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BRENDON RUBIE IS THE 2017 WSOP SYDNEY 5K CHALLENGE CHAMPION - $271,952

In 2016 Brendon Rubie was heads-up for the title here in the Star Poker Room for the WSOP Sydney 5k Challenge. 

Things didn't go to plan and he ended up finishing second to Luke Edwards. Rubie was disappointed and felt that he could have gone one better. It isn't often in life that you get a chance at redemption so when you do it is pretty important to take it. So when Brendon Rubie found himself heads-up again this year for the exact same event that he finished second last year, Rubie knew there was only one finishing position that was acceptable, first.

This year's heads-up tournament took just two shorthands. Rubie got dealt Queen to Sam Higgs Jacks and the rest was history. Brendon Rubie walked away with the title he just missed out on last year, a WSOP Circuit Gold Ring and the princely sum of $271,952.

"This is just ridiculous," Rubie told the Star Poker Live Reporting Team. "To be here again after coming so close last year is amazing." 

It isn't that amazing when you factor in just how good a poker player Brendon Rubie is. He is consistently a top performer all over the globe. This result takes him to around $1.8m in tournament earnings. Rubie uses a combination of humility and optimism to achieve the results he does.

"I knew from the start of Day 2 when there were 34 runners left that this tournament was mine to win," Rubie continued. "I had a good stack and I was playing well. I knew I could win but I was still really grateful. Making it to the final table is always such a luxury. I just keep trying to do my best, it was a really tough final table and it was great to get the win".

It was a tough final table indeed, filled with an absolute who's who of Australian Poker. Runner-up Sam Higgs has over half a million in tournament earnings, as does Andy Lee and Toothpick Tony. Joe Hachem also had a great run finishing just out of the final table in 10th spot.

There were many other big name pros in the field like International superstars Randy 'nanonoko' Lew and Celina Lin. Aussie pros like Jarred Graham, Daniel Nielson and Jonathan Karamalikis were also in the mix showing us that to win this tournament involved beating a field of real quality. 

The Star Poker Room has always been good to Brendon Rubie and because of this, he makes a point of telling others about how much he likes it here, even if he isn't here as much as he would like.

"Because I travel a lot for different tournaments I only get to come (to the Star Poker Room) every few months," Rubie said. "But I think it is really fantastic here, they have done a great job with the place. I always make a point of telling people how good the room is because it is a really great poker room now. Definitely worth the visit."

It definitely won't be too long before we see Rubie in action here again. With the WSOP Sydney Main Event due to start tomorrow and with a 6 Max a Monster Stack and $20,000 High Roller tournament due over the next week, there isn't anywhere you would rather be than the Star Poker Room right now.