Event #4: $365 No-Limit Hold'em

Jeff Dobrin

Las Vegas (2 March, 2016) – Jeff Dobrin won the second World Series of Poker Circuit ring of his career Tuesday night. He finished in first place in Event #4: $365 No-Limit Hold’em at Bally’ Las Vegas, earning $19,110.

Dobrin (“Dobie,” to his friends) had a tough road to the winner’s circle. The final table included seven-time ring Ari Engel (tied for second on the all-time rings list) – and six-time ring winner Cory Waaland (tied for fifth all time). As players were eliminated and the field dwindled, Waaland and Engel held strong, as did Dobrin. After about three hours on the final day, only the three of them remained.

About an hour later, Engel was eliminated in third place ($8,531). Dobrin held the chip lead at that point, but Waaland was highly motivated to win another ring and tie Engel for seven career rings. Waaland was able to close the gap, but Dobrin kept his lead and eventually collected all the chips on the table.

“It was extra motivating to play with them,” Dobrin said after his win. “It’s really an honor to play with a world-class player like Ari, and playing with great players helps me elevate my game.”

A casual observer may have considered Engel or Waalnd the favorite because of their distinguished poker resumes, but anyone keeping a close eye on the tournaments here at Bally’s would know better than to underestimate Dobrin. This was the third ring event here, and Dobrin has cashed in all three. He narrowly missed the official final table in Event #2: $580 No-Limit Hold’em, finishing in tenth place.

Dobrin, of course, is not at all surprised by his recent run of success. “I’ve been stuck on the bad end of variance for a while,” he said. “I knew eventually it would turn around.” He added tht after coming close to winning a bracelet last summer (he finished in fourth place in the Lucky Sevens Event), he started traveling more and playing more tournaments, and despite a downswing he was confident in his game.

Dobrin also finds motivation for success from his personal life. “I really want to thank my Melissa. She’s the most incredible person I know, and she supports me in every aspect of my life. I’m just so thankful that she’s in my corner.”

The tournament began on Monday with 260 players. Only eight made it to Day 2. The resumed play at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, and Dobrin secured his victory just before 7:30 p.m.

Jeff Dobrin holds the chip lead over Cory Waaland

Ari Engel has been eliminated in 3rd place, and now Jeff Dobrin and Cory Waaland are heads up for the ring.

Waaland has an opportunity to earn his seventh career ring, which would tie him with Engel, Val Vornicu and Chris Reslock on the all-time list. But he has an uphill battle ahead of him, as Dobrin holds the chip lead.

Event #4 is now on dinner break.

There are 61 players remaining, and they'll resume play at about 7:30 p.m.

Ari Engel plays before the second break

The registration period has closed, and the clock shows 259 entries. That number will likely change as the clock is updated to reflect the last few entrants. And we'll have official payout information soon.

St. Louis fanatic Dennis Phillips seated next to a hated Cubs fan.

Cory Waaland - 6-time Circuit ring winner

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