Brandon Lulov, aka S3L3NAGOMEZZ, is the new Venom champion and $1.5 million richer after topping a field of 3,522 entrants on Americas Cardroom.
The annual $2,650 buy-in tournament always attracts a crowd and, this year, things were no different. Among those vying for a share of the $10 million prizepool were Americas Cardroom ambassadors Chris Moneymaker and Jon Van Fleet.
Also in the mix was Chris Hunichen. The former number one ranked online tournament pro made it to the August 2 finale and, for a while, he was the favorite to win. However, after he bowed out in third place, it was Lulov’s title to lose.
The American had over three times as many chips as his opponent, Ketzerfelipe, and he used them to good effect. That meant sitting back when he needed to and putting on the pressure in spots where his opponent couldn’t afford to call.
S3L3NAGOMEZZ wins Americas Cardroom Venom
It couldn’t have gone better for the New Yorker. He barely put a foot wrong and got it done when Ketzerfelipe moved all in for nine big blinds from the button. Lulov, aka S3L3NAGOMEZZ, called with K♥ 3♣ and went to the flop ahead of his opponent’s Q♣ J♦.
Big congrats to Ketzerfelipe who finished in 2nd place in the $10 Million GTD #Venom, walking away with $1,149,260. That’s an incredible consolation prize. Great job 🥂! #ACRPoker #PokerPlayer #PokerLife pic.twitter.com/BKPeKIafR6
— ACR Poker (@ACR_POKER) August 2, 2023
The A♥ 8♠ 4♦ 7♣ 9♦ board was no help to Ketzerfelipe. Despite not winning the 2023 Venom, Ketzerfelipe still banked an impressive $1.1 million.
Americas Cardroom Venom Result
- S3L3NAGOMEZZ – $1,577,970
- Ketzerfelipe – $1,149,260
- 2Rich2Care – $838,960
- CHAMPAIGNE – $612,440
- BurnZeByeBell – $447,080
- Apestyles – $326,370
- YoungHoodie – $238,250
- Mpmiller0906 – $177,920
The victory left Lulov speechless. 2022 saw Lulov win $636,215 of his $812,781 in tournament earnings that year.
At a loss for words https://t.co/5zxnCqn5OX
— brandon (@brandonlulov98) August 2, 2023
However, after beating more than 3,500 players in Americas Cardroom’s flagship MTT, 2023 now stands as the American’s best year in poker. Indeed, with a seven-figure score and major online title to his name, he’ll be one to watch over the next few months.
