Nick Pupillo Wins Event 3 of the 2021 Lucky Hearts Poker Open Outright for $9,570

2021 Lucky Hearts Poker Open
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Hollywood, Florida
Event 3
$400 H.O.R.S.E. (Freeze-Out)
Entries: 102
Prize Pool:  $34,170
January 15, 2021

2021 LHPO Event 3 Champion Nick Pupillo

Event 3 of the 2021 Lucky Hearts Poker Open was a $400 H.O.R.S.E. (Freeze-Out). A field of 102 players was generated, tying the second-biggest H.O.R.S.E. tournament field in any Seminole Hard Rock Poker major series.

Once the field reached the final table of seven players, a lengthy battle ensued. Nick Pupillo, who was down to less than one big bet with two tables remaining, began the final table sixth in chips. Despite finding himself short-stacked and on the brink of elimination several more times, Pupillo was able to persevere in a poker variant that he is not known for.

With more than $3.3 million in tournament winnings according to the Hendon Mob, almost all of it is in the more popular games of No-Limit Hold’em and Pot-Limit Omaha. In fact, only about $16,000 of that amount is in mixed games.

“I play mixed games here and there,” said Pupillo afterward. “I bagged in the opening (No-Limit Hold’em) event yesterday and felt like playing this one today. A little change of pace. A lot of swings, but you’re never quite out of it when you’re short in the Limit games.”

Pupillo not only prevailed, but he denied runner-up finisher Yuval Bronshtein’s attempt at winning an SHRP trophy on back-to-back days after Bronshtein won Event 2 last night.

“He’s a great player, but I just like to play and test my skills. I think it’s great experience to play it out. It was more so just the experience of playing heads-up so if I ever get in a bigger spot, I’ll be a little more comfortable and have something to draw on.”

Final Results

PlaceFirst NameLast NamePrize Amount
1NickPupillo$9,570
2YuvalBronshtein$6,380
3IanFeller$4,331
4DevinWeinberg$3,048
5LazaroRodriguez$2,228
6JohnSimcox$1,694
7BryceFox$1,225
8WalterChambers$1,225
9AshtonGriffin$957
10YordanPetrov$957
11ScottBaumstein$866
12AronDermer$866
13JenniferBorsini$823