WSOP Event #2 Gold Bracelet Winner Grant Hinkle

The winner of the USD 1,500 buy-in No-Limit Hold’em event is Grant Hinkle. He is 27-years-old and turns 28 on June 7th (in just a few days). He was born in Topeka, KS. Hinkle works as a businessman who specializes in high tech marketing. He now lives with his wife in Kansas City, MO.

Hinkle was joined by several friends who flew to Las Vegas the night before to watch him play on Day Four. He was also joined by his mother and brother, who sat in the audience on he front row.

Hinkle graduated from the University of Kansas with a business degree.

Hinkle bought into this event, paying cash. He intended to play only in this event. This was his first time ever to play at the World Series of Poker. Accordingly, he has no major tournament cashes, nor wins.

Hinkle’s regular poker game is with a few friends in the Kansas City area. He said most of his home poker games include buy-ins of about USD 40 or USD 50.

Hinkle’s poker nickname is „Grant Master Flash.“ However, when he is not playing his best, he admits to also being known as „Grant Mister Fish.“

Immediately following his victory, Hinkle’s mother phoned his wife, in tears. Since it was so late, Hinkle’s wife had fallen asleep. She woke up to the news that her husband had won USD 831,462 in prize money for first place.

Hinkle was interviewed by the official WSOP media team following his victory. Here are some of the highlights of that interview (quotes were recorded and may be used by all media):

„I actually booked my flight to come to Las Vegas last Friday and return on Sunday. I actually had to re-schedule my flight five times during the course of (this tournament). In fact, I have a 6:58 flight that I don’t think I’m going to make. So I have to re-schedule again.“

„This is unbelievable. I have always wanted to play the main event, so this will give me (a chance to do that). It’s just been a dream come true.“

„My goal coming in was just go as deep as I could. After Day One, I was top-ten in chips and once I got there I started to think – how much money can I make and how far can I really go? I kept going and winning pots and I eventually got here.“

„I talked to my brother Blair about playing (at the final table). He told me that early in the day everyone is pretty tight. So, just go in there as the short stack and start firing away. That helped me build up to over a million in chips.“

Grant Hinkle is the brother of Blaire Hinkle, who cashed in the WSOP main event last year, finishing 520th.

„Since I won a WSOP gold bracelet before (Blair), I have bragging rights now.“

„I’m not going to (think about quitting my job) right now. I have to talk to my wife and family and make that decision.“