The $5,500 buy-in, UltimateBet Aruba Poker Classic, concluded over the weekend with 20-year old Brandon Hall taking down the title. 

Hall ended up the unexpected winner of the event after taking out Robert Mizrachi during the heads-up portion, despite Mizrachi entering Day 3, Day 4, Day 5 and heads-up play as the chip leader.

The sting for Mizrachi, of not quite being able to close out the event, may have been softened a little due to a reported chop agreement he and Hall made before their final two player battle, each earning second place money and a percentage based on their chip equity, with $60,000 left over for the eventual winner.

Hall's victory was highly impressive, especially given it came about despite the stacked final table which held not only Mizrachi, but also Brock Parker and Eric "basebaldy" Baldwin, all of whom had nearly triple the chips of Hall when play started.

The final table finish positions for the 2009 UltimateBet.net Aruba Poker Classic were as follows:

1st.  Brandon Hall - $753,330*
   
2nd.  Robert Mizrachi - $414,680*
   
3rd.  Chase Steely - $218,860
   
4th.  Eric "basebaldy" Baldwin - $126,710
   
5th.  Jose Santos - $92,150
   
6th.  Brock Parker - $66,810
   
7th.  Matt Ross - $41,470

*Prize amounts do not reflect final table deals.

For more information on the Aruba Poker Classic visit the UltimateBet blog (www.ultimatebet.com).


Story by Mark Anderson