Mark Barrientos Wins WSOP Circuit Hard Rock Tulsa Main Event

In 2019, Mark Barrientos swiftly crossed the finish line in a high-speed $250 buy-in event at the World Series of Poker Circuit, securing a substantial five-figure reward and clinching his inaugural WSOPC gold ring. Over four years after that triumph, Barrientos, hailing from Wichita, KS, made a triumphant return to the winner’s circle, outlasting a competitive field of 397 participants to seize victory in the 2023 WSOP Circuit Hard Rock Tulsa $1,700 no-limit hold’em main event.

Mark Barrientos walked away with the champion’s title, a second gold ring, and a cash prize of $126,900. This victory also propelled him to accumulate 600 Card Player Player of the Year points.

Reflecting on his success, Mark Barrientos shared with WSOP reporters, “The significance of the first ring was immense. I felt the need to prove myself as many individuals teased me due to it being a turbo tournament. This triumph feels even more satisfying, as I believe my performance throughout this event was more skillful.”

Remarkably, this marked Barrientos’ inaugural six-figure win, elevating his total earnings to $163,106, with a substantial portion of his winnings originating from the WSOP Circuit.

The prize pool for this tournament totaled $601,455 and was distributed among the top 60 participants. Noteworthy participants who made significant progress included bracelet holder Jordan Morgan (53rd), the 2017 victor of this event, Will Berry (39th), bracelet holder Bryan Campanello (15th), and Kasey Mills (12th), who secured fifth place in a previous WSOPC main event at the same venue earlier in the spring.

The final phase of the tournament commenced with only seven players remaining following Angela Jordison’s exit late on day 2, as her pocket fives succumbed to Barrientos’ ace-king in a preflop race.

Lionel Jiang started the last day in the lead and further bolstered his position by eliminating Mark Martin (7th – $18,065). James Stone then tallied two eliminations, ousting Tomas Teran (6th – $23,519) and Wayne Nicholsen (5th – $31,087), narrowing the field down to four contenders.

Subsequently, Stone found himself heading to the sidelines (4th – $41,707) after his pocket eights fell to Jiang’s pocket queens. Barrientos subsequently constructed a hand of aces up against Brent Gregory’s tens up. With all chips in play by the river, Gregory’s journey concluded in third place ($56,785).

Jiang commenced the heads-up showdown with the lead, yet Barrientos gradually surged ahead. As time progressed, Mark Barrientos managed to distance himself, ultimately sealing his triumph in the final hand. In this pivotal moment, Jiang pushed all-in from the button with 6♥ 2♥, and Barrientos made the call with K♦ 2♦. The board unfolded as K♣ J♠ 8♣ 3♥ J♦, solidifying Barrientos’ victory. Jiang earned $78,440 as the commendable runner-up.

WSOPC Tulsa Final Table Results