2005 WSOP Has Youngest Champion Ever, Eric Froehlich
More photos are now in the 2005 World Series of Poker Photo Gallery. Complete tournament results can be found at Poker Player Newspaper.
The 2005 World Series of Poker continues to set records everyday and Monday was no exception. In fact, two records went into the books today. The $1,500 Limit Hold'em event attracted a field of 1049 players, passing the 2004 WSOP's 609 entrant mark for this tournament, another record setting event. The second record was set when Event #4 staged an all-nighter final table and finally had a winner at a little after 4:00 am. The champion, Eric Froehlich, becomes the youngest player ever to win a WSOP bracelet. Eric turned twenty-one on February 9 of this year. He defeated Jason Steinhorn when he made a King high spade flush on the river. Eric receives $361,910 and a WSOP gold championship bracelet while Jason's second place effort earns him $182,040.
Throughout the evening Eric had a ring-side cheering section that included the 2004 World Series of Poker main event runner up, David Williams. During the breaks David would discuss playing strategies and offer encouragement to the young player. The winner's interview revealed Eric to be an easy going, somewhat overwhelmed by his success young man. He was within a few credits of receiving his undergraduate degree when he made a decision to quit college and play poker professionally full time and that decision really paid off today. Eric was asked during the interview if David Williams had given him any advice that led to his victory. After a few moments of contemplation Eric said, "David told me to go win the tournament, so I did. I guess that was the best advice he could give me." Todd Witteless finished third and takes away $118,000 in prize money.
The event #5, Omaha Hi-Lo Split, played through 12 levels before retiring for the night. When a stop was called 22 players remained and they will return at 2:00 pm on Tuesday to finish the tournament. The event attracted a field of 699 entrants and collected a prize pool of $964,620. First place finisher will receive $270,100 and a gold WSOP champion bracelet.


