On June 18th at the World Series of Poker, two events reached their conclusion. For a prize pool of $3,231,900, event #30 ($1,500 No Limit Hold’em) drew 2,394 entrants, with $580,000 going to eventual winner Mike Ellis. Ellis was able to overcome the difference in chip stacks when he beat Christopher Gonzales heads up, although he started the final table in 7th place. Poker room favorite, Ellis took down the tournament title when his nut flush cracked Gonzales aces.

event #31 ($1,500 HORSE) is the other event that came to an end today. For Konstantin Puchkov‘s first ever WSOP cash and first WSOP title, he was able to outlast 828 players. Heads play between Puchkov and Al Barbieri took 3.5 hours to complete with only one all in moment occurring during that time. For his hard earned efforts, Buchkov will take home $257,000.

On 18th June, two more events started as well. These events are Event 35 ($10,000 No Limit Hold’em Heads Up) and Event 34 ($1,000 Seniors No Limit’em). The $1,000 Seniors event drew 3,142 players for a huge prize pool of $2,827,800 while the $10,000 Heads Up event drew a more modest 256 entrants for a prize pool of $2,406, 400. From the 18th to the 20th of June, both of these events are slated to run. There is no lack of notable poker pros in the $10,000 Heads Up event. For the chance at one of the more prestigious events at this year’s world series, Phil Ivey, Kido Pham, Vanessa Rousso and Antonio Esfandiari all ponied up the $10k. Heads up events have grown in popularity over recent years so it will be interesting to see who come out the winner in this event.