Through the Lens: ODB Reigns Supreme

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World Poker Tour

Posted March 12, 2019 by Drew Amato

A major title and a cool $1 million score for David "ODB" Baker at the WPT L.A. Poker Classic final table. (Photo: Poker Central)

Yesterday marked the first of three live streamed World Poker Tour final tables on PokerGO. Throughout the week, WPT final tables will be play out at Luxor’s Hyper X Esports Arena, starting with the L.A. Poker Classic. The venue set the scene, the players didn’t disappoint, and the fans turned out to watch some of the game’s best. Darren Elias was chasing history, as he attempted to win his 5th WPT title, but it was David “ODB” Baker who came out victorious. His first WPT win was good for just over $1,000,000 and here is a look back at some of my favorite images from yesterday’s final table.

It was quite the scene at Luxor. The final table may have been propped up on stage, but the audience was close enough to feel the action. Not only were the seats on the floor filled, but the entire upper level was packed as well. The excitement from the players and fans set the scene for a memorable night of poker.

David Baker came into the final table as one of the crowd favorites. His rail traveled from Los Angeles and Texas to cheer him on and while his final table didn’t get off to the best start, the veteran finished with a bang. Monday’s win pushed him past $5.5 million in earnings, with his first recorded score dating all the way back to 1993.

What’s not to love about John Smith? The Army veteran, who received a Purple Heart, shares a love for the game of poker and it shows. Smith made waves with back-to-back runner-up finishes in the $10K Heads Up event at the WSOP in 2016 and 2017, but this was his first deep WPT run. He came into yesterday’s final table as the shortest stack, but an early double through David Baker helped Smith up the ladder and he eventually finished 5th for over $267,000.

*The LAPC Remington trophy, WPT Champions Cup, and a brand new Hublot watch were all on the line for the eventual winner at Monday’s final table.*

*A view of the WPT set from the spectators up on the second level of the Luxor’s Esports Arena.*

WPT kicked of the final table with a live performance.