
Brian Zimcosky underlined his status as one of the most promising poker talents in the US after emerging victorious at the latest round of the Mid-States Poker Tour at the Majestic Star Casino in Gary, Indiana.
Zimcosky played a smart game to edge out runner-up Alex Kaufman in Sunday’s final to net himself a prize of $61,870 – the highest amount that Zimcosky has claimed in his career to date. It was a big win for the man from Michigan who topped 227 other players over two days of competition to win the title at the latest stop in the fifth season of the MSPT tour.
Bold Tactics Pave Path to Success
It was hardly an easy ride for Zimcosky heading into the second day of competition, having started the final table in a rather lowly seventh place. However, an early all-in call following a raise from Mike Mustafa put Zimcosky in control with his #ad#4h, leaving his opponent on the verge of elimination.
Maintaining a high-stakes game, the Michigan native eventually took over the lead while other players such as Gerald Siemienas and Bob Chow were eliminated. Firmly in the lead, Zimcosky lowered the risks somewhat as he dueled Kaufman before Brad Sailor was sent to the rail and left just two players remaining at the table.
Tough Match Ends in Victory
With Sailor out of the picture, both Zimcosky and Kaufman battled back and forth as they both pushed hard for the overall victory. It was the former who would raise the stakes just thirty minutes later, moving all-in on a pair of nines that saw Kaufman check his #kc#10c before the flop.
Kaufman held the advantage with a straight draw and overcards postflop when the board read #ac#4d#jh. But Zimcosky’s nines held when sevens appeared on the turn and river, giving him two pair and the victory. The win was no doubt a big moment for Zimcosky, who finished third at the previous event held at the casino back in March. The winner revealed that his style of play paid off, telling the press, “I got in three big flips, and I won all three.”