Bryn Kenney’s epic win at Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown

Lea Hogg August 17, 2024

In the vibrant setting of the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood in South Florida, the 2024 Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown $25,500 buy-in high roller event reached its thrilling conclusion. Among the elite competitors, one name stood out: Bryn Kenney (pictured above). Known as poker’s all-time money leader, Kenney once again demonstrated his prowess by emerging victorious and adding another $487,990 to his impressive career earnings.

Kenney’s journey to the top of the poker world is nothing short of remarkable. With nearly $67.3 million in total earnings from 297 recorded in-the-money finishes, his career echoes consistent excellence. This latest victory marks his 31st career title, following a significant win at the 2023 Triton London event, where he secured $6,860,000.

How Kenney won Seminole Hard Rock Poker 2024

Notably, Kenney’s largest payday came from a heads-up deal in the 2019 Triton Millions charity invitational, where he walked away with over $20.6 million.

The 2024 Seminole Hard Rock Poker Open High Roller event saw Kenney outlast a field of 67 entries. His performance earned him 504 Player of the Year (POY) points, bringing his total to 890 for the year and placing him within the top 600 in the 2024 POY standings presented by Global Poker.

The event featured a prize pool of $1,654,900, distributed among the top 10 finishers. Notable eliminations included Justin Zaki in 10th place ($52,900) and Brock Wilson in 9th place ($52,900). Jonathan Jaffe, who finished 7th, earned $62,900, while Darren Elias, a four-time WPT main event winner, secured $77,800 for his 6th place finish. Brandon Wittmeyer and Brandon Wilson finished 5th and 4th, earning $102,600 and $152,300, respectively. Alex Foxen, who has nearly $33.5 million in lifetime earnings, finished 3rd with $220,100.

The final showdown saw Kenney holding 5,400,000 chips against Daniel Sepiol’s 1,300,000. The two players agreed to a deal, with Kenney securing $487,990 and the title, while Sepiol earned $390,810 as the runner-up. This marked Sepiol’s seventh final-table finish of the year, adding to his impressive resume, which includes a bracelet win at the World Series of Poker earlier this summer.

Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown

With this latest victory, Bryn Kenney continues to solidify his position as poker’s all-time money leader, showcasing his consistent performance and dominance in the high-stakes poker world.

Bryn Kenney, a poker prodigy

Bryn Kenney was born in 1986, in Long Beach, New York. From a young age, Kenney showed a keen interest in card games, initially playing “Magic: The Gathering” competitively. This early exposure to strategic thinking and competition laid the foundation for his future success in poker.

Kenney’s transition to poker began in his teenage years, where he honed his skills in local games and online platforms. His first major live cash came in 2007 at the East Coast Poker Championships in Verona. Kenney’s breakthrough on the global stage occurred during the 2010 World Series of Poker (WSOP), where he finished 8th in the $25,000 No Limit Hold’em – Six Handed event, earning $141,168. He also placed 28th in the Main Event that year, securing $255,242.

In 2014, Kenney won his first WSOP bracelet in the $1,500 10-Game Mix Six Handed event, adding $153,220 to his earnings. His career continued to ascend with notable victories, including a $1,687,800 win at the 2016 PokerStars Caribbean Adventure $100,000 Super High Roller event, and a series of high-stakes wins at the Triton Poker Super High Roller Series in 2019.

Kenney’s strategic prowess and fearless approach have made him a formidable force in the poker world. His ability to read opponents and execute flawless bluffs has earned him a reputation as one of the best in the game. Beyond the tables, Kenney is known for his charismatic personality and his contributions to poker culture, including his role as an ambassador for GG Poker.

Kenney’s journey from a young card enthusiast to poker’s all-time money leader is a testament to his skill, resilience, and unbridled ambition. His story continues to inspire a new generation of poker players aiming for greatness.

Seminole Hard Rock Poker, highlight of season

The Seminole Hard Rock Poker Open (SHRPO) High Roller event has become a cornerstone of the poker calendar since its inception in August 2013. Established by the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, the SHRPO quickly gained a reputation for its high-stakes action and substantial prize pools. The inaugural event featured a groundbreaking $10 million guarantee, the largest in poker history at the time.

Over the years, the SHRPO has attracted some of the biggest names in poker, with numerous milestones and memorable moments. The series has expanded to include multiple high roller events, with buy-ins starting at $10,000. Notable winners include Erik Seidel, who triumphed in one of the early high roller events, and Bryn Kenney, who has consistently performed well in these tournaments.

The SHRPO continues to be a highlight of the poker season, drawing players from around the world to compete in South Florida’s premier poker destination. Its combination of luxurious settings, competitive fields, and significant prize money ensures that the SHRPO remains a must-play event for poker professionals and enthusiasts alike.