Josh Lowing Wins HPO Regional Lawrenceburg Main Event ($33,907)
Josh Lowing rolled over his Day 1a opponents and made efficient work of the Day 2 field for a victory in the Hollywood Poker Open's opening event of Season 4 in Lawrenceburg. For the win, Lowing took a high score of $33,907 and earned the right to be called an HPO champion.
Lowing came into the final day as the chip leader, outlasting a total field of 229 entries to earn the victory. On Day 2, Lowing had to work his way through the 36 players that returned.
Lowing lost and regained his chip lead a few times throughout the final day, but he took control late. Once the final table was reached, Robert Pound was the first to go when he was unlucky with pocket pocket jacks. Then, Michael Gray fell in eighth place, and Joby Houck’s excellent series came to an end with a seventh-place finish.
After a few levels of six-handed play, the remaining players agreed to a deal that guaranteed everyone a minimum of $18,000.
Ryan Parker was eliminated in sixth, and then Shawn Bowen left in fifth after running his ace-queen into the ace-king of Lowing. Shortly thereafter, Lowing continued his slaughter by felling T.M. Williams in fourth.
After a level of three-handed play, another deal was discussed amongst the remaining trio. Jared Palmer, Blake Barnes, and Lowing decided on what was essentially an even chop, agreeing to play for the trophy and HPO Championship seat that would award them entry into the season-ending bash at The M Resort in June 2016 in Las Vegas.
After the deal, Lowing took out Barnes and then Palmer to take the top prize. Palmer and Barnes were both very complimentary about Lowing’s play and wondered aloud if we might be seeing much more of Lowing on tour. While all signs point to that being the case, for now it's time for celebration for Lowing.
Congratulations to Lowing, the Pensacola, Florida, native, on his victory and $33,907 in prize money. We'll see him in Las Vegas.