Aram Ognayan has joined the esteemed ranks of World Poker Tour main event champions, emerging victorious at the inaugural WPT Voyage Championship held aboard a Virgin Voyages cruise ship in the Caribbean. Overcoming a competitive field of 293 entries in the $5,000 buy-in no-limit hold’em tournament, the rising star from Los Angeles secured a substantial $214,245 prize and etched his name onto the revered Mike Sexton WPT Champions Cup. This triumph propelled Ognayan’s career earnings to surpass $4 million.
Expressing his elation after clinching the title, Ognayan shared, “I feel amazing. This is so fun. This is unbelievable. I won some flips at the end, got some bluffs through, and here we are. We got our name on the trophy. RIP Mike, the legend.” He also lauded the unique experience of playing poker on a cruise ship, urging others to partake in the adventure.
This victory marked Ognayan’s first title of the year and his third final-table finish, including a remarkable third-place achievement in a prestigious $25,000 buy-in high roller event at the Triton Poker Jeju festival, where he pocketed a career-best payout of $989,501. Additionally, Ognayan’s stellar performance earned him 2,151 Card Player Player of the Year points, propelling him into the top 20 in this year’s POY race standings.
The tournament, featuring a $1 million guarantee, attracted a competitive field, with 37 players cashing in from the 293-entry turnout. Notable contenders who made deep runs included renowned players such as Ryan Riess, Eliot Hudon, Andrew Neeme, Tony Dunst, Frederic Normand, Tyler Patterson, and Masato Yokosawa.
The final day of the event began with nine players vying for the title, with Farid Jattin leading the pack. As the action unfolded, Ognayan steadily climbed the ranks, ultimately dominating the final table. A pivotal moment occurred when Ognayan’s strategic play resulted in him securing a substantial chip lead, paving the way for his eventual victory.
In the end, Ognayan struck a deal with the remaining players to redistribute the prize money, ensuring each finalist received a significant payout. With his impressive performance and strategic prowess, Ognayan emerged as the deserving champion, solidifying his status as a rising star in the world of high-stakes poker.
