Ben Wilinofsky is the EPT Berlin 2011 Champion, Winning €825,000!
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The final hand here at the Spielbank, Berlin has given accomplished online player Ben Wilinofsky his first live result - and what a result it is - an EPT trophy and €825,000 in prize money!
Runner-up Max Heinzelmann gave as good as he got for over two days, but could not overcome the combination of huge final table chip advantage held by the Canadian qualifier and his relentless aggression and has to settle for a mere half million Euros.
In his post match interview, Wilinofsky said, "I couldn't have imagined this three or four days ago at the start of the tournament. It was worth the wait!"
"It wasn't mine for the taking from the beginning - I had to play very well and run very well," he added, delighted to have broken his live tournament duck. One of the chattiest and friendliest final tables we've seen on the EPT made a big impression on the new champion, who repeatedly expressed his respect and liking for all of his final table opponents.
"On top of that, you have won a Shamballa bracelet!" added Michelle Orpe.
Pause.
"A what?"
Looking a little dazed but delighted, he accepted his trophy with a rail made up of high rollers, press and the earlier bustouts.
"How does this happen...to anyone?" he wondered.
To see a list of all 120 paid places in this tournament, please visit the 'Payouts' tab above.
The next stop on the PokerStars.net EPT circuit is the penultimate one of the year, in beautiful San Remo. Follow all the action right here on PokerNews.com.