The 2024 World Series of Poker‘s Event #98: $1,500 No-Limit Hold’em – The Closer concluded with Ching Da Wu securing the title with an outstanding performance that earned him his first WSOP bracelet and a substantial prize of $525,500. The event attracted 3,215 players, generating a prize pool of $1,086,690.
Event #98: $1,500 The Closer No-Limit Hold’em Results
| Place | Player | Country | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Ching Da Wu | Taiwan | $525,500 |
| 2 |  Mario Colavita | Italy | $350,370 |
| 3 |  Bogdan Munteanu | Romania | $261,170 |
| 4 |  John Racener | United States | $196,170 |
| 5 |  Michael Baltierra | United States | $113,270 |
| 7 |  David Cabrera Polop | Andorra | $87,080 |
| 8 | Chad Lipton | United States | $67,480 |
| 9 |  Luis Yepez | Venezuela | $52,705 |
| 10 | Mike Matusow | United States | $41,500 |
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The final day saw relentless action with players navigating through two table redraws. As the competition narrowed down to 17, the pace slowed slightly.
A notable moment came when Lexy Gavin-Mather exited in 17th place. Her 9♦10♦ couldn’t overcome Wu’s Q♦Q♣, leading to her departure amidst applause from fellow players, highlighting her reputation as a strategic player and coach.
The bubble burst dramatically when Michael Baltierra moved all-in, facing Aaron Mermelstein‘s A♠8♠ in the small blind.
At the ten-handed table redraw, the action shifted to the feature table. Mike Matusow, a four-time WSOP bracelet winner with over $10 million in earnings, was the first to be eliminated. His journey was documented by filmmaker Frank Zarrillo since the 2021 WSOP.
Next, Luis Yepez from Venezuela made a bold move with 7♥7♦, but was outdone by Chad Lipton. Lipton then fell in eighth place to Bogdan Munteanu, who hit the board hard in their raising battle.
David Cabrera Polop‘s hopes were dashed in seventh place when Munteanu found a lucky queen on the board. Michael Baltierra, known as “Ballz” among his poker club from Central Valley, California, exited in sixth place with 6♥6♦ against Wu. Post-elimination, he planned to relax with a massage.
Stanislav Zegal from Germany, a 2023 WSOP Main Event champion, was knocked out in fifth place. John “Spikey” Racener, a notable player with two bracelets, finished fourth. Racener, a runner-up in the 2010 WSOP Main Event, had an impressive summer with several final table appearances.
Wu’s final hand was a strategic masterpiece. He slow-played A♠A♣, leading to the simultaneous elimination of Munteanu and Colavita in one hand.
Overwhelmed with emotion, Wu expressed deep gratitude towards his wife Jessie Chen, his supportive parents, and his mentor Justin Chu. His use of the Hendon Mob Database to study opponents’ credentials paid off, despite his relative inexperience.
Originally from Taiwan, Wu is navigating the complexities of obtaining a green card to reside permanently in the U.S. Despite regulatory hurdles, his dedication to improving his game was evident in his victory.
Wu remains committed to his primary profession as a software engineer in California, viewing poker as a cherished recreational activity. Reflecting on his win, Wu described it as an honor and a thrilling experience, with the final hand being a decisive turning point in the tournament.
* Images and hands courtesy of WSOP and PokerNews.
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