Eric Bunch Wins Tulsa’s RGPS Main Event

Summary:

• Eric Bunch won the RunGood Poker Series Main Event in Tulsa, scooping up the grand prize of $65,829. 
• Bunch, who also grabbed his first ring of the series, defeated 472 entrants across three Day 1 flights that generated a $330,400 prize pool. 
• Harold Harvey was the runner-up with $43,906, followed by Ham Lam in third who grabbed $33,472.

Collinsville, Oklahoma-resident Eric Bunch emerged victorious at the $800 Main Event of the RunGood Poker Series at Hard Rock Casino and Hotel Tulsa. 

The tournament attracted 472 entrants across three Day 1 flights, generating a $330,400 prize pool. 

With 56 players advancing to Day 2, everyone was guaranteed at least $1,248, while the top prize of $65,829 went to Bunch after defeating Harold Harvey in heads-up play. 

The poker pro who has gathered $1,540,633 in total live earnings so far also secured his first RunGood Poker Series ring.

Not Stressing “About Bad Beats or Things I Can’t Control” 

Bunch entered Day 2 with the chip lead, having bagged 844,000 chips on Day 1a. 

Reflecting on his approach, Eric Bunch said,

My main focus was just to make sure I kept playing well and not stress about bad beats or things I can’t control. 

Staying consistent, Bunch led the tournament nearly from start to finish. His fresh win ranks among the top five in his poker career.

I love the RunGood stops, they run great events, I’ll definitely be back in January.

Harold Harvey finished in second place, taking home $43,906, a personal best. His runner-up finish pushed his career tournament earnings to over $100,000.

Notable Names on Day 2

Day 2 saw 58 players, including notable names like Matt Rogers and Melinda Hettick, who both bagged chips in two different flights. 

Hettick finished 51st, securing two minimum cashes, while Rogers earned $1,437 for his 45th-place finish. 

Defending champion Todd Tucker couldn’t replicate his January win of the series, finishing in 38th place.

Two World Series of Poker bracelet winners, Michael Perrone and Brian Green, finished 24th and 23rd, respectively, both earning $2,336. 

Day 1b chip leader Timothy Hicks was eliminated on the final table bubble, despite flopping a set of fives, ultimately losing to a flush and finishing 10th for $6,586.

At the final table, Bunch’s momentum continued as he knocked out opponents one by one, including Rob Noce in fifth place and Jason Wiske in fourth after making a flush on the river. 

Han Lam finished third, setting up a heads-up match between Bunch and Harvey.

Bunch dominated heads-up play, holding a massive chip lead. On the final hand, both players made flushes, but Bunch’s was stronger, securing the title.