Benjamin Lablond Wins Canadian Heads-Up Championship.
It’s not every day that you see a poker amateur take on a pro and win! That's exactly what happened at the 2009 Canadian Open Poker Championship $5,000 heads-up no-limit hold'em Main Event; which took place at the Stampede Casino in Calgary, Alberta.
Vegas Pro Jeff Madsen found himself up against amateur Benjamin Lablond who after an amazing come back managed to take title. Lablond pocketed $100,000 cash prize and well-deserved bragging rights after surviving the 93 player field. Madsen seemed to have the title under his belt but after a series of double ups Lablond found himself back in the game.
The field was full of pros included 11-time WSOP bracelet winner Phil Hellmuth, Antonio “The Magician” Esfandiari, Mike “The Mouth” Matusow, Gavin Smith, Brad Booth, and defending champ Huck Seed.
Lablond’s road to victory was not easy. He defeated Canadian Champion Richard Webb in the round of 16, Hellmuth in the quarterfinals, Brad Booth in the semis and then Madsen in the finale.
Congratulations to all players who took part!
Make sure you don’t miss the 2010 Canadian Poker Tour; satellites will be posted early 2010.
Final Results
| Place | Player | Prize |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Benjamin LaBlond | $100,759 |
| 2 | Jeff Madsen | $50,000 |
| 3 | Brad Booth | $28,000 |
| 4 | Terrence Chan | $28,000 |
| 5 | Phil Hellmuth | $17,500 |
| 6 | Tim Salangsang | $17,500 |
| 7 | Mike Smith | $17,500 |
| 8 | Dave Cung | $17,500 |