Russian Lunkin wins $1.89 million in World Series of Poker event

Russian Vitaly Lunkin won the largest non-main event World Series of Poker jackpot ever early Monday morning, taking the top prize in the tournament’s special $40,000 buy-in no-limt hold’em event.

Lunkin, from Moscow, won more than $1.89 million, outlasting a field of 201 players over four days of play at the Rio. Issac Haxton of Las Vegas finished second and won $1.16 million.

The event was held to mark the 40th anniversary of the World Series of Poker.

The win marked Lunkin’s second World Series of Poker gold bracelet, signifying an individual event champion, in as many years. In 2008, he won more than $628,000 in a $1,500 buy-in hold’em event.

2004 World Series of Poker champion Greg Raymer finished third in the special event, taking home $774,927.