The three day, $5,000 buy-in NL Hold Em event attracted 160 competitors and they generated a prize pool of $765,000.

He started the final table of nine, in second to last place in chips but when the dust settled Andy Philachack stood victorious and $247,860 richer. Being overshadowed by the aggressive and experienced poker pro Josh Arieh didn’t discourage Andy as he battled back from starting the day as one of the short stacks. Andy grabbed the chip lead on hand 97 of the final table, had a 3-1 chip lead against Josh when heads up play begins on hand 101.

On the 104^th hand Andy checks his option after Josh limps in. With the flop showing 9♦ 7♠ T♠ Andy checks and Josh bets T22,000 into the pot. Andy raises the action to T120,000 and Josh pushes all-in. Andy calls and flips over T♦ 7♣ for two-pair. Josh shows 9♣ and 7♥ giving him a lower two-pair. The turn is a 2♣ and the river is a 3♥ giving Andy Philachack his first WSOP Circuit ring. In addition to the ring and the cash Andy also received a buy-in into the 2008 WSOP Main Event. Josh is consoled by the fact that he takes home $130,000 for his trouble.

This tournament victory follows up Andy’s impressive showing at the 2007 WSOP in Las Vegas. Playing heads up against formidable opponents is something that Andy is getting used to. He finished 2^nd in the $1,500 buy-in event #15 to the one and only Phil “Poker Brat” Hellmuth. With $642,454 in winnings so far in 2007 this Chiropractor from Texas is showing that he’s a force to be reckoned with.

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