2019 WSOP Crowns Its First Winner as Brian Green Gets Gold

May 31st, 2019 | by Greg Shaun

The 2019 World Series of Poker (WSOP) is underway and Brian Green has already taken home a coveted bracelet.

Brian Green has won the first WSOP bracelet of 2019 and more than $300,000. (Image: WSOP)

Although the series started on May 28 with the casino employees tournament, Event #2 was the first to finish.

Boasting a turbo structure and welcoming 204 runners, the $10,000 No-Limit Hold’em Super Turbo Bounty took just two days to complete.

Negreanu Misses First Bracelet Attempt

When the action got underway on May 29, the field was littered with talent. Among the luminaries going for gold was Daniel Negreanu.

With staking packages and bracelet bets, Kid Poker was looking to make a fast start. Things went well during the first few levels but Negreanu suffered a knock towards the end of the day.

Despite taking a hit, he made it through the session with 13 big blinds. While Negreanu was fighting for chips, Asher Conniff was enjoying his time at the top on Day 2.

The WPT and WSOP Circuit winner was way out in front as the cards started to fly. However, when the final bets were made, it was Green who dominated.

With Negreanu falling at the hands of Loren Klein in sixth, veteran grinder Green had one less pro to deal with. Knowing that turbo tournaments meant less post-flop play, the Texan was happy to avoid any unnecessary confrontations.

After watching Klein eliminate two of the final six, it was Conniff’s turn to push the pace. Taking out Klein, it looked as if he was on his way to a maiden WSOP victory.

Green Gets Going

Things quickly changed though when Green took a stand with K-Q. Willing to gamble, he found the right board to take out Conniff’s A-9.

Now holding the chip lead with only Ali Imsirovic in his way, the Las Vegas resident had to weather an early storm. Eventually, however, the blinds forced both players to make a move.

Pushing in his chips with pocket kings, Imsirovic looked likely to take home the title. The poker gods had other ideas as Green’s A-9 made trips.

After raking in the final pot and his first bracelet, Green told WSOP reporters that it felt good to get the “monkey off his back.”

2019 WSOP Event #2 Result

1 – Brian Green – $345,669

2 – Ali Imsirovic – $213,644

3 – Asher Conniff – $145,097

4 – Loren Klein – $100,775

5 – Ping Liu – $71,614

6 – Daniel Negreanu – $52,099

With 80+ events to go and over $300,000 added to his bankroll, the first bracelet winner of 2019 will have many more opportunities to capture a second title this summer.