The $1,500 six-handed eight-game mix event at the 2016 World Series of Poker drew an impressive field of 491 players, creating a total prize pool of $662,850. There were 74 players who made the money, earning at least $2,254.
After three days of play, it was respected tournament grinder Paul Volpe who came out on top, earning his second career bracelet and the $149,943 first-place prize.
Volpe won his first bracelet back in 2014, in the $10,000 no-limit 2-7 lowball event. He followed that up with four final table appearances, including two runner-up finishes, before finally getting bracelet no. 2 on Sunday night. The 35-year-old Philadelphia native now has more than $4.9 million in career tournament earnings.
“With me, poker is mostly about the money,” he admitted. “I know with the World Series of Poker there’s so much history and I respect that. But I am here mainly to earn a living, make money, and support my family. For the most part, I love getting gold bracelets. But I’m here mainly to make a living.”
In order to secure the title, Volpe had to overcome a final table that included Gavin Smith (6th), Anthony Lazar (5th), Ben Ludlow (4th) and Ron Ware (3rd). Other notables to make a deep run in the tournament included Chris Klodnicki (9th), David Baker (14th), Brandon Cantu (16th), Barry Greenstein (20th), Ralph Perry (22nd), Martin Staszko (23rd) and Jason Somerville (24th).
Here is a look at the payouts and POY points awarded at the final table:
| Place | Player | Earnings (USD) | POY Points |
| 1 | Paul Volpe | $149,943 | 720 |
| 2 | Jason Stockfish | $92,638 | 600 |
| 3 | Ron Ware | $60,882 | 480 |
| 4 | Ben Ludlow | $40,911 | 360 |
| 5 | Anthony Lazar | $28,123 | 300 |
| 6 | Gavin Smith | $19,787 | 240 |
For more coverage from the summer series, visit the 2016 WSOP landing page complete with a full schedule, news, player interviews and event recaps.
*Winner photo courtesy of the World Series of Poker
