L.A. Poker Classic: Brooks Wins, Mortensen Misses 4th WPT Title
Carlos "The Matador" Mortensen fell short of winning his 4th WPT title as Gregory Brooks came out on top for $1,654,120. Mortensen finished in third place and cashed $640,680 after starting the final table with the chip lead. Brooks defeated Vivek Rajkumar in the heads-up phase.
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| Carlos Mortensen barely misses out on his 4th WPT title Photo source: WPT |
The World Poker Tour L.A. Poker Classic came to a close after 666 players filled the seats for the $10,000 main event. The field generated a prize pool of $6,393,600 and a first place prize worth $1,654,120.
Gregory Brooks took home his first WPT title after entering the final table in 4th place. Brooks edged out Vivek Rajkumar, Darryll Fish, Amir Lehavot, Steve Gross, and of course Full Tilt Pro Carlos Mortensen (pictured right).
No WPT record for Mortensen
Mortensen started the final table with the chip lead, but finished the tournament in third place worth $640,680.
A first place victory for the Spanish pro would have given him his unprecedented 4th WPT title and a place in the record books. Mortensen won more than $10 million in live events and also has two WSOP bracelets to his name.
Mortensen hit the rail in third place after a crushing river went in Brooks' favour. Mortensen was holding K-J on a J-5-3 flop (two clubs) and Brooks showed the 6-4 of clubs. The two went to a showdown, but after a meaningless 5 on the turn, Brooks spiked the 10 of clubs on the river for the winning flush.
Brooks gained the momentum going into heads-up play as he defeated former WPT champion Vivek Rajkumar.
The last hand of the event saw Rajkumar go all in with 
on a flop of 
. Brooks, holding 
, made the call and the players saw the 
on the turn. The 
on the river sealed the deal and Brook was now crowned champion.
Here are the final table results:
| WPT L.A. Poker Classic Final Table Results |
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| Place | Name | Prize |
| 1st | Gregory Brooks | $1,654,120 |
| 2nd | Vivek Rajkumar | $908,730 |
| 3rd | Carlos Mortensen | $640,680 |
| 4th | Amir Lehavot | $421,680 |
| 5th | Steve Gross | $304,000 |
| 6th | Darryll Fish | $235,350 |
