Dunst checks in at WSOP
World Poker Tour commentator wins second World Series of Poker bracelet
Since 2002, the World Poker Tour (WPT) has been a mainstay of U.S. televised poker. When Danish poker pro Gus Hansen secured the initial main event at the Bicycle Casino in Los Angeles, California, this breakthrough win captured the attention of the poker world and introduced the public to a new and exciting poker television show.
Commentators Mike Sexton and Vince Van Patten launched the WPT program and were partners in the broadcast booth for fifteen years.
In 2017, Poker Hall of Famer Sexton decided to retire from the commentary booth. WPT chose Tony Dunst, an online poker player who had been hosting the WPT Raw Deal segment, as his replacement.
Although a fixture on the WPT, Dunst, like all professional poker players, played each summer at the World Series of Poker (WSOP) in Las Vegas, Nevada.
In 2016, Dunst captured his first WSOP bracelet, winning the 2016 $1,000 no-limit hold’em event for $339,254 by outlasting a field of 2,452 entrants.
As the 2020 WSOP Online Series got underway, Dunst, under the screen name “Panoramic,” had a great start as he finished in 3rd place in the opening event for $57,881.
After cashing in two additional events, Dunst began a fantastic run in Event #21, a $777 no-limit hold’em 6-handed. As the event neared the final table, Dunst had a commanding chip lead.
“Leading up to the final two tables and definitely at the final table, I had a massive chip lead. (In fact) I don't think I was not the chip leader until briefly heads-up,” recalled Dunst. “From 12 players on down, that was about as a smooth and stress-free a tournament experience can be.”
Going into heads-up play, Dunst was about a 2-to-1 chip leader over his opponent, James “paymycollege” Pace, but Pace kept chipping away. Eventually, Pace held an ever so slight chip lead, when this massive hand occurred.
LOOK: See the hand that helped Tony Dunst win his second WSOP bracelet
Heads-up, the blinds were at $100,000 and $200,000 with $25,000 antes, when Pace just limped (or called) from button.
After Dunst looked down at J♠-8♠, he decided to check his option.
As the virtual dealer revealed 7♠-5♠-4♦, Dunst recognized that this was a good flop as he had a flush draw, a gut-shot or inside straight draw (where one specific card would fill in a straight) and two overcards (cards that are over the board’s highest card).
Dunst decided to bet $200,000 and his opponent called.
After the turn card of 3♠ appeared, Tony decided to trap his opponent by checking his flush.
Pace fell right into the snare by betting $425,000.
Tony pounced and check-raised to $1.6 million. However, Pace chose to call.
When the river card (or final card) of Q♥ fell on the virtual felt, Dunst typed in a healthy bet of $3.2 million.
Suddenly, Pace pushed all-in for $8.24 million and Dunst immediately called for his remaining $8.14 million.
Although Pace revealed Q♠-6♣ for a seven-high straight, Dunst’s jack-high spade flush was the winning hand and allowed the WPT commentator to pull in an insurmountable pot.
Two hands later, Dunst was dealt pocket Aces. After his hand held, Dunst was crowned the winner and received his second WSOP bracelet.
Dunst reflected on his online victory by stating, “Having come up (playing poker) online … and to get one (WSOP bracelet) online is very meaningful to me. The online win meant a lot more.”
For his efforts, Tony took home $168,342, but more importantly, the coveted WSOP bracelet.
LISTEN: Bernard Lee talks with Tony Dunst about his second WSOP bracelet win
Did you know?
As the WSOP continues for the next several weeks online, come back every other Friday as I will discuss additional players and memorable hands from these online WSOP bracelet events in my upcoming columns.
Bernard Lee is considered “The Voice of New England Poker” and is a staple of the poker media as a columnist for ESPN.com, PokerNews, CardplayerLifestyle.com and his radio show, “The Bernard Lee Poker Show.” Listen every Tuesdays from 6-7 p.m. on terrestrial radio in Boston on the Money Matter Radio Network (102.9 FM, 1120 AM) or via podcast on iTunes or CardplayerLifestyle.com. E-mail him at BernardLeePoker@hotmail.com and follow him on Twitter, Instagram (@BernardLeePoker) and Facebook (Bernard Lee). Since finishing 13th in the 2005 WSOP Main Event, Lee has cashed in over 100 tournaments, earning about $2.5 million on tour and capturing 10 titles including two WSOP Circuit titles. Visit www.BernardLeePoker.com for the latest news and information.
