Jon Andlovec Wins First Ever Super Seniors Championship

Poker Veteran Jon Andlovec has won first ever Super Seniors Poker Championship and collected his first WSOP gold bracelet.

Andlovec is a part-time poker player is known as a ‘Hippie Jon’ in the poker world. 70 year-old Jon has only cashed four times at the WSOP over the past 25 years but he certainly made a most of his opportunities. His four in-money finishes all included final table appearances, but this marks the biggest win in his poker career.

Jon didn’t even plan to participate in this event but as he explained to WSOP.com blog, daughter has sent him $1,000 and with a message to win the Super Seniors Championship.

This poker veteran remembers the times when WSOP wasn’t as well known as it is today, way back before Chris Moneymaker and poker boom in the world. When asked about his craziest poker story, Andlovec revived his old memories and remembered a time when he borrowed money to play at the World Series of Poker.

He borrowed $40 to come to Las Vegas from Reno, but by the time he got in Las Vegas, he only had $2. However, he somehow got into a tournament and proceeded to finish fourth in that event, which was his first WSOP cash.

Andlovec revealed that he was a professional poker player when it wasn’t as fashionable to have such title as it is today, adding that he used to file taxes as a pro poker player years ago.

The new tournament drew an impressive number of 1,533 entrants, much more than it was expected. They have generated total prize pool of $1,379,700 and Jon took home the first place prize of $262,220. Super Seniors event was open to players age 65 and older and many players that participated in this event also took part in The Seniors Championship.

Seniors Championship, which welcomes players of age 50 and up, has attracted 4,193 players this year, generating the prize pool of $3,773,700. The championship is one of the most popular events of the World Series of Poker as this year’s event marks third constructive year that the event attracted more than 4000 players.

‘Super Seniors’ event drew in many poker veterans and to make everything even more interesting, living poker legend Doyle Brunson made his first 2015 WSOP appearance. Doyle, 10-time bracelet winner and 1976 and 1977 world poker champion got eliminated during the first day of play. However before he left he was honored with standing ovations by participants and tournament staff.

Rod Pardee, 70 year-old poker veteran finished second and won $162,000. Two time bracelet winner and champion in Seven Card Stud events held back in 1991 and 1994, wasn’t able to overcome Jon’s domination during heads-up play.

Perry Green, three -time gold bracelet winner got eliminated in eighth place and he took home $24,034 for his efforts. Even though he is 79, Perry is still brilliant poker player and this is his 30th career cash at the World Series of Poker.