Raymer Highlights Exciting HPT Meadows Main Event Final Table
It is time for a scintillating Day 3 final table of the HPT Meadows Main Event. Yesterday provided an action packed day that cut the field from 47 down to a final table of 9. And what a final table it will be that will battle foe the grand prize of $61,080 and a new HPT trophy.
Headlining the group is none other than Greg Raymer, who starts the day 3rd in chips at 1,195,000. As every poker fan knows Raymer will of course always be most known for his famous WSOP Main Event win during the poker boom in 2004, when he etched the “Fossilman” glasses into poker lore forever. Since then, he has made quite the name for himself on the Heatland Poker Tour, by winning four different HPT titles over the years. Today will mark his 7th HPT final table and a victory today would be his biggest live tournament cash since 2012.
The field will be looking to thwart Raymer’s attempt to take home another HPT title, led by two Pittsburgh locals. Frank Bonacci enters the day as chip leader with 2,235,000 in chips, which is 700,000 clear of the next closest competitor. Bonacci gained his big chip lead late in the day yesterday when he played the role of grim reaper for finishers 13 through 10, eliminating them all to bring the tournament down to it’s final table. A lot of is at stake for Bonacci as the $61,080 top prize would make for the largest score of his poker career.
Final Table Seat Draw
| Seat | Player | Hometown | Chip Count | |
| 1 | Calvin Snead | Pittsburgh,PA | 1,590,000 | |
| 2 | William Dopico | Pitrsburgh,PA | 518,000 | |
| 3 | Thomas Gustovich | N/A | 85,000 | |
| 4 | Bobby Noel | Johnstown,PA | 355,000 | |
| 5 | David Santucci | Monoreville,PA | 605,000 | |
| 6 | Mike O'Neill | Royal Oak,MI | 1,190,000 | |
| 7 | Greg Raymer | Raleigh,NC | 1,195,000 | |
| 8 | Frank Bonacci | Pittsburgh,PA | 2,235,000 | |
| 9 | Mike Iacovone | Cleveland,OH | 210,000 |
Calvin Snead, also representing Pittsburgh, brings the 2nd largest chip stack to the table with 1,590,000. Snead has been the tournament wildcard thus far, bringing his boisterous and aggressive style to the table, which thus far has been working as he has steamrolled the field throughout the event. His poker resume includes only 8 cashes with only 1 of those coming more recently than 2016. Although Snead will be aiming for the top prize, any finish 5th or better would make for the largest cash of his career as his previous largest was for $12,259.
Another player who will be contesting for more glory at HPT Meadows is Mike O’Neill, 4th in chips with 1,190,000 just a smidge behind Raymer. The Michigan native is one of the HPT regulars as al but one of his recorded cashes come from the HPT. He is currently 10th in the 2019 HPT player of the year rankings and any finish 3rd or better would launch him all the way into 2nd place in the race for player of the year. A win today would be his 3rd HPT title, to add to his win in Evansville in 2015 and to his win right here at HPT Meadows in 2018.
The rest of the field is full of storylines as well including a couple with some results; David Santucci looking for his 2nd big cash of 2019 and Bobby Noel looking for another HPT win right here in HPT Meadows to add to his win in March of 2018,
Three of the players at the table are newcomers to the big stage as Pittsburgh local William Dopico is looking for his biggest cash by far with his previous largest being a smidge over $2,000. Mike Iacovone of Cleveland, who only has 3 previous recorded cashes and Thomas Gustovich who has no recorded cashes or any poker resume to speak of thus far.
All of these players will create a very fascinating final table, which will begin at noon local time with the live stream beginning on roughly a 30-minute delay at 12:30 p.m. Play will begin with 2 minutes remaining at level 22 and will soon be into level 23 where blinds will be at 15,000/25,000 and 25,000 big blind ante.
PokerNews will be providing live updates for this final table via the live stream so as to not give any spoilers, so stay tuned for all the updates and big hands that will shape the course for this HPT title.