Bonomo’s Heater Continues with WSOP Big One for One Drop Win

July 18th, 2018 | by Jason Reynolds

The WSOP Big One for One Drop has come to a conclusion thanks to another title-winning performance by Justin Bonomo.

Justin Bonomo Big One for One Drop winner.

Justin Bonomo notches up his tenth tournament win of 2018 by taking down the $1 million Big One for One Drop. (Image: WSOP)

Entering the tournament with an unparalleled winning streak, Bonomo found himself among the early favorites in the $1 million buy-in event. Despite a relatively quiet first day, the 32-year-old pro found his groove on Day 2 and quickly surpassed the likes of Phil Ivey, Daniel Negreanu and Fedor Holz.

Amateurs Are the First to Break

By the time 21 of the 27 entrants had fallen by the wayside, the American was leading a mixed final table. With only five players guaranteed to make the money, many on the rail expected amateurs David Einhorn and Rick Salomon to buckle and buckle they did.

Despite being a veteran of the One Drop events and the WSOP Main Event, hedge fund manager Einhorn couldn’t keep pace with the pros. After raising the button with A♠Q♥, Einhorn made a hero call on the 7♣5♣5♥ flop.

When Bonomo revealed his 7d♦4♥, the businessman could only stare at the felt in the hope of hitting one of his outs. Eventually, the 2♥ and K♣ brought the hand and Einhorn’s run in the super high stakes event to an end.

WSOP $1 Million Big One for One Drop Final Result

Justin Bonomo – $10,000,000
Fedor Holz – $6,000,000
Dan Smith – $4,000,000
Rick Salomon – $2,840,000
Byron Kaverman – $2,000,000

A Hand for the Ages

With even more chips on his side, Bonomo was able to take a backseat just a few hands later as a three-way all-in unfolded. As short stacks Byron Kaverman and Rick Salomon looked to make some moves, they were happy to ship their chips in with A♣5♣ and A♥K♥ respectively.

Looking down at pocket tens, Germany’s Holz made a call which led to a rollercoaster of emotions for all concerned.

As the flop rolled out A♦K♠2♣, Salmon looked in good shape to win the pot. By the time the Q♣ fell on the turn, Kaverman had picked up some flush outs to steal the hand. However, the final twist in the tale came on the river as the T♦ on the river gave Holz a winning set and a commanding chip lead.

As Kaverman and Salmon went to collect their payouts, it looked as though the German pro was on his way to the title. Bonomo had other ideas though as he nursed a short stack before picking up enough chips to knockout Dan Smith.

In fact, starting the heads-up match behind didn’t seem to faze the American as he gradually chipped away at his opponent before sealing the deal with A♠J♦. With the blinds at a critical level, Holz jammed with A♣4♠ but couldn’t find any from the board.

In his post-match interview, Bonomo not only reflected on his latest win but a record year in poker. As well as moving to the top of the all-time money list with $43 million in earnings, the One Drop champion has had the biggest winning year in history thanks a run that’s netted him $25 million in seven months.

“It’s awesome. It feels good. But to be honest, I understand that that is not the measure of who a great player is. At the end of the day, I feel like this past year I’ve played fantastic poker. And that’s something I can be very proud of,” Bonomo told the WSOP’s live reporting team after his July 17 victory.