Poker news | Apr 04, 2022
Andras Nemeth Wins Opening Event in Triton Poker Series
By RTR Alex
Hungarian poker pro, Andras Nemeth, has won Event #1: $50,000 6-Handed NHL of the Triton Poker Special Edition Series, outlasting 82 contenders and defeating fellow Hungarian, Laszlo Bujtas, in heads-up final table play.
The first Triton high roller event held in over 2.5 years amassed a huge prize pool of £3,963,000 split among the top 11 players and a first place prize of $1,082,000.
Nemeth competed with some of the biggest names in the game to take home this victory - up against Dong Hyun Kim, Phil Ivey, and Jason Koon in the top 5, as well as Sam Greenwood, and four-time World Series of Poker bracelet winner, Michael Addamo.
This win adds to a High Roller hot streak for Nemeth after two victories at the EPT Prague in March. With the opportunity to play in more upcoming Triton events like Wednesday’s Short Deck tournament, he may be looking to continue his form, but for now he's soaking up the moment: in a post-event interview, Nemeth said “It was surreal to play for the first time and to then get heads-up against one of my best friends in poker. I had to pinch myself.”
When asked about his intentions for the rest of the series he replied: “It’s expensive, and I know a few guys who know how to play, and it seems very complicated” but noted that “winning this tournament helps. So maybe. We’ll see.”
This Triton Series appearance marks his third victory and fourth final-table of the year. And as the champion of the event, Nemeth also secured 816 Card Player: Player of the Year points which puts him 35th in the 2022 Global Poker POY race standings.
Triton Poker Special Edition Series Event #1 Payouts
| Place | Player | Country | Prize (USD) |
| 1 | Andras Nemeth | Hungary | $1,082,000 |
| 2 | Laszlo Bujtas | Hungary | $770,000 |
| 3 | Dong Hyun Kim | South Korea | $503,800 |
| 4 | Phil Ivey | USA | $387,100 |
| 5 | Jason Koon | USA | $307,000 |
| 6 | Elton Tsang | Hong Kong | $240,100 |
| 7 | Stephen Chidwick | United Kingdom | $188,000 |
| 8 | Sam Greenwood | Canada | $147,000 |
| 9 | Michael Soyza | Malaysia | $113,000 |
| 10 | Eng Siang Ewe | Malaysia | $99,000 |
| 11 | Michael Addamo | Australia | $99,000 |
Final Table Action:
An unofficial final table began with seven players where Stephen Chadwick was sent home with a flush from Elton Tsang.
After almost two hours of play, Tsang, who was the Day 1 chip leader, got knocked out by Nemeth and handed the Hungarian 10million in chips. This put Nemeth in a great position with most others trying to outrun the rising big blinds, which led to a swift parade of knockouts.
Jason Koon lost a battle against Bujitas, putting King-Queen up against pocket Queens. This sent Koon packing with a cool $307,000 in prize money.
Soon to follow was poker legend Phil Ivey, who hit the rail in the very next hand. His elimination also came at the hands of Bujitas who followed Ivey's Ace-Jack with a suited seven-five.
Ever-growing blinds were now forcing shoves and folds all over the table. Don Hyun Kim left the felt in third place with one of the luckiest plays so far. After moving all in with pocket sevens against Nemeth who called with pocket fours, the soon-to-be champ somehow made a straight on the river, leaving just him and Bujitas.
Heads up play ensued between the two Hungarian pros, but didn't last long. Nemeth sent Bujitas home with a pair of aces topping the king-queen of the runner-up.