Jonathan Tamayo wins the WSOP 2024 Main Event – Here’s how he won
The 2024 World Series of Poker (WSOP) ended with Jonathan Tamayo bringing home the prestigious Main Event title – earning his first gold bracelet ever and a massive $10 million prize.
This year’s event was held at the Paris and Horseshoe casinos in Las Vegas where the Main Event attracted a record-breaking amount of 10,112 players, each aiming for a top spot in the tournament.
A Well-Deserved Triumph
Jonathan Tamayo from Humble in Texas, entered the 2024 WSOP with a solid track record, including $2.3 million in tournament earnings over an 18-year career. Despite his extensive experience, the Main Event win marks a pinnacle in Tamayo’s poker journey.
Reflecting on his victory, Tamayo expressed disbelief and joy, saying, “What in the world just happened?”
The Final Day Showdown
The final table was a dramatic showdown, featuring well-known online poker pro Niklas “lena900” Astedt and rising star Jordan Griff. The three finalists began the day with relatively shallow stacks.
In an early pivotal hand, Astedt – an accomplished Swedish player with over $48 million in online tournament earnings – clashed with Griff. On a [10c][9d][3d] flop, Griff’s play with a set of nines forced Astedt to make a critical call, ultimately leading to Astedt’s elimination in third place for $4 million.
The Heads-Up Battle
Tamayo and Griff then faced off in a gruelling heads-up duel. The lead oscillated between the two, with each player winning significant pots to keep their championship hopes alive. Tamayo seized the momentum with a well-timed three-bet jam, securing a crucial double-up with the top pair against Griff’s lower two-pair.
The decisive moment came when Tamayo opened with [8d][3s] and faced a check-raise from Griff holding [9h][6c] on a [9d][8c][3d] flop. Tamayo’s top and bottom pair held against Griff’s top pair, securing the title when the turn and river brought no help to Griff.
Jordan Griff’s Remarkable Run
Jordan Griff’s journey to the runner-up finish was nothing short of extraordinary. The Illinois native entered the tournament as a relatively unknown player with modest career earnings. His fearless play and determination earned him $6 million and respect from the poker community. Griff’s aggressive strategy and successful bluffs kept him in contention until the final hand, showcasing his potential to be a future star in the poker world.
Jonathan Tamayo’s Legacy
Jonathan Tamayo’s triumph at the WSOP Main Event is a testament to his skill, perseverance, and dedication to the game. With this victory, he joins the elite ranks of poker champions and secures a place in poker history. The $10 million prize significantly boosts his career earnings and cements his status as one of the top players in the game.
Tamayo’s success story is not only about the monetary reward but also about the realization of a lifelong dream.
The 2024 WSOP: A Historic Series
The 2024 WSOP Main Event was part of a record-setting series that saw numerous highlights and memorable moments. Alongside Tamayo’s victory, other notable events included Alex Livingston’s second bracelet win in the $3,000 Pot-Limit Omaha, Michael Liang’s dramatic win in the $777 Lucky Sevens No-Limit Hold’em, and Ching Da Wu’s double knockout to clinch The Closer title.
The WSOP continues to be the pinnacle of poker, attracting players from around the globe to compete at the highest level. As the series concluded, attention now shifts to the World Series of Poker Circuit and the upcoming WSOP Paradise with a record-setting $50 million guaranteed Main Event.
Final Table Results
- Jonathan Tamayo (USA) – $10,000,000
- Jordan Griff (USA) – $6,000,000
- Niklas Astedt (Sweden) – $4,000,000
- Jason Sagle (Canada) – $3,000,000
- Boris Angelov (Bulgaria) – $2,500,000
- Andres Gonzalez (Spain) – $2,000,000
- Brian Kim (USA) – $1,500,000
- Joe Serock (USA) – $1,250,000
- Malo Latinois (France) – $1,000,000
Looking Ahead
As the WSOP continues to grow in popularity and prestige, the future looks bright for the world of poker. With record-breaking participation and prize pools, the series remains the ultimate proving ground for poker talent.
Jonathan Tamayo’s victory in 2024 serves as a reminder of the thrilling competition and life-changing moments that define the WSOP. As the poker community eagerly awaits the next chapter, one thing is certain: the game’s greatest stories are yet to be written.
The WSOP continues to expand its global footprint with new and innovative events. The 2025 WSOP Circuit schedule is still being finalized, but players can expect the continuation of traditional stops as well as the introduction of new venues. As soon as we know more about next year’s event – we’ll make sure to keep you updated.
