With seven of eight occasions of the usPoker Open within the books, Matthew Wantman sat on high of the sequence’ leaderboard by successful successful Occasion #4, runner-up in Occasion #6, and a sixth-place end in Occasion #5. Going into the second day of the ultimate occasion, Wantman solely needed to fade two gamers as a way to win the large eagle trophy and the $50,000 buy-in bonus that comes with the title of sequence champion.
Sadly for the Massachusetts native, these two gamers had been Shannon Shorr and Nacho Barbero.
If both of these males received the final occasion, the bonus would slip away, and that’s precisely what occurred as Landon Tice bowed-out in third, leaving Shorr and Barbero heads-up to combat for duel titles.
Shorr, who’s surging like a tidal wave in 2025, scored his third win in a row for the reason that finish of March within the finale occasion of the 2025 USPO, including one other $529,250 to his pile of match winnings that simply moved into the $8 million neighborhood by beating Barbero heads-up. He received almost 1/tenth of his lifetime match earnings in simply concerning the final three weeks.
The present run began on the World Collection of Poker Circuit Major Occasion in Las Vegas, which he received for $207,615. It was his first Circuit ring. He then took down the fifth occasion of the USPO for $220,400, earlier than wrapping up the sequence championship within the finale.
“To win a match, I all the time say it’s a must to run good, which I did, however I’m feeling fairly dialed in. I’ve been working actually onerous on my psychological sport,” Shorr mentioned within the post-match interview with Jeff Platt.
Eyeballing the large eagle trophy he that got here with the title of sequence champion, he mentioned: “That is superior. I can’t wait to indicate it to my youngsters.”
Shorr gave being a father and having to supply for them as causes of motivation after he received the WSOPC ring. He additionally mentioned he just about eliminated alcohol from his life after waking up hungover final New Yr’s Eve, and has been coaching his thoughts and physique for the vigors that come taking part in high-stakes tournaments as critically as potential.
The work, as they are saying, is paying off for the 39 year-old from Alabama, who now makes Las Vegas his dwelling.
The PokerGO Tour heads to the Champions Membership Texas in Houston for the PGT Texas Poker Open April 23-28. A lot of the occasions have $2 million ensures, so anticipate among the largest fields in PGT historical past. Click on right here for the schedule.
