The 2010 Heads-Up Poker Championship came to a close yesterday as Annie Duke, sponsored by Ultimate Poker, became the first-ever woman to win the title.
Annie Duke 2010 NBC Heads-Up Championship Winner
“I’m so excited to win such a prestigious event and join the likes of Huck Seed, Chris Ferguson and Phil Hellmuth as Heads-Up Champion,” said Duke.
The tournament took place at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada. Annie beat Andy Bloch in the first round and then beat out 2009 WSOP Main Event runner-up Darvin Moon in the round of 32.
Annie then faced off with Paul Wasicka. Annie was all-in and looked to be knocked out when her A-10 went against Wasicka’s pocket Aces. Duke hit runner-runner to make a straight on the river.
“I would have loved all of my matches to be easy,” said Duke. “I’m sure (Producer) Mori (Eskandani) is happy though, because it’s going to give the show some serious drama.
“One thing’s for sure, I can never complain about bad beats again after hitting that runner-runner king-queen against Paul Wasicka.”
The final heads-up match for the title was Annie Duke versus Erik Seidel. The two professional poker players, who have been good friends for many years, faced off in a best of three match for the top prize of $500,000 for the winner. Annie beat out Seidel to win the title and the cash.
“Annie was my number one pick to win,” said Seidel. “She played very tough. She had no fear. She really played the way you’re supposed to play in this sort of structure.”
NBC’s coverage of the 64-person event will air Sunday’s at 12 p.m. ET beginning April 18 through May 23.
