Longshot James Romero Wins WPT Five Diamond Classic for $1.9m

The WPT Five Diamond World Poker Classic is one of the most prestigious main events on the WPT calender, with one of the biggest prizepools and this year the title has gone to the little known James Romero who topped a talent packed final table to walk away with the trophy and a huge $1,938,118 in prize money.

Romero had been the chip leader going into the six strong official final table, and had in fact lead the way from the 1- handed unofficial final table where he ended up increasing his lead even further as he put paid to big names JC Tran and Chris Klodnicki on his way to the final six.

Romero started the final table with more than double the number of chips as the 2nd player, Ryan Tosoc with his 9.86m to Tosoc's 4.465m, and he never relinquished the top spot, despite facing stiff opposition from the likes of frequent high-roller winner Jake Schindler and 2 time WSOP bracelet winner Justin Bonomo, who have over $20m in live tourney winnings between them - compated to Romero's paltry $4,699 before this tournament. Also in the mix was Ukranian pro Igor Yaroshevsky who is no stranger to WPT final tables, having earned his biggest poker payday of $333,680 for his 4th place finish at last year's LA Poker Classic.

Romero was in no mood to relinquish pole positions, however, and he ended up eliminating four of the other five final tablists on his way to the title. Only Justin Bonomo, who fell in 5th place to Jake Schindler, wasn't sent to the rail by the eventual winner.

Romero entered heads-up play against Ryan Tosoc with a massive 21m to 2.775m chip lead. The inevitable happened 16 hands into play when Tosoc shoved with 55 only to run into Romero's pocket Kings.

Both players took home over $1m, with Tosoc quadrupling his lifetime tourney winnings with his $1,124,051 consolation prize, and Romero multiplying his total winnings before today by 400 with his $1.94m payday!

Final Table Results WPT Five Diamond World Poker Classic

1st:  James Romero – $1,938,118
2nd:  Ryan Tosoc – $1,124,051
3rd:  Jake Schindler – $736,579
4th:  Alex Condon – $494,889
5th:  Justin Bonomo – $345,272
6th:  Igor Yaroshevskyy – $268,545