Yesterday Dusti Smith came just shy of winning her second WSOP Circuit Ring in Event #15: $2,200 High Roller, ultimately finishing second for $17,773. It was the latest of many close calls for Smith, who had a plethora of final table appearances in WSOP events, including another runner-up finish two years ago in a PLO8 event in Tunica, and more recently, a runner-up finish for a bracelet at this past WSOP in Las Vegas.
There was no close call today for Smith, as she outlasted a 93-entry field in Event #17: #300 No-Limit Hold'em Ladies, last-defeating Jessica Galloway to win her first live WSOP Circuit Ring (and second overall) in addition to the top prize of $6,192.
“I feel great. It’s my first one in person, live. So it’s extra special. I’m really excited," Smith told PokerOrg following the win. "I came to Indiana to win a ring. It’s a goal I’ve been working towards for a long time.”
Smith held a commanding chip lead over Galloway during heads-up play, but Galloway doubled up several times to keep herself in contention, at one point bringing the stacks close to even.
“I think the seventh time I doubled her up, I started to get a little frustrated. Part of it is that I want it so bad. I don’t want to mess it up. On the last hand that we were all-in, I couldn’t even watch."
Smith was supported during the final table by several close friends and described the support she received not only from them, but from women in poker in general.
“We have a really great poker community in Dallas, and in Texas in general. I felt a little lighter when Debbie and Ryan walked in; they’re good friends of mine. It feels really nice to have support. Women are really supportive of each other in poker in general. There’s a lot of camaraderie and support. Even when I’m doing other events, and I do well, I can’t tell you how supportive other women are. It’s really special.”
Smith also described her next goals in poker after ending the drought and winning her first Circuit Ring.
“I’ve gotta win a Circuit Main Event. And I’ve gotta get a bracelet.”
Final Table Results
- 1st: Dusti Smith - $6,192
- 2nd: Jessica Galloway - $3,921
- 3rd: Joann Kite - $2,601
- 4th: Angela Discepoli - $1,811
- 5th: Meiji Bundalian - $1,326
- 6th: Karen Hodge - $1,025
- 7th: Amy Houghtling - $838
- 8th: Tracy Rasinksi - $728
- 9th: Kayla Clackum - $673
