Michael Linn Wins WSOP Event #49

Michael Linn captured his first World Series of Poker bracelet by taking down event #49 at this year’s WSOP, a $1,500 NL hold’em tournament. After working down to heads up play from a field of 2,543 players, Linn defeated Taylor Larkin after a two hour battle to win the first prize of $609,493.

Though he started the final day of play as the chip leader, Linn did not reach the final table as the favorite to win the event, coming in with only the fourth-largest chip stack among the final nine players. However, with four players remaining, Linn made his move. He was responsible for knocking out both the fourth place finisher (Ben Smith) and Mihai Manole, who finished third. The chips gained on these knockouts allowed Linn to go into heads-up play with a 2-1 chip lead over Larkin.

The heads-up match went back and forth, with Larkin doubling up several times to stay in the match and give Linn a run for his money. However, Linn finally won on a hand when all of the money went in before the flop. Larkin put all his chips on the line with QJ offsuit, while Linn held A2 offsuit. Larkin didn’t hit anything to improve his hand, and it was all over.

For second place, Larkin took home $378,905.

Michael Linn is not a well known name in the poker world, but he did cash twice in last year’s World Series of Poker. The larger of these two wins was a 191^st place finish in the 2009 Main Event, which earned Linn over $36,000. However, none of his previous exploits have come close to the money and prestige gained from winning a WSOP tournament.

Linn may actually be best known for his familial relations. His uncle is three-time bracelet winner Barry Greenstein, who has said he won’t coach Linn until he finishes college. Of course, things might change now that Linn has a bracelet of his own.

“Maybe that should be reversed,” Linn joked. “After I graduate, I’ll teach him.”