Poker Columnist and Oxford Maths Graduate Wins GUKPT Coventry

Stuart Rutter, a 27-year-old UK Pokernews columnist, put his mathematical skills and poker knowledge to the test over the weekend to win a Grosvenor UK Poker Tour (GUKPT) final at the fourth attempt. The Oxford maths graduate headed a field of 142 players to win the GUKPT Coventry – one of the most popular UK poker tournaments around today. Success could not have arrived at a better time for Rutter, who is one of the most likable poker pros to emerge from the UK in recent times.

Rutter explained: “This win is absolutely perfect timing coming just one week before I set off for Vegas and the WSOP. It gives me a great confidence boost, which I always struggle for on the GUKPT having made three previous final tables and seeing them go wrong each time”. Making it to three GUKPT final tables is in itself no minor accomplishment and many UK online poker players who qualify for GUKPT events would no doubt wish to achieve similar results; however, the difference between finishing 10th and 1st is considerable in terms of financial reward.

Having claimed his first GUKPT title, Rutter banked a cool £41,910, compared to 10th place Leon Campbell, who scooped £2,480. After an impressive run of form, Rutter’s victory was arguably never in doubt when he made it heads-up with Danny Toffel, who finished second for £29,460. Toffel and Rutter played a tight heads-up game for the most part, with Rutter managing to carve out a substantial lead over his rival; on the final hand, Toffel’s pocket fours ran into Rutter’s pocket nines all-in. The aptly named Darren Grosvenor finished third for £18,460, whilst positions four to nine were taken by Hassan Mohammed (£11,360), Tom Mannion (£8,880), Jeff Kimber (£6,740), Roberto Romanello (£5,320), Rupert Elder (£3,900) and Nick Wealthall (£2,840).