Father-son duo triumph at BiS Awards and SiGMA Poker Tour
This was an extraordinary win for Deddi Orpaz, earning him his second career title. Taking first place in the SiGMA Poker Tour’s inaugural Main Event, which was hosted at Sao Paulo’s Monte Carlo Poker Club, the Israeli player outlasted a field of 293 entries.
It took a 5-day battle to get to a winner, but there was plenty of high-stakes action before the $770 Main Event tournament hit its last table on Monday. The SPT’s first-ever stop in Brazil did not disappoint, bringing a mixture of skill, showmanship, and steel-clad nerves to the tables as both pros and enthusiasts sat down for Thursday’s kickstarter main event.
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“This SPT was a dream and a vision that came true, “ exclaimed Ivonne Montealgre, the SiGMA Poker Tour’s Operations Manager.
“We are very proud of what we accomplished, mixing top-quality 5-star poker with a strong recreational aspect. We brought the show to their doorstep and Sao Paulo showed up!”
A family of champions
With his son Tom Orpaz also taking home the Rising Star of the Year at the BiS Awards as part of FIRST Sportsbook just days earlier, it was an especially memorable event for Deddi, who was in town for the BiS SiGMA Americas gaming and tech event. As Orpaz heads home, his pockets weighed down with a hefty USD $58,700, he reflects on his win:
“I actually came here for the SiGMA convention and my son’s company got an award,” Orpaz exclaimed. “We took the first award as a small Israeli group, and my son told me, ‘You have to take another award,’ and so that’s what I did.”
He went on to share his appreciation, telling pokernews of his joy to be in Brazil, where the vibe went beyond just making money – “The people are always happy, they want to dance, always with a smile on their face. From Atlantic City to Los Angeles, I never got as good service as here, so I’m very happy. I’m looking forward to being back here next time, he went on to say.”
A rollercoaster tournament, Orpaz had a tempestuous start, with the Argentinian Jaques Blit making an early climb up the leaderboard ladder, collecting chips in three of the four rounds. A final deal between the two was discussed. However, both players opted to forge ahead in a do-or-die ride to the finish line. Ultimately, though, Orpaz went all in with a combo draw, with a flush knocking Blit`s best pair off the table.
Blit ended up netting $32,600 in prize money, followed by Brazilian Cristian Rico, who took home $23,300 after losing his early lead.
Next stop: Malta
Following its successful debut in Sao Paulo, the SiGMA Poker Tour heads to Malta this 3-7 September, delivering an electrifying poker experience in one of Europe’s premier gaming hubs. This highly anticipated event promises five nights of high-stakes action, exclusive VIP experiences, world-class accommodations, and unforgettable entertainment.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or an enthusiastic recreational player, this is your chance to showcase your skills and compete for a massive €250,000 guaranteed prize pool while immersing yourself in the ultimate poker and networking experience.
