750); Jose Luis Cases ($23,100); Antonio Rodriguez ($19,800) and Amos Ben ($16,500).