Alexander Lynskey Rises Up Down Under to Win WSOP International Circuit Sydney

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Aussie poker pro Alexander Lynskey has won a WSOP ring on home soil after outlasting 1,190 other entrants in the International Circuit Sydney main event.

Alexander Lynskey
Alexander Lynskey takes home a WSOP International Circuit ring after winning the latest main event inside Star Casino Sydney. (Image: Winamax)

Following two previous visits to Sydney’s Star Casino, during which it established itself as the most popular WSOP International Circuit event, the players were out in force again this year. Sitting down for the first of three opening flights on December 7, local and international players ensured last year’s total of 1,067 entries was comfortably beaten.

Players Ante-Up En Mass Again

With the final prizepool in the AUD$2,200/USD$1,580 main event breaching its AUD$2 million/USD$1.43 million guarantee, Lynskey was able to secure the fourth largest live win of his career after coming through a tough finale.

Entering the final table, the Australian pro was already riding high after finishing seventh in this summer’s World Series of Poker (WSOP) main event. Despite having to sit back and watch John Cynn win the world title, Lynskey still picked up $1.5 million for his efforts.

With momentum on his side, the young pro sat down for what he thought would be a marathon closing session on December 17. However, with $303,705 on offer for the winner, no one was willing to sit back and wait.

In less than an hour, five players had been eliminated. Although he wasn’t solely responsible for the cull, Lynskey was able to claim a few scalps during the carnage and emerge with a stack capable of winning the event.

Fortune Favors Lynskey

When just four players remained, Lynskey put his foot on the gas again and took out Luke Martinelli whose missed flush wasn’t enough to overcome his opponent’s top pair. Taking a backseat for the next elimination, Lynskey watched as fellow Aussie Matt Pongrass dispatched with Rahul Rastogi to secure a 6:1 chip lead.

Despite the initial disparity, the high-octane nature of the finale suited Lynskey. Catching a fortunate break with A♦T♥ against Pongrass’s pocket kings, the eventual winner soon found himself within touching distance of the title.

As the cards and chips ran in his favor, all that was left for Lynskey to do was see out the match with another lucky break. Holding the chip lead, the WSOP main event finalist three-bet all-in with pocket threes.

Making the quick call, Pongrass thought he was in good shape holding a pair of sevens. However, as the board ran out 5♠9♦K♦5♦, the 3♠ on the river gave the win to Lynskey.

WSOP International Circuit Sydney Main Event Result

1 – Alexander Lynskey – $303,705

2 – Matt Pongrass – $188,188

3 – Rahul Rastogi – $138,113

4 – Luke Martinelli – $104,359

5 – Sam Capra – $79,638

6 – John Sormi – $61,298

7 – Barry Forrester – $47,736

8 – Justin Layden – $37,570

9 – Cameron Chen $29,976

Without any chips left to play with, a gracious Pongrass congratulated his opponent before exiting stage left. With the title his, a relieved Lynskey told reporters that it was a fantastic feeling to come away with the win, especially after such a swingy match.



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