24 Jun James Zaragoza wins the record breaking 2024 Metro Walk To A Million
James Zaragoza was crowned the newest Metro Walk To A Million champion after defeating Anthony Castro in just three quick heads up hands. In an interview with Metro commentator Jester Intia, Zaragoza revealed he resides in the US and was just visiting the Philippines when he learned about this event.
With no deal made, Zaragoza shipped the ₱1,230,000 (~$20,970) top prize, thus becoming the first millionaire in this event’s history. This was Zaragoza’s first Metro win and second first place this month having won the $250 No Limit Hold’em in Philadelphia for $23,000.
The 4th edition of the Metro Walk To A Million drew 1,339 entries for a record prize pool of ₱6,695,000 (~$114,150). 185 players advanced to the ITM round with two past champions in the mix – Oliver John Tapel and Jason Kyle Magbanua.
By the start of Day 3, only 18 players remained led by Anthony Castro (pictured above) who went on to reach the final table (pictured below) as the overwhelming chip leader. On the opposite end, coming from penultimate runt was James Zaragoza who catapulted to 2nd in chips on a double up through Richard Tolentino with {qs}{jd} two pair over {kd}{kh}.
Over an hour later, Zaragoza soared with pocket Aces dominating Tolentino’s pocket Sixes. Shortly after, Tolentino fell to Zaragoza in 6th place. Leading up to Zarag0za’s victory, at three-haned Castro eliminated Joseph Talamayan with {ac}{8c} over {ks}{jh} to enter heads up ahead 1 bb against Zaragoza.
With both players under 20 bb, it only took Zaragoza two heads up hands to jump ahead and close it out on the third hand. The final showdown was Castro {10d}{10c}, Zaragoza {ah}{9s}, the board {ad}{7d}{8d}{5s}{8h}.
Relive the final table race to victory via the Metro YouTube link below.
Final table payouts
| Place | Player |
Payouts in PHP
|
| 1 | James Zaragoza | 1,230,000 |
| 2 | Anthony Castro | 625,000 |
| 3 | Joseph Talamayan | 303,450 |
| 4 | Joshua | 160,000 |
| 5 | Jasper David | 115,000 |
| 6 | Richard Tolentino | 95,000 |
| 7 | Yee Shun Jian | 75,000 |
| 8 | Martin Barril | 65,000 |
| 9 | Tonton | 55,000 |
*Payouts to follow
Metro Walk To A Million
By The Numbers
Dates: June 19 to 24, 2024
Buy in: ₱5,500 (~$94)
Guarantee: ₱5,000,000 (~$86,650)
Entries: 1,339
Prize pool: ₱6,695,000 (~$114,150)
ITM: 188 players (3 double qualifiers)
Day 1A: 299 entries – 42 ITM
Day 1B: 143 entries – 20 ITM
Day 1C: 207 entries – 29 ITM
Day 1D (Turbo): 106 entries – 15 ITM
Day 1E: 342 entries – 48 ITM
Day 1F (Turbo): 242 entries – 34 ITM
Day 2 – 185 players
Day 1A results
Day 1B results
Day 1C and Day 1D results
Day 1E and Day 1F results
Day 2 results
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