Local Man Lifts $142K at HPT in Chicago

The Ameristar Casino Hotel in East Chicago was the location for Kloeckner’s first victory of note, which saw him defeat Robert Edelstein heads-up when his pocket kings held up against the Chicago fisherman’s pocket 9’s.

Kloeckner’s victory saw him take $142,386 from the total prize-fund of $619,080 while Edelstein, a fisherman by trade, took 2nd place for $87,909.

"I don't even know how to feel right now," said the new HPT champion. "I'm extremely excited and this win is going to change my life!"

Although there were many notable names included in the 432 entries to the $1650 buy-in NLHE Main Event - Greg ‘Fossilman’ Raymer, Jeff Madsen and Robert Williamson III among them – it was the amateur players who dominated the final table.

Eighth-place went to electrician Steve Sloan who pocketed over $16,000 and dedicated it to his daughter Ashley, a serving US Army soldier. Kenny Nguyen and Joe Sidoryk, both business-owners, finished 7th and 6th respectively, although Sidoryk has been very successful online, amassing over $1m.

Another non-pro, Chicago Police Officer Michael Younan, picked up $40,550 in 4th place and is looking to buy his wife a new car, while Greg Koukalidis, who began the final table with a massive chip lead, plans to add his $30,644 fifth-place winnings to his property investment plans.

The next HPT circuit event will see the players eyeing up a 9th consecutive $million prize-pool in Blackhawk, Colorado, after which the tour heads west to Reno, Nevada followed by Lincoln, California.

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