Five Diamond World Poker Classic has a very special place in the rich history of World Poker Tour, as the event is as old as the series itself. The event is part of WPT’s schedule since the series was introduced for the very first time in 2002. Fifteen years later, it seems that Five Diamond World Poker Classic is still an integral part of WPT. Over the years, the event has captured the hearts of many poker fans with its glamour. According to the years-long tradition, Las Vegas’ most popular gambling destination, and more precisely Bellagio Poker Room hosts the event.
This year, the event kicked off on 24th November to offer 3 weeks of qualitative poker action. On 3rd November, Kristen Bicknell waved the Canadian flag at Bellagio Poker Room. The Canadian poker pro finished atop the leaderboard of the elite field of $5,200 No-Limit Hold’em tournament to collect a staggering first-place prize money of $228,144. The tournament saw 147 entrants to pony up the $5,200 entry fee. The guaranteed prize pool reached the jaw-dropping amount of $712,950. The top finishers had a slice of the pie, but it was Bicknell, who had the biggest chunk of the money pot.
Kristen Bicknell’s Poker Career
Including Bicknell’s latest achievement, her total live earnings amount to $1,247,044, with a best live cash of $290,768. It is interesting to have a quick look at Bicknell’s poker career, which a good proof of her professionalism. To say that she is among the best Canadian poker players is a completely fair statement. According to her The Hendon Mob career profile, Bicknell participated in some of the largest poker events around the world.
Bicknell’s career started in 2006, when her name appeared for the first time in the list of poker players. Over the years, she was working to master her poker skills. In 2013, her efforts have been paid off, after she emerged victorious in $1,000 No-Limit Hold’em Ladies Championships, which took place within World Series of Poker’s schedule. Only three years later, Bicknell claimed the first prize of $290,768 in another WSOP tournament, and more precisely $1,500 No-Limit Hold’em Bounty.
As for this year, Bicknell managed to boost her portfolio with two first finishes. In March, she climbed the ladder of success in $1,100 No-Limit Hold’em Win the Button Turbo tournament in Panama, presented by PokerStars. Only a few days ago, Bicknell made the headlines once again after winning WPT Five Diamond World Poker Classic $5,200 No-Limit Hold’em.
Bicknell is recognized as one of the most successful Canadian female poker players. Her poker career rocketed her to 64th position in Canada All-Time Money List. The independent poker ranking service Global Poker Index ranked Bicknell in 60th place for this year. It is interesting to mention that Canada is the birth country also of the other world popular poker pro David Negreanu, who was recognized as the best poker player in 2014 by the Global Poker Index.
