Thu, 09/29/2011 – 07:02 – PokerPages Staff

5. Darren Elias – Total Winnings $230,610
Resident of Erie, PA Darren Elias is enjoying a bumper 2011 at the poker tables. Most of his career earnings have been in this year, including two cashes over $100,000. Elias beat Britain’s Ricky Hale to fifth spot, earning $230,000 in the process.

4. Fred Goldberg – Total Winnings $280,925
Fred Goldberg has been a regular on the poker circuit since 2006, achieving 19 cashes, three wins and a WSOP bracelet. For coming fourth in this event, Goldberg netted a cool $280,000.

3. Daniel Buzgon – Total Winnings $335,433
The third place finish for Daniel Buzgon in this event earned him by far his biggest poker payday, worth $335,000. Buzgon’s highest previous poker haul was $96,500 for coming 72nd in the WSOP main event in 2008.

2. Jin Hwang – Total Winnings $554,303
In the silver medal slot at this event was Jin Hwang of San Diego, CA. This event was only the third time Hwang has finished in the money at a poker event. Prior to this event, Hwang’s poker income totaled $1,751.

1. Bahbak Oboodi – Total Winnings $922,441
Never troubled throughout the tournament, Bahbak Oboodi did not once have to go ‘all-in’ throughout the game play; such was his command over the event. Oboodi promised that this would not be the last time he starred in a WPT event, vowing to go all the way again.