The World Series of Poker Circuit (WSOPC) Tulsa series concluded on August 29 and saw Arthur Morris win the $1,700 buy-in Main Event for a career-best $182,379 and his first Circuit ring. The Colleyville, Texas resident bested Little Rock’s Mike Cordell (2nd for $112,717) enroute to his victory.
Morris had more than $800k in tournament earnings prior to entering this Main Event. Across his 63 prior in-the-money finishes, Morris had made deep runs in WPT championships and in WSOP events but never won a tourney. Finally, he got the monkey off his back, ending his winless streak this week.
“It’s been a long time coming. I’ve been playing for 17 years so it feels really good.”, Morris said.
The WSOPC Tulsa Main Event attracted an impressive 646 and that strong turnout for the event resulted in a hefty $978,690 prize pool which was paid out among the top 98 finishers with a min cash worth $2,547. Some big names crossing the money line included DJ Alexander (94th for $2,547), Jason Strasser (75th for $3,014), Chris Tryba (49th for $3,389), Schuyler Thornton (45th for $3,639), Greg Jennings (23rd for $6,545), Michael Marder (8th for $21,346), and Jessica Vierling (5th for $46,294
The final day began with 4 players remaining, with 4-time ring winner Mike Cordell in the lead and Morris second in chips. Bracelet winner Blair Hinkle entered the day as a short stack and was the first to fall. Hinkle got it in with A-Q against the A-4 of Morris, but a 4 on the flop turned the tables. Hinkle found no help on the turn or river and exited in 4th place, earning $61,498 for his efforts.
Poker vlogger Cedrric Trevino was the next to leave the final table. He got all-in on a Qs 8s 2s 4h board with pocket tens facing the Qd 8h of Mike Cordell. The Jc on the river resulted in Trevino’s elimination, sending him packing with $82,737 and setting the heads-up between Morris and Cordel.
With that hand, Cordell took a 2:1 chip lead into the heads-up play with Morris, who was able to grind his way into the lead and ship the title. With blinds of 100,000-150,000 and a 150,000 BB ante, Morris raised to 400k on the button with Ah 9h and Cordell called from the big blind with Kh 8s.
The flop 8h 8d 3h gave Cordell trips and Morris the nut flush draw. Cordell check-called a bet of 650k. The 10h on the turn gave Morris the nut flush. All of the chips got in the middle on the turn, leaving Cordell in need of an 8 or a K on the river. The Qh on the river locked the title for Morris.
Final Table Results (USD)
- Arthur Morris – $182,379
- Mike Cordell – $112,717
- Cedrric Trevino – $82,737
- Blair Hinkle – $61,498
- Jessica Vierling – $46,294
- Danny Griffith – $35,300
- Maliar Monfared – $27,270
- Michael Marder – $21,346
- Jay Riley – $16,934