Mike Shariati Earns Coveted WPT Player of the Year

Mike Shariati Earns Coveted WPT Player of the Year
The WPT season met its finale with the WPT Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown. A $3,500 Championship, Main Event never meant so much to two players. On one side, you had Cate Hall looking to become the first female to do just about everything on the WPT. Believe it or now, no female has won a WPT open main event. Not only was Hall trying to change the record books, but also become WPT Player of the Year. She entered the Championship event in 2nd place on the leaderboard. In order to secure the top spot of player of the year, she needed to place 3rd or better. Getting that close was in itself an accomplishment Hall can be proud of. Sadly, her dreams ended when she busted out in 9th place. What was heart breaking news for one, was jubilation for another. Her 9th place finish meant Mike Shariati would become the 2016 WPT Player of the Year. Along with plenty of cash and prizes. Not to mention bragging rights. For his outstanding performance throughout the WPT season, Mike won hotel and accommodations for all of next seasons WPT events compliments of the WPT. And a custom made Hublot watch worth thousands. To secure his place in poker history, Shariati came virtually out of nowhere to shock the poker world. In 2015, he started his tear up the ladder with his largest cash to date by beating out one of the WPTs most accomplished players – Freddy Deeb. He would deny Deeb his 3rd WPT main event title by winning the Legends of Poker and taking in more than $675,000. In March, he would make yet another main event final table at the $10,000 buy in main event in the LA Poker Classic – one of the most prestigious stops on the WPT. His run was cut short by German pro, Dietrich Fast when the two clashed in a heads up battle that saw Shariati in 2nd place. His consolation prize was just a mere $656,000, and more points to climb up the WPT leaderboards. His two deep runs and victory in main events, as well as a handful of cashes during the WPT season helped him make a name for himself in the poker world. Prior to 2015, his largest cash was for $1,200 in 2013. And before this, a $550 cash in 2011. Not exactly head turning results. Sometimes the game clicks, and you get a good run. Hopefully the California native can parlay his success into future wins. We congratulate Mike on his triumphs for the present, and wish him luck moving forward.
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