John-Paul Portal Wins the $235 Progressive Knockout
While PokerNews is focused on bringing you live updates from the $600 Main Event, we also wanted to share some winner news from earlier in the Run It Up Reno IX. There have been several champions crowned at the Peppermill, and tens of thousands of dollars awarded.
John-Paul Portal scored the biggest tournament win of his career Monday night, taking down the $235 Progressive Knockout event (273 entries) at RIU Reno IX. Portal outlasted a final table that included Timothy Guilford, last year’s defending champion, and took the championship after besting second-place finisher Chris Choy in the heads-up battle from the Peppermill Resort in Reno, Nevada.
Portal takes home a total payday of $8,911, with $5,111 coming as the first-place prize, along with $3,800 in progressive bounties. The win was just the second career cash for Portal, who hails from south Florida and plays poker as a hobby.
“I saw this tournament and I wanted to come out and play it,” Portal said. “This progressive bounty is awesome.”
The final hand saw Choy go all in with ace-five offsuit, and Portal call with ten-eight of hearts. Portal got a nine on the flop and the pair held up, securing the championship. Choy takes home $5,111 for the runner-up finish.
Progressive Bounty Final Table Results
| Place | Winner | Country | Prize (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | John-Paul Portal | United States | $5,111 |
| 2 | Chris Choy | United States | $5,111 |
| 3 | Timothy Guilford | United States | $2,530 |
| 4 | Rian Mullins | United States | $1,800 |
| 5 | Adam Owen | United Kingdom | $1,380 |
| 6 | Heather Hardie | United States | $1,100 |
| 7 | Alex Brakebill | United States | $900 |
| 8 | Michael Trivett | United States | $750 |
*John-Paul Portal won $3,800 in bounties in addition to the first-place prize.