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The Matador Makes WPT History

April 28, 2007

On Saturday April 28th, Carlos Mortensen became the first professional poker player to win the two biggest and most prestigious titles in the world of poker, The World Series of Poker Main Event (in 2001) and The World Poker Tour World Championship (2007).  Mortensen says that winning both the WSOP and WPT titles “Is like…Being on top of the World”

Mortensen came to the United States from Spain in the late 90’s to play poker.  Since then he has made it to the final table in countless tournaments and has taken home his fair share of first place titles, including two WSOP bracelets and two WPT titles.  Mortensens total prize money that he has won over the years in live tournaments is currently well over $8,000,000.  

This years WPT World Champion beat out 638 other poker players over the course of a week at Las Vegas’ esteemed Bellagio Hotel and Casino. Carlos, who currently resides in Las Vegas, took out runner up New Zealander Kirk Morrison in a long heads-up battle.  

It eventually came to an end when Morrison moved all-in with an Ace spade and a 4 of diamonds. Mortensen calls him with a King Jack of hearts.  And the rest is history, when the board reveals 7 clubs, 4 diamonds, 3 clubs, J clubs and 3 diamonds.  Mortensen’s two pairs win him the championship title and a whopping $3,970,415.  Although Morrison didn’t win the title, his second place finish did earn him a not too shabby $2,011,125.

The WPT World Championship event brings to an end another exciting season of the World Poker Tour.  Season 6 will kick off on May 19 2007 at the Mirage in Las Vegas with the Mirage Poker Showdown.