Event #3 was the largest non-WSOP main event poker tournament in history. The previous record was Event #17 at the 2006 World Series of Poker. That event attracted 2,891 entries. This year's first $1,500 buy-in no-limit hold championship destroyed the previous record by 107 players. There were approximately 2600 entries and 400 alternates, for a combined field of 2,998 players. This ranks as the third-largest poker tournament of all-time, behind the 2005 and 2006 championship (main) events.

The smart money was on previous champ Alex Jacob, but it was not to be....

Ciarin O'Leary blended the luck of the Irish with the skill of a patient and skilled player to prevail in event 3 at the World Series of Poker at the Rio in Las Vegas - the $1 500 No Limit Hold 'Em.

Hot favorite Alex Jacob, a young 2006 U.S. Poker Championship winner, was eliminated in 3rd place at hand 57, disappointed but taking home $282 367 and setting the scene for a hard fought but brief heads up between O'Leary and Paul Evans.

O'Leary, who received $727 012, respect for beating almost 3 000 entrants and a WSOP bracelet for his victory, advocated patience in his post-match interview saying he folded repeatedly, waiting for good hands and then exploiting them to the full to beat the opposition. Second placed Evans collected a handy $450 150 paycheck.

Other big winners in the event were Jeff Yoak who went out at hand 50 in 4th place with a payment of $184 152, and Craig Crivello out in 5th place with $128 907.

*World Series of Poker and WSOP are trademarks of Harrah's License Company, LLC ("Harrah's"). Harrah's does not sponsor or endorse, and is not associated or affiliated with, freepokertimes.com or its products, services, promotions or tournaments.