WSOP-C Graton

Event #17: $250 Seniors No-Limit Hold 'em champion Craig Carrillo

Just when it appeared a better bow couldn’t be tied on the WSOP Circuit Series here at Graton following John Koo winning his second ring of the series, his good friend Craig Carrillo went and made Monday night one that will become WSOP Circuit legend.

Not 30 minutes after Koo won, Carrillo won his second ring of the series as well, defeating a field of 197 entries in the $250 Seniors event.

The celebrations for Koo quickly moved over to Carrillo’s table and the Graton Event Center became an amazing Northern California poker love-in as the duo enjoyed their victories together with their many mutual friends.

John Koo and Craig Carrillo celebrate winning WSOPC rings 30 minutes apart

“Winning is great obviously, but doing it a half hour after Johnny won his, it’s just a beautiful thing. It just makes it all the more special because the rail was here cheering him on, and then they saw that I was competing as well, all that good energy.”

Two of the most well-liked players at Graton celebrate with friends

Carrillo then thanked Koo for not only bringing the party, but for bringing the rungood, saying that this wasn’t the first time they’ve won tournaments in close proximity.

“John’s been my good luck, because when he wins one, oftentimes that’s when I get one as well. As soon as he won it, I felt really good about it.”

Carrillo won the Omaha 8 or Better ring earlier in the series for $7,193 a day after Koo’s first win, and for his win Monday, Carrillo added another $9,176 to his series total.

Even when asked when we could expect him to win his third ring after knocking off two in a week, his friend was in Carrillo's thoughts.

Graton's dynamic, series-ending duo

“Well, he’s got some catching up to do, you know. I’m 66, so he’ll be playing a long time. He’ll catch me, but to answer your question, when are you guys coming back?”

We already couldn’t wait to get back to Graton, but after this conclusion to the series, we’re dying to see what this duo has in store for an encore next time.

Event #17: $250 Seniors No-Limit Hold ‘em final table results:

1. Craig Carrillo - $9,176
2. Thomas Timbreza - $5,961
3. Johnny Tran - $3,996
4. Robert Zarzycki - $2,766
5. Laura Westfall - $1,980
6. Michael Coleman - $1,467
7. Alexander Plachutin - $1,127
8. Jimmy Zeledon - $898
9. Lester Avela - $744
10. David Rose - $642

Event #18: $400 Bay Area Closer champion John Koo

The WSOP Circuit series wrapped up incredibly on Monday as John Koo, who just a week earlier won the $400 Presidents Day Special near the start of the series ended it by picking up his second ring in a week, topping the 134-entry field in the $400 Bay Area Closer.

“It’s surreal dude. Like I won the other one on Monday, and it’s Monday. I guess I like Mondays… it feels amazing, I can’t even explain it.”

Word spread through Graton Resort and Casino as the final table progressed that Koo was on the verge of taking down his 2^nd ring in seven days. As the final card was dealt, he was mobbed by friends to celebrate the incredible feat. After the celebrations died down, Koo sat in his seat at the table with his head in his hands, overcome by the moment.

It’s the support of those in his inner circle that have made these winning moments at Graton so special for him.

“I can’t even explain it man, it’s just so surreal. I just credit all my friends, with me talking about (poker) over and over, that’s all I can mention my friends and family. My wife puts up with me playing late at night, she texted me saying ‘all right, money now!’ Just joking around of course, but I’m just very blessed and lucky in life.”

John Koo and his crew celebrate his 2nd WSOP Circuit ring of the series

Koo’s win came in the series’ final scheduled event which was littered with top quality opposition looking for a final chance to win a ring. At the final table alone, Koo had to survive former Graton Main Event champion Michael Persky and seven-time Circuit ring winner La Sengphet if he was to win. He then knocked both out on the same hand to take a huge chip lead that he would ride to the title.

After that hand was when Koo’s rail began to build, and while it was appreciated, he joked that it ramped up his stress level.

“There was a lot of pressure too, I’m not gonna lie, they all came and I’m like, uh oh!”

It would all be fine for the man who solidified his nickname of “Bookend”, which came from winning events at the start and finish of a RunGood series at Graton in 2023. With his wins in this series, he can now also claim the title of the WSOP’s “Bookend”.

Asked if he indeed likes his well-earned moniker, he confirmed as much, with a caveat.

“Yeah, I’m good with it. Now I’ve just got to win a tournament not on a Monday!”

Event #18: $400 Bay Area Closer final table results:

1. John Koo - $10,881
2. Lev Ryzhikov - $7,147
3. Jayson Timbol - $4,872
4. Robert Hancock - $3,409
5. Joe Mas - $2,481
6. La Sengphet - $1,873
7. Michael Persky - $1,469
8. James Thomason - $1,199
9. John Frank - $1,019
10. Moshe Gavrieli - $905

Craig Carrillo has just become the second in 30 minutes to win their second ring of the series to close out the WSOPC Graton series

Not 30 minutes after John Koo won his second ring of the series, his good friend Craig Carrillo has done the same in the $250 Seniors event, topping a field of 197 to add $9,176 to his series winnings.

We'll have a full recap and interview with Carrillo shortly as an incredible series comes to an even more unbelievable end.

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