The 2024 World Series of Poker (WSOP) at the Horseshoe and Paris Las Vegas hosted one of its most popular split-pot game tournaments, Event #61: $2,500 Mixed Omaha Hi-Lo 8/Seven Card Stud Hi-Lo 8. The event drew an impressive 507 players, surpassing last year’s turnout of 460, with 77 players cashing in on the $1,128,075 prize pool. Twenty-one competitors, including Jon Kyte returned for the final day, all vying for the top prize of $222,703 and the coveted bracelet. Ultimately, it was Dario Sammartino who captured his first WSOP bracelet.
For many years, Dario Sammartino has been recognized as one of the greatest players without a bracelet. With over $16 million in lifetime earnings and numerous WSOP final table appearances, the Italian pro has long been a formidable force in the poker world. “Oh, I feel so good,” Sammartino expressed with a smile. “Finally, after 12 years, I am so happy. It was a very tough field.“
Sammartino’s victory was a culmination of his dedication to improving his game, especially in mixed formats. “I played online all year and many mixed games with some of the best players. Last year, I started to study and improve, and now I’m a bit better.” Despite this triumph, his WSOP schedule remains unchanged. “I will try to play everything, but my main priority is the 10k 2-7 No-Limit. After that will be the main event.“
Event #61: $2,500 Mixed Omaha Hi-Lo 8/Seven Card Stud Hi-Lo 8 Final Table Results
| Place | Player | Country | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Dario Sammartino | Italy | $222,703 |
| 2 |  Jon Kyte | Norway | $148,462 |
| 3 |  David Williams | United States | $102,335 |
| 4 | Jeff Madsen | United States | $71,810 |
| 5 | Federico Ottenio | United States | $51,315 |
| 6 | Matt Vengrin | United States | $37,354 |
| 7 | Joey Couden | United States | $27,709 |
| 8 | Scott Blackman | United States | $20,954 |
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Day 3 Action
The final day saw a rapid pace of eliminations early on, with Brian Schwartz (21st – $8,369), Christopher Battenfield (20th – $8,369), Joshua Ray (19th – $8,369), Ryan Schoonbaert (18th – $8,369), and David Margolis (17th – $8,369) falling before the final two tables. The action slowed as players like Nick Kost (16th – $8,369), Jared Talarico (15th – $10,208), Troy Murdough (14th – $10,208), Dai Ishibashi (13th – $10,208), Patrice Boudet (12th – $10,208), and Jacob Nepom (11th – $12,713) were eliminated.
Jose Ferro was the final player eliminated before the final table, earning $12,713 for his efforts when his pair of eights couldn’t beat Federico Ottenio’s eights and threes.
Final Table Action
Paul Zappulla experienced several swings before ultimately finishing in ninth place ($16,159) after his flopped top pair and gutter in Omaha Hi-Lo couldn’t beat Jeff Madsen’s king-high straight.
Scott Blackman secured a pay ladder but was soon eliminated in eighth place ($20,954) when his pair of nines couldn’t hold against Joey Couden’s six-low and David Williams’ aces and kings.
Jeff Madsen managed a triple-up to put himself in contention, but Joey Couden was next to fall in seventh place ($27,709) when his wired jacks lost to Sammartino’s aces on sixth with a low.
Matt Vengrin was eliminated in sixth place ($37,354) after losing pots to Jon Kyte and Sammartino. Federico Ottenio followed in fifth place ($51,135) after his kings couldn’t beat Williams’ nut flush in Omaha.
Jeff Madsen’s journey ended in fourth place ($71,810) when his last chips in Stud couldn’t overcome Kyte’s pair of queens. David Williams finished third ($102,335) after his final hand in Omaha saw Sammartino’s top set hold against his open-ended straight and flush draw.
Heads-Up
The heads-up match saw Jon Kyte initially extend his lead, but Dario Sammartino gained momentum after flopping a set that turned into a full house. Sammartino maintained pressure and ultimately won the tournament when his straight in Stud beat Kyte’s pair of kings. Jon Kyte finished as the runner-up, taking home $148,462.
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* Images and hands courtesy of WSOP and PokerNews.
