The World Series of Poker Circuit events are well underway, with the tour snaking its way around the US and beyond to find the best local poker players. There are 10 different locations covered, including Canada and the Caribbean, over 15 events, to prove that the lesser-known players can go up against the best of them.
The pros have cashed out and headed home, and now it’s time for the locals to shine. One particular standout amongst the wins is none other than the Los Angeles’ Bicycle Casino main event winner, Yoann Gimenez, who can’t really be called local, but can definitely be called one of the best with his amazing win in December. Read on for all the details on how the Frenchman won his Circuit gold ring and over $156K!
Who is Yoann Gimenez?
Gimenez is a relative newcomer to the WSOP. The Frenchman with citizenship in Thailand traveled over to the US for a stint, where he had a brief taste of WSOP gameplay in the 2021 series and apparently needed more, visiting the WSOP Circuit and cashing out four times. But his best win was undoubtedly at the No Limit Hold’em Main Event. You can follow all the most up to date coverage of the WSOP events year-round at the GGPoker website, as well as streaming events and playing for yourself.
Beating out 525 entries to the event, Gimenez went on to win over $160K from the WSOP 2021/22 Circuit, made up mainly of his main event winnings, plus his first WSOP gold ring.
How did he win?
Gimenez was up against seven formidable players in his trek to the top spot, but the best moment was when he took out Jared Smith. Smith jammed for 22 bigs in the small blind when Gimenz called, hiding pocket aces. Once revealed, the aces allowed Gimenez to add an extra, large addition to his chips.
With that in hand, Gimenez went on to win the game and finish with a whopping $156,160 and his Circuit gold ring.
“It’s been amazing. I’ve been playing poker for a while now. I have a background like cash game players. I’ve been playing MTT (multi-table tournament) a few times, but I’ve been working a lot,” he explained when asked how it felt to win. “For sure I’ve been very lucky, but I also played very well.”
Will he be back?
The Frenchman gave an interesting perspective on his win, saying, “I would like to say thanks to everyone, like all the organization. You guys are awesome.”
“I have to say something to American players. I really enjoy to play with them because every time it was very fun at the table. American people are very nice at the table. Like, you play, you win, you lose, but smile,” he continued, adding a little motivational speech to poker players in general. “I would also like to say a message to poker players: Never give up, stay proud when you lose and humble when you win and like that you can improve your game.”
So, will he be back? Despite the distance, it seems Gimenez expects to be back, indeed. The Frenchman rotates his citizenship between France and Thailand where his girlfriend is, and yet he took a stop at the US for the WSOP Circuit, and it seems he’s willing to do that trip again.
“I will go back to my country to have a rest. And then, for sure, come back to the next WSOP because I have the Championship to play,” said Gimenez. He’s a dedicated man to make a round-world trip for this spot at the Tournament of Champions freeroll in July. Maybe he’s dedicated enough to show up at the WSOP in 2022 too?