This concludes our coverage of the 2008 WSOP Circuit - Council Bluffs Main Event Championship; we hope you enjoyed yourselves.
Later this month, the World Series of Poker crew is headed north for the 2008 Caesar's Atlantic City Circuit Championships, starting Thursday, March 14th. PokerNews will be on site to capture all of the action as it happens and we hope to see you there.
Until then, from the tournament floor inside the Horseshoe in Council Bluffs, good night and good luck.
After three long days of tournament poker, Ben Hock of Brookfield, Wisconsin has emerged as champion. A calm and quiet player, Hock's patience and discipline was obvious from Day 1. Even after the final river card fell, he maintained his composure and exemplified the attributes of a true champion. With nothing but accolades for his final tablemates, Hock praised his opposition but credited his championship to his patience and skill.
Ben will leave with not only the pride and bragging rights that come with a circuit championship, but a cool $169,327, the coveted WSOP Circuit Championship gold ring, and a seat in the 2008 WSOP Main Event.
Michael Martin limped in from the button and Ben Hock checked his big blind option. The flop came down . Hock checked and Martin bet 23,000. Hock made a calculated call. The turn came the . Hock again checked and Martin bet 54,000. After thinking for quite some time, Hock raised an additional 100,000. Martin moved all in and Hock called. The players showed:
Hock:
Martin:
Hock had flopped top two pair but Martin had a flush draw. In front of an anxious crowd with no one sitting, the dealer threw down the on the river. Martin had missed and was eliminated in second place. He'll take home $94,263 for his impressive finish.
Michael Martin raised to 32,000 from the button and Ben Hock made the call. The flop came . Hock checked and Martin fired 48,000. Hock called. The turn brought the . Hock checked again and Martin lined up his bet. Before Martin could push his bet out, Hock folded. Martin picked up another 80,000.
Ben Hock raised to 56,000 from the button. Michael Martin instantly moved all in. Hock thought very briefly before folding A-10 face-up. Martin picks up a much-needed 60,000.