The final table of one of the World Poker Tour's newest events, the non-televised WPT Venice sponsored by bwin.com, came to conclusion this weekend with Sweden's Sven Ragnar Astrom taking the title, the WPT bracelet and of course much of the money.

In what was reportedly his first major live tournament, according to event coverage from the bwin poker blog, Astrom outlasted 396 other players including five at a tough final table that held both Mike "Timex" McDonald and fellow Swede, Per Martin Jacobson.  His countryman Jacobson lasted the longest against Astrom, but was eventually defeated during heads-up play.  For the win, Astrom earned an impressive EUR397,960 (about $540,000 USD).

The final table finish positions for the World Poker Tour Venice, were as follows:

1st.  Sven Ragnar ?str?m- EUR397,960?
2nd.  Per Martin Jacobson- EUR238,840?
3rd.  vincent582- EUR159,740 ?
4th.  Michael McDonald- EUR109,540?
5th.  Michele Slama- EUR86,720?
6th.  Mario Adinolfi-  EUR66,940

For more information on the WPT Venice visit the tile sponsor's blog at www.bwinpokerblog.com.


Story by Mark Anderson