Jim Collopy Secures Third Career WSOP Bracelet

Jim Collopy Emerges Victorious in 2023 World Series of Poker Omaha Eight-or-Better Event

In a thrilling display of skill and determination, Jim Collopy outshined a field of 1,143 participants to claim victory in the prestigious $1,500 Omaha eight-or-better event at the 2023 World Series of Poker (WSOP). Collopy’s triumph not only earned him a remarkable $262,542 in prize money but also marked the acquisition of his third career WSOP gold bracelet.

This remarkable feat arrives almost ten years after Collopy secured his inaugural bracelet at the 2013 WSOP Asia Pacific festival, where he emerged victorious in a high-stakes $1,650 AUD pot-limit Omaha tournament. His second bracelet was captured in the $3,000 H.O.R.S.E. event during the 2021 edition of the WSOP.

With this recent triumph, Collopy’s lifetime tournament earnings have now surpassed an impressive $5.3 million, with over $1.3 million arising from his successes in WSOP bracelet events. The magnitude of his achievements cements his status as one of the most formidable players in the poker world.

The arduous journey to Collopy’s victory spanned three grueling days of intense competition. The event proved to be a battleground for renowned players, attracting the likes of ‘Miami John’ Cernuto, a three-time bracelet winner who finished 22nd, Giuseppe Pantaleo, a bracelet winner who secured 18th place, Kyle Cartwright, an eight-time WSOP Circuit ring winner and bracelet holder, who claimed 7th place, and James Obst, another bracelet winner, who finished in an impressive 5th place.

Of particular note was Obst’s commendable performance, as it marked his first final-table appearance in any live tournament since 2018. After a temporary departure from poker to pursue his dream of becoming a professional tennis player, Obst returned to the felts with undeniable prowess.

Nick Kost, the runner-up in this gripping event, achieved the second-largest cash of his career, taking home $162,266. Hailing from Okemos, MI, Kost, a previous bracelet winner, has amassed a total of over $732,000 in tournament earnings. Notably, a significant portion of his winnings stemmed from his triumph in the same event back in 2014, where he secured a handsome $283,275 payday.

As the final table commenced, Kost possessed a dominant chip lead, maintaining control for the majority of the proceedings. However, as the contest approached its climactic heads-up stage, Collopy gradually established himself as a formidable force at the table, putting Kost’s lead in jeopardy.

Brian Kelley and Igor Zektser were the first to depart from the final table, finishing in eighth and seventh place, respectively. The unfortunate demise of Kyle Cartwright followed suit, as he found himself on the wrong end of a clash against James Obst’s two pair.

Aubrey Gilbert’s elimination in sixth place preceded Obst’s exit at the hands of the relentless Collopy, in a monumental pot that showcased the victor’s exceptional skills.

Four-handed play concluded with Kost eliminating Qinghai Pan, setting the stage for a captivating heads-up showdown. Start-of-Day 2 chip leader Kyle Burnside bowed out, ultimately leaving Collopy and Kost to battle for the title.

As the hours ticked by, Collopy maintained a slight lead throughout the grueling heads-up duel. Although the exchange of blows between the two players was fierce and relentless, Collopy expertly ensured that his opponent never gained the upper hand in chip count.

Event #17: $1,500 Omaha Hi-Low 8 or Better Final Table Results