"It Was My Time": Chris Hunichen Captures First Bracelet & $2.8M in $100K High Roller

Key Takeaways

• Chris Hunichen wins his first WSOP bracelet and a career-high $2,838,389 in the $100,000 High Roller No-Limit Hold'em.
• Longtime regarded as overdue for a major win, Hunichen's victory came after several near-misses in high-stakes tournaments.
• The final table was marked by an energetic crowd and a dramatic heads-up match against Jeremy Ausmus.

In what could easily be dubbed as a climax of cinematic proportions at the 2024 World Series of Poker (WSOP), the poker world witnessed Chris Hunichen, known in the circles as "Big Huni," clinch his first-ever WSOP bracelet. The event was not just any tournament, but the high stakes, adrenaline-pumping $100,000 High Roller No-Limit Hold'em, pocketing a cool $2,838,389 in the process. This isn't just a win; it's a monumental career milestone for Hunichen, who, until now, had felt the bitter taste of being the near-miss guy on more than one occasion.

"No one’s ever due in poker, but I felt like I was due," Hunichen shared in an ecstatic post-victory interview with PokerNews. His journey to this pinnacle was paved with high-stakes challenges, including a runner-up finish in a 2022 online $25,000 High Roller and a third place in the $250,000 Super High Roller. Yet, the elusive bracelet had always slipped through his fingers, until now.

The final table was a battleground not just for the players but for their supporters, too, transforming the Horseshoe Event Center into an arena of high emotion and raw energy. Among the contenders was Swedish poker luminary Viktor "Isildur1" Blom and the seasoned Jeremy Ausmus, each bringing their own stories and hunger for the title.

But as the chips flew and fortunes swung, it was Hunichen's day. His narrative was one of resilience, skill, and perhaps a touch of destiny, as he navigated through a field of titans to claim his throne. A pivotal moment came when, against all odds, Hunichen's pocket fives found a miraculous five on the river to best Ausmus' ace-jack, a hand that encapsulated the sheer unpredictability and thrill of poker.

Hunichen's victory wasn't just a personal triumph; it was a shared joy, amplified by a rail that was as lively and passionate as any the WSOP has seen. They cheered, they jeered, and they brought an energy that, by Hunichen's own admission, played a pivotal role in his win. "Oh absolutely. They bring all that energy...It gets in the heads of the other guys a little bit," Hunichen reflected on the impact of his supporters.

The emotional weight of the win was palpable, as Hunichen dedicated his victory to his late father, a touching homage that added depth to an already poignant story. And as for the newly minted nickname "Sauron," a playful jab at Blom's "Isildur1," only time will tell if it sticks. But one thing is for certain, Hunichen's legacy in the poker world has been firmly cemented, not just as a formidable player, but as a champion who embodies the heart and soul of the game.

As the dust settles and Hunichen prepares for his now-legendary Fourth of July parties, the poker community is left buzzing. This victory isn't just a line in the record books; it's a testament to the enduring allure of poker, where dreams can be realized, legends made, and every hand is a story waiting to be told.

(First reported by: PokerNews)