While it had to be postponed to early 2021, the 2020 World Series of Poker Main Event challenge has come to an end. It was Damian Salas of Argentina who claimed the victory, defeating Joseph Hebert in the heads-up finale. Salas earns an extra $1 million for his efforts along with a gold bracelet and the title!

Details of the Event

The two players took to the felt at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas to begin the final heads up round to see who would be named the champion. It would take a total of 173 hands before the winner was named.

When the match-up started, Salas would have a small lead. However, it would not be long before Hebert would take the lead. By hand #71, Hebert had gained a big pot and was now the leader by more than three to one. However, a few hands later, Salas won the first all-in and this would see the battle continue to move back and forth between the two players.

Finally, hand #173 would take place and end it all. Hebert was in with A-Q and Salas called with K-J. A King on the flop helped Salas and the turn and river paired the board, which gave Salas a full house and the win.

It was a fitting ending to the WSOP as players were even unsure if any action would take place. The brand offered an online series earlier in the year with coveted gold bracelets up for grabs, providing events via WSOP.com in New Jersey and Nevada along with options for international players via GGPoker.

Both sites also played a hand in the Main Event as they hosted the first rounds of the competition. There was a US leg and an international leg. Final table play took place live and then the winners of both legs came together, with Salas now pulling out the win after taking on Hebert in the final round.

What’s to Come?

With the COVID-19 pandemic still in play, what’s to come for the WSOP in 2021? Will live events occur or be limited due to the pandemic? What we do know is that the WSOP will be offering the Online Circuit Series again.

WSOP.com will offer online events each month in this series. The tournament will provide gold rings and large prizes. The site will even offer up $25,000 freerolls each month for players who qualify!