WSOPE 2024: Simone Andrian Wins Gripping Heads-Up, Anson Tsang Busts 10th in Main Event

Simone Andrian’s journey in the world of poker is a story of perseverance, determination, and rising to the occasion. The Italian pro, who began playing poker online, transitioned to live tournaments in 2021 and has now etched his name into poker history.

After taking his first shot at the World Series of Poker Europe (WSOPE) in 2021, he not only won his first WSOP gold bracelet but also secured €158,616 in the €1,650 No-Limit Hold’em 6-Max event.

Fast forward to 2024, and Andrian has achieved an even greater milestone—winning the prestigious WSOPE Main Event at King’s Resort, Rozvadov for a career-best payout of €1,300,000. This victory marks a full-circle moment in his career, solidifying his status among the elite in the poker world.

The Road to Victory: Andrian’s Rise to the Top

Simone Andrian’s path to winning the WSOP Europe Main Event was filled with challenges, but his journey showcases the dedication and skill that it takes to compete at the highest levels.

Andrian became the 15th player in history to win the WSOPE Main Event, outlasting a competitive field of 768 entrants. His triumph in the event included an intense heads-up battle against Urmo Velvelt, an accomplished Estonian player, that lasted over three hours and featured numerous swings in momentum.

A High-Stakes Battle: Heads-Up Drama with Velvelt

The final phase of the tournament was a gripping back-and-forth struggle between Andrian and Velvelt, showcasing the strategic depth and mental fortitude required in top-level poker.

Andrian entered the heads-up phase with 36,425,000 chips against Velvelt’s 40,375,000—a rare moment where Andrian found himself trailing, having held a dominant chip lead for much of the final days of play.

The two players exchanged chip leads multiple times, as Velvelt managed to find key spots to regain control. In one pivotal hand, Velvelt turned a straight and was able to extract value from Andrian’s top pair, equalizing the stacks. Shortly after, Velvelt again took the lead by forcing Andrian to fold during a bluff attempt with jack-high.

Yet, the defining moments of heads-up play came when Andrian managed to stay in the game despite facing elimination. Velvelt had Andrian on the ropes with aggressive plays, at one point holding nearly three-quarters of the chips in play. However, Andrian fought back, catching Velvelt’s bluff with a low pair against Velvelt’s seven-deuce on an ace-high board, keeping himself in the game.

Turning the Tide: Andrian’s Resilience Pays Off

As the heads-up battle continued, Andrian demonstrated his resilience and ability to adapt under pressure. When Velvelt attempted another bluff by check-raising all-in with ten-high, Andrian folded his top pair, allowing Velvelt to gain ground once more.

However, the decisive hand arrived when Velvelt five-bet shoved with ace-ten against Andrian’s pocket tens. This time, Andrian found a snap call, and the clean runout sealed the deal, giving him the win and sending Velvelt to the runner-up position.

From Online Tables to Live Tournaments

Simone Andrian’s story is a testament to how online poker can serve as a training ground for success on the live tournament circuit. He spent three years grinding online before he made his live debut at WSOPE 2021, where he not only competed but won his first gold bracelet. Since then, he has continued to develop his skills, securing six six-figure scores and establishing himself as a formidable player in the live poker scene.

With this Main Event victory, Andrian’s total live tournament earnings have now surpassed $2.6 million, a figure that highlights his steady rise over the past few years.

Asian Players in the Top 100 of the WSOP Europe Main Event

Yan Shing Tsang, better known as ‘Anson’, put up a strong showing, finishing in 8th place, just shy of the final table. The three-time WSOP winner from Hong Kong has proven time and again that he is a force to be reckoned with in the poker world. With over $4 million in live tournament earnings under his belt, Tsang added another €74,000 to his impressive track record from his run at the Main Event.

Meanwhile, David Dongwoo Ko, originally from South Korea but now representing Canada, secured 44th place in the WSOPE Main Event. Ko, who gained significant attention earlier this year by winning the WPT Montreal Championship in dominating fashion, leading from start to finish, earned €30,300 in the Rozvadov Main Event.

Cheng Zhao from China also made his presence felt in the WSOPE Main Event, finishing in 63rd place. Despite facing stiff competition, Zhao managed to secure a cash prize of €24,700.

Final Table Results