Just hours ago, former journalist and professional poker player, Roland de Wolfe, became the first ever player to win both a WPT and an EPT title when he triumphed in the Main Event in Dublin, the fourth stop on this season’s Tour.Roland first shot to fame in the Paris WPT in 2005 when he shocked the poker world by winning €479,680, a figure that allowed him to leave journalism behind to concentrate on poker full-time. Since them he has blossomed into a highly respected player, and although he was forced to wait several months for his next big win, when it arrived it was a whopper - a massive $1,025,205 for his 3rd place finish at the WPT Grand Final.
But it didn't stop there! 20th in the Barcelona EPT, a 20k win at the Poker Meltdown Festival in London, not to mention his two WSOP cashes in the $10,000 Pot Limit Hold 'Em and the $2,000 No Limit Hold 'Em Shootout, the latter bringing him a most welcoming $65,520 for 3rd.
In a nutshell, Roland is on a roll, and he refuses to stop, with his latest scoop being right here in Dublin where he has followed in the footsteps of fellow countryman (well, woman) and London EPT winner, Vicky Coren, by taking home a near half a million in spondoolies.After striking a deal with Frenchman, David Tavernier (right), and Swedish hotshot, William Thorsson, in which Roland took 400k, the Londoner then went on to eliminate both his opponents to scoop up the extra 60k that they left behind, ultimately filling his mitts with €460,000, an amount that even a self-made millionaire would refuse to turn his nose up at.
And Roland wasn't the only Brit who finaled. In fact, five of the last nine were blondeites!
With Willie Tann being first to exit after the infamous 'Bubble Time' call, Nick 'Quantify' Slade, Rob 'Yongsta' Yong and Gavin Smith all brought home the bacon, winning an incredible €300,000 between them!
With Pat Bueno making the first trip of the day towards the exit, it was Nick Slade (left) who would be next to follow the Frenchman when his limp re-raise with J-9 failed to find that crucial pair against Roland de Wolfe’s A-Q. A cracking tournament for Nick who is fast proving to be one of the strongest players on the circuit, an incredible achievement considering he only picked up the game 12 months ago.Another popular figure on the circuit is Rob Yong, currently swamped with the inevitable stresses of trying to open his own cardroom, Rob still manages to find time to quench his poker thirst and indulge in his biggest passion. However, after the beat he took last night, he may be rethinking that decision, as to witness his A-K be cruelly Rivered by Roland’s dominated A-J must have been a gut-wrenching blow indeed. However, kicked in the goolies he was, and although he was undoubtedly playing for the glory of first, the 89 grand he picked up for 6th will surely be a welcome aid to his current business venture.
So with Rob being consolidated by the rest of the DTD crew, it was the plucky George McKeever who would be next to fall. A seemingly unmovable fixture in this tournament, George’s raises were mostly met with fear and cowardice, until they locked horns with the formidable Roland, who eliminated another finalist when his Pocket Eights fended off the Irishman’s K-Q.
And then it was Gavin Simms’ (right) turn to hit the sidelines, and guess what, Roland was the likely assassin! Sixes were enough for Roland this time with a third 6 on the Flop making Simms’ J-7 look more than slightly vulnerable. Naturally, Simms couldn’t find a miracle of any kind and the Roland roll continued.You hear the one about the Frenchman, the Englishman and the Swede? No, well listen up because it’s a good ‘un. Roland might have put the finishing touches on constant thorn and WSOP hero, William Thorsson, with Sevens vs. A-T suited, but it was David Tavernier who did the most damage.
With Thorsson (left) flopping the nut straight, he must have thought Christmas had come early when the Frenchman moved all-in on the Turn, but with a second Eight hitting the River, Tavernier had fluked a full house to force the Swede down to the felt. His expression? The words bulldog, chewing and wasp spring to mind.And with two left, the heads-up encounter didn’t last too long. Tavernier was keen to show he wasn’t prepared to be run over, winning a few hands and showing bluffs in the process, but ultimately it was his lack of any hand whatsoever that was to be his downfall as he re-raised all-in on a board of 3-5-A-5-9 with nothing more than Queen high, Roland calling instantly with his 5-4 to not only take the pot, but also the title.
Although this was a great occasion for the likes of Slade, Yong and Simms, all of whom played superb poker throughout the tournament, it was ultimately to be the day of Rolandinho (as he is known on the forum).
Roland’s psychological battle with Thorsson had to be seen to be believed, genuinely superb entertainment. The fearless Swede may be fresh off a big WSOP win, but when in confident mood, Roland is as good as anyone, and he proved that by playing a truly impressive final. Confident, aggressive and never intimidated by anyone, which is a real feat considering the menacing glares of Thorsson, a chap who many predicted would be holding the trophy come the end of the night.
Not this time though, that accolade went to a fiery Brit from London. A well deserved victory for one of the game’s characters. The Brits march on, and they seem to be flying the blonde flag…