It took David Coleman a staggering 5,055 days from his first cash on the circuit to secure his initial live tournament title. However, this breakthrough marked the beginning of a remarkable turning point. Despite over 13 years in the poker scene with numerous successes but no outright wins, Coleman has now clinched four victories in 2024 alone, accumulating $766,000 in earnings through eight in-the-money finishes.
His most recent triumph occurred in the first of two $15,700 buy-in tournaments scheduled for the 2024 PokerGO Cup. The 30-year-old former online grinder from New Jersey emerged victorious, defeating a field of 63 entries and pocketing $302,400. This win propelled his career earnings to over $4.4 million.
Coleman’s winning streak commenced with a victory in the $1,600 buy-in Card Player Poker Tour Venetian main event, where he claimed $115,989. Subsequently, he notched four cashes and secured two victories at the PokerGO Tour kickoff festival. During the PokerGO Cup, he has already reached two final tables, including this recent win.
With three qualified wins and six final-table finishes, Coleman has amassed 2,156 Card Player Player of the Year points. Despite one title event not awarding POY points, he has surged to the top of the 2024 POY standings presented by Global Poker, showcasing a remarkable start to the year. Additionally, he leads the 2024 PokerGO Tour points race with 937 total points in the high-stakes-centric competition.
Entering the final day of the event in second chip position, Coleman navigated through a field of seven contenders who survived day 1. Nine players cashed in total, thanks to a healthy turnout at the PokerGO Studio at ARIA Resort & Casino Las Vegas. Notable players like Nick Schulman and Sam Soverel cashed before exiting late on day 1.
The final table witnessed Jeremy Ausmus, a six-time bracelet winner, exiting in seventh place. Michael Brinkenhoff later scored a double-knockout, eliminating Justin Saliba and Aram Zobian in sixth and fifth place, respectively. Brinkenhoff eventually finished in fourth place, earning $94,500.
Seth Davies, a World Poker Tour champion, secured the next knockout but fell victim to Coleman’s strategic play. Davies departed with $132,300 for his efforts. As the heads-up play unfolded, Coleman steadily gained the lead and eventually secured victory with pocket aces, leaving runner-up Dylan DeStefano with $189,000. DeStefano’s recorded earnings now surpass $1.6 million.
Here is a look at the payouts and rankings points awarded at the final table:
Place | Player | Earnings | POY Points | PGT Points |
1 | David Coleman | $302,400 | 432 | 302 |
2 | Dylan DeStefano | $189,000 | 360 | 189 |
3 | Seth Davies | $132,300 | 288 | 132 |
4 | Michael Brinkenhoff | $94,500 | 216 | 95 |
5 | Aram Zobian | $70,875 | 180 | 71 |