James Lauer secured the biggest win of his poker career by conquering the $600 Kickoff event at the Borgata Poker Open. The emotional victory came after a grueling final table, where Lauer outlasted a massive field to take home $164,830.
Lauer, a familiar face at Borgata events, credited his late mother for guiding him through tough moments at the table. After the win, he said he felt her presence throughout the tournament, offering a source of strength during key hands.
The $600 Kickoff event attracted over 2,026 entries, generating a prize pool of $1,053,520. Lauer entered the final table second in chips and stayed aggressive throughout the session. He made several timely bluffs and strong calls to chip up.
Eventually, he faced off against Angel Lopez in heads-up play. Lauer seized the momentum early, delivering a series of strategic raises and forcing folds. On the final hand, Lauer’s top pair held up against Lopez’s drawing hand, sealing the career-best win. Lauer said:
“To be honest, the trophy matters more. I’m a recreational player, but I’ve been studying hard and taking the game seriously. I already had two first-place finishes this year, but this one tops them all. The prize money is just a great bonus.”
What will James Lauer do with His Winnings?
Lauer said he plans to invest part of his winnings in the stock market. He and his fiancée already own homes, but they’re aiming to buy a farm, so some of the money may go toward a down payment. As for the rest, he intends to use it as a bankroll for future games.
Players from many of the best online poker sites praised Lauer’s performance for its balance of patience, calculation, and heart. He demonstrated poise under pressure, something often seen in seasoned pros.
Lauer’s triumph at Borgata highlights the appeal of live tournament poker, especially for grinders looking to break through. The win marked a personal and professional milestone for Lauer, who has competed in numerous East Coast events for years.
With this win, Lauer adds a major highlight to his tournament résumé and gains momentum heading into future events. Lauer’s victory at Borgata stands as a reminder that perseverance, focus, and heart can create defining moments in poker.