Jason Lavallée from Montreal has won the £10,300 EPT London High Roller event, his first major title. Lavallée, who had an overwhelming chip lead heads-up, overcame eventual runner up Simon Higgins from the UK to take what amounts to his first major title. Lavallée was relieved, and delighted, saying to friends as he won: “Curse lifted, yes!” The “curse” had been a running joke with friends, with Lavallée racking up several high profile near-misses, including a second place at EPT Sanremo last season. Lavallee pointed out the irony of this, given his record as a heads-up specialist. As for today, it all worked out.
“I picked up a lot of hands in fortunate spots and got lucky,” he said.
Two other Canadians made final table cashes, both eliminated in hands against Lavallée, included Sorel Mizzi from Toronto who finished in 3rd place for £161,560 and Carla Sabini from Montreal who finished in 4th place for £132,320.
The day before, Sabini explained how she was simply happy to be playing an event alongside the best players in the world. “I don’t even care if I don’t make the money,” she’d said.
Along with the title Lavellée also took the SLYDE Luxury Swiss watch, and a cheque for £357,700.
Congratulations to the winners!
2013 EPT10 London High Roller Results
Buy-in: £10,000
Players/entries: 159
Prize pool: £1,538,600
1st. Jason Lavallee (Canada) — £357,700
2nd. Simon Higgins (United Kingdom) — £242,330
3rd. Sorel Mizzi (Canada) — £161,560
4th. Carla Sabini (Canada) — £132,320
5th. Tamer Kamel (United Kingdom) — £106,170
6th. David Ulliott (United Kingdom) — £82,315
7th. Luca Pagano (Italy) — £60,930
8th. Mark Teltscher (United Kingdom) — £44,775
