Imsirovic wins 2018 Poker Masters $25,000 No Limit Hold'em

Claiming the biggest victory of his career at the 2018 Poker Masters, Ali Imsirovic won the $25,000 No Limit Hold’em Event #5 live on PokerGO. Imsirovic defeated a field of 66 entries and a final table that included poker superstars Brian Rast, Jason Koon and Daniel Negreanu.

The Poker Masters comprises of seven high-stakes tournaments ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, including a Pot Limit Omaha and Short Deck event. The player who accumulates the most points using the High Roller Leaderboard will be crowned Poker Masters Champion, taking home the Purple Jacket.

“This is by far the proudest accomplishment of my poker career,” and elated Imsirovic said after besting Ben Yu heads up to take down the event. “Last year I was watching the Poker Masters on PokerGO, thinking I might play this in a few years. I feel very humbled and fortunate to already be here now.”

Now tied for third with Ben Yu on the Poker Masters Purple Jacket leaderboard, Imsirovic said, “Winning the Poker Masters would be like winning the World Series of Poker Main Event to me because I play poker to become the best, and a win like this would make me feel as though I’m getting there.”

The final table of this event lasted a little over three hours, and Daniel Negreanu was the first to be knocked out. Negreanu started the day as the short stack and busted versus Ben Yu when his bottom pair proved to be no good. Negreanu’s second cash of the 2018 Poker Masters was for $99,000.

Immediately after Negreanu busted, Jason Koon was knocked out. Koon collected $132,000 for finishing fifth after Imsirovic watched his ace-king hold up versus Koon’s ace-ten.

Imsirovic then sent Jake Schindler to the rail in fourth place for $165,000. A short-stacked Schindler shoved holding eight-six offsuit and Imsirovic’s ace-nine held up. Schindler’s second cash now puts him seventh on the Poker Masters standings and within striking distance of the Purple Jacket.

After doubling through Brian Rast, Imsirovic extended his chip lead by busting Rast in third place for $214,500. Short on chips, Rast called Imsirovic’s shove with ace-three, but the sixes of the eventual winner proved to be too strong.

Just minutes after Rast departed, Imsirovic claimed the crown by busting Ben Yu in second place. Yu collected $330,000 for finishing second, and he now sits third on the overall Poker Masters Purple Jacket standings. On the final hand, Yu’s ace-six couldn’t find a win versus Imsirovic’s pocket fives.