2024 WSOP: Franco Spitale Becomes a Millionaire with $1,500 Millionaire Maker Win

The World Series of Poker has a storied tradition of transforming dreams into reality, creating millionaires every year. Among the many events designed to fulfill poker players’ aspirations, the $1,500 Millionaire Maker No-Limit Hold’em stands out for its promise of turning players into millionaires. This year, it was Franco Spitale from Argentina who saw his dream come true, clinching his first gold bracelet and a grand prize of $1,250,125.

Spitale navigated through a record-breaking field of 10,939 participants to claim the lion’s share of a $14,603,565 prize pool. With over $680,000 in live tournament winnings before this event, Spitale’s previous largest cash was $102,944, earned a year ago. This seven-figure win marks his first cash at this year’s WSOP. When asked about his future plans for the summer events, Spitale mentioned, “The main event, of course, I am qualified, so maybe that, maybe not. Let’s see tomorrow. I want to know when I wake up.“

$1,500 Millionaire Maker No-Limit Hold’em Final Table Results

Place	Player	Country	Prize
1	Franco Spitale	Argentina	$1,250,125
2	Justin Carey	United States	$1,001,169
3	Stephen Dauphinais	United States	$651,039
4	Paul Saso	United States	$500,109
5	Harvey Jackson	United States	$376,469
6	Charles Kersey	United States	$289,630
7	Jason Hickey	United States	$224,270
8	Alex Kim	United States	$174,800
9	Owen Savir	United States	$137,150
10	Adam Croffut	United States	$108,320

Final Table Highlights

Adam Croffut was the first to exit the final table when his A♣J♣ fell short against Alex Kim‘s K♠K♦, earning him $108,320 for tenth place.

Owen Savir soon followed, his A♠10♣ unable to overcome Justin Carey‘s 9♥9♦, with Carey flopping a set to send Savir home with $137,150 for ninth place.

Carey continued his aggressive play, eliminating Alex Kim in eighth place when his 6♦6♠ held against Kim’s A♠Q♦. Kim’s career-best $174,800 provided some consolation.

Jason Hickey, starting with a single big blind, fought valiantly but was ousted in seventh place when his A♥K♥ couldn’t beat Stephen Dauphinais‘ J♣10♣. Hickey received $224,270 for his efforts.

Day 5 Action

With six players remaining, the day began with each guaranteed at least $289,630. Charles Kersey was the first casualty, his A♠J♣ failing against Dauphinais‘ 10♥10♠, earning Kersey $289,630 for sixth place.

Harvey Jackson was next, his A♣K♠ falling to Dauphinais’ Q♠7♠ after Dauphinais flopped a flush. Jackson’s exit in fifth place earned him $376,470.

Paul Saso, with eleven big blinds, saw his A♠8♣ lose to Carey’s 10♥8♦ after a ten on the flop. Saso secured $500,110 for his fourth-place finish.

The Final Three

Three-handed play was intense, with Dauphinais initially taking the lead but faltering due to mistimed bluffs. His downfall came when his K♠J♦ lost to Spitale’s A♠Q♦, securing Dauphinais $651,040 for third place.

Justin Carey began heads-up with a slight lead, but Franco Spitale‘s strategic play shifted momentum. Spitale’s crucial move involved value betting deuces on two streets, prompting Carey to call down with king-high.

In the tournament’s final hand, Carey limped-jammed with 2♦2♣, and Spitale called with A♣10♣. Despite Carey flopping a set, an ace on the turn and a river boat secured Spitale’s victory, leaving Carey with $1,001,170 for second place.

Reflecting on his journey, Spitale credited his rail for their unwavering support, stating, “They gave the energy to continue when things didn’t go that well. The rail was crazy!”

Franco Spitale‘s victory in the 2024 WSOP Millionaire Maker event cements his place in poker history, achieving a dream he’s held throughout his career.

* Images and hands courtesy of WSOP and PokerNews