Imsirovic wins $25,000 No Limit Hold'em at US Poker Open

(PRESS RELEASE) -- The fifth event at the 2019 U.S. Poker Open was won by 23-year old Ali Imsirovic for $442,500, the biggest first prize of the series so far. At the final table, Imsirovic outlasted Kristen Bicknell, Nick Petrangelo, Dan Shak and Cary Katz on his way to his third big win at the PokerGO Studio in just a few months’ time. Imsirovic rose to fame at the Poker Masters where he took down back-to-back events on his way to winning the Purple Jacket.

"Today just went so fast," Ali Imsirovic said with a big smile, "As first the two short stacks doubled up but then I had back-to-back bust outs against Nick Petrangelo and Dan Shak, and the heads up with Cary didn't last too long either. If he had doubled up, however, we might've been here a while longer."

Comparatively speaking, Imsirovic has only been around for a short time but this is already his fourth big outright victory including back-to-back Poker Masters victories. About that, Imsirovic said, "I'm much less risk-averse than other players and I'm more aggressive, so I might make fewer final tables but when I do I usually have a lot of chips and perhaps a little better chance of getting the win."

Imsirovic entered the day as the chip leader and never came close to relinquishing it. Heads up, Imsirovic took a commanding lead after third-place finisher Dan Shak ($206,500) four-bet shoved against him, drawing to two outs. After that, he made quick work of Cary Katz (2nd place, $295,000) when he called Katz's all in with a pair and dodged a flush draw to secure the victory.

This finish puts Imsirovic within striking range of the top spot on the USPO leaderboard behind Sean Winter who, after making four final tables in a row, claimed the top spot over defending champion Stephen Chidwick. After his win, Imsirovic was very excited about the upcoming events and his chances of competing for the $100,000 first prize.

"This win now gives me a chance with the $100,000 tournament still to come," Imsirovic said, while there are still three more chances for him to get points aside from that.

2019 U.S. Poker Open Event #5 Payouts

Player/Points/Cash
1) Ali Imsirovic/200/$442,500
2) Cary Katz/140/$295,000
3) Dan Shak/100/$206,500
4) Nick Petrangelo/80/$147,500
5) Kristen Bicknell/60/$118,000
6) Joseph Cappello/40/$88,500
7) Brandon Adams/40/$73,750
8) Chris Hunichen/40/$59,000
9) Justin Bonomo/40/$44,250

"Both Sean and Stevie have a lot of points, but at least I'm live now even though I probably have to get points in at least two more events."

"It would be insane to win the U.S. Poker Open after the Poker Masters and I even had a shot at winning Super High Roller Bowl. These are some of the most prestigious events possible and I'm just running good in the right events."

2019 U.S. Poker Open Standings

Name/Points/Payout
1) Sean Winter/440/$419,900
2) Stephen Chidwick/340/$354,950
3) Jordan Cristos/240/$206,200
4) Ali Imsirovic/200/$442,500
5) Cary Katz/200/$346,200
6) Lauren Roberts/200/$218,400
7) Manig Loeser/180/$146,200
8) Dan Shak/140/$232,100
9) Koray Aldemir/140/$159,200
10) David Peters/140/$100,800