George Holmes Eliminated in 2nd Place ($4,300,000)

Yori Epskamp

Level 41 : 1,200,000/2,400,000, 2,400,000 ante

Hand #223: George Holmes raised to 6,000,000 and Koray Aldemir called. On the flop, Aldemir checked, Holmes bet 6,000,000, and Aldemir check-raised to 19,000,000 after about a minute. Holmes called after some thought.

The landed on the turn and Aldemir took nearly two minutes before betting 36,500,000. Holmes took about a minute before coming along with the call, creating a pot of over 100,000,000 in the process.

The crowd held their collective breath as the was dealt on the river. Taking around 90 seconds, Aldemir decided to check. Within twenty seconds, Holmes moved all in for 133,000,000, more than the size of the pot.

Aldemir, who covered Holmes by a mere ten million, went deep in the tank to try and analyse the situation. The German high roller spent nearly three minutes before ultimately settling on a call, which had everyone in the Amazon room jolting out of their seats to watch the showdown unfold.

Holmes showed for a pair of kings and Aldemir slapped on the table for two pair. Just like that, with one amazing call, the 2021 World Series of Poker Main Event came to an end.

Holmes, the home game hero, can reflect on an unforgettable run. With just one previously recorded cash to his name, he left the stage $4,300,000 richer, all while capturing the hearts of many poker fans around the world in the process with his style of play.

Ultimately, despite a valiant effort from Holmes, the victory goes to Germany for the second time in three years. Congratulations to Koray Aldemir, poker's new world champion!