Showdown at WPT Playground Championship: Kevin Rabichow Claims High Roller Title

The World Poker Tour Playground Championship witnessed a spectacular showdown as Kevin Rabichow claimed victory in the $10,500 no-limit hold’em high roller event, taking home a whopping $152,006. This prestigious tournament attracted a competitive field of 64 players, all vying for a share of the substantial prize pool that reached $459,456, exceeding its initial $200,000 CAD guarantee.

Rabichow’s triumph marks a significant achievement in his poker career, as it stands as his first-ever live tournament win. The American pro, who previously finished as the runner-up in the 2021 World Series of Poker (WSOP) $100,000 buy-in event, now elevates his live tournament earnings to nearly $4.6 million.

The final table was a thrilling mix of talent, featuring several prominent poker figures. Among the early eliminations were Joshua Justin, who finished in 8th place for $16,589, and Dustin Melanson, securing 7th for $20,736. The tournament also saw the departure of bracelet winner Tommy Nguyen in 6th place, earning $25,344, and Chanracy Khun, who had recently triumphed at the 2023 WSOP $25,000 heads-up championship, taking home $41,472 for his 4th place finish.

As the competition heated up, Cooper Bryant exited in 3rd place, walking away with $61,056. This set the stage for an intense heads-up battle between Rabichow and Pascal LeFrancois, a well-respected player with a track record of success, including a victory in the 2018 partypoker MILLION Grand Final. In a hard-fought contest, LeFrancois ultimately settled for 2nd place, earning $111,341.

Here’s a snapshot of the final table payouts:

With this remarkable victory, Kevin Rabichow has established himself as a formidable contender in the poker community. As the dust settles on this exhilarating tournament, players and fans alike look forward to the upcoming events in the WPT series, eager to see what the future holds for this rising star.