WPT Seminole Hard Rock Lucky Hearts Poker Open Championship

Two players looking for their first major title went toe-to-toe for the Lucky Hearts Championship and WPT title, and after more than 100 heads up hands, James Calderaro (Venice) defeated Shannon Shorr (Birmingham, AL).

The tournament ended on three straight all-ins and began when Calderaro cracked pocket Aces with top two pairs the left Shorr with four big blinds.

“It feels awesome,” said Calderaro who had been a runner-up twice, including at a WPT final table. “I thought I might be jinxed with second place, so getting over the hump is incredible.”

On the winning hand Calderaro hit a river flush with against Shorr’s .

“I’m disappointed, obviously,” said Shorr, who doubled-up once after his Aces were cracked. “I still don’t have a major title. That’s what it’s about for me, more than the money.”

Shorr, who has seven career wins, earned $190,039 for second place.

Day 4 began with six players vying for the title and started with a bang. Chip leader Dimas Martinez (Atlanta, GA) flopped a set of 7s against short stack Evan Dollinger (Sunrise) who was knocked out in sixth place.

Tim Kegel (Hollywood) was next to go when Shorr rivered a flush while holding pocket 2s.

“This tournament is a lot of fun,” said Kegel, who earned his largest career cash ($67,842), “I just wish I could’ve played a little longer.”

Fourth place went to the colorful Dimas who lost a flip against Calderaro (AK<TT). The hand left Calderaro and Shorr battling for the chip lead, while eventual third place finisher Keven Stammen (Coldwater, OH) was well behind the top two.

Shorr worked his way to a 2-to-1 chip lead, but Calderaro chipped away and flipped the script.

“I wanted to get heads up with him,” said Calderaro who now has $1.8 million in career earnings, “he’s an incredible player, one of the best in the world.”

“I’m pretty happy with how I played,” said Shorr, “I was locked in and focused, but went card dead. There’s an insane amount of variance heads up.”

Calderaro’s vocal rooting section included girlfriend Lily Kiletto who finished 19th, one year after being runner-up in the Lucky Hearts held at Hollywood before moving here to Coconut Creek.

Kiletto and Calderaro were one of two poker couples in the final 36. Ryan D’Angelo (12th) just missed the final table, while his girlfriend Ronit Chamani (32nd) was an early elimination on Day 3.

The tournament began with 415 entries to easily meet the $1 Million Guarantee and generated a prize pool of $1,348,750.

The field featured multiple WPT winners including Jared Jaffee, who is in the hunt for WPT player of the year, Will “The Thrill” Failla” and Mike Linster, but all failed to make the money.

Previous winners who did cash included Matt Waxman (13th) and Athony Zinno (16th) who both made the final two tables, and Jordan Cristos (35th) who was the Day 1A chip leader.

But in the end it came down to a final table with all ten players looking for their first WPT title.

Corrie Wunstel (10th) and Doug Hartwick (9th) were the first eliminated, followed by 8th place finisher Mukul Pahjua (Coconut Creek) who was playing in his backyard.

And when Justin Zaki went out 7th, the final day of the 14-event 15 day Lucky Hearts series was set.

“This is great,” said Calderaro, “I’m going to enjoy it.”

Tournament Leader Board Standings

Results: