Anyone who hears the name ‘Kevin Gerhart’ knows he’s the real deal when it comes to poker. His friends? Well, they’ve been needling him for a LONG time about not winning a trophy at Run It Up Reno. Today is the day!

Kevin Gerhart is the winner of the $550 6-Max 8-Game Dealer’s Choice event for $7,165 and his first piece of RIU gold. “Finally. I’ve fired so many bullets into these things. Played all the tournaments for the last five (Run It Up) Reno’s and it’s finally come true. i guess it’s just fitting that I hit it in a mixed tournament instead of a no-limit tournament” explained a clearly emotional, but proud, Gerhart.

The newly-crowned champion defeated Brent Harrington, an avid member of the poker media and mixed game player, after coming back from being down to about 45,000 chips of the 450,000 in play. The two players battled back and forth, playing Limit Hold’em, No-Limit Hold’em, 2-7 Triple Draw, Stud and Stud 8 or Better.

In the final hand playing No-Limit Hold’em, the board read [qd,ts,2d,8s]. Harrington checked his option and Gerhart bet 45,000 into a pot of about 80,000. Harrington tanked and then shoved for about 65,000 more. “Oh man, the tank-shove got me. I originally decided I was going to snap him off if he shoved. I have a much better hand than he probably gives me credit for.” Eventually, Gerhart called.

Harrington tabled [js,4s] for both a flush and straight draw, up against the pocket aces of Gerhart. The river was a red ace and Gerhart exclaimed, “Finally!” while congratulating Harrington on his runner-up finish and celebrating with his rail. Harrington picked up $4,580 for his win for a nice payday.

“I’m ready for the summer. Let’s go! Let’s f*cking go!” exclaimed an enthused Gerhart. When asked about his plans for the World Series of Poker this summer he continued, “I have my girlfriend moving out to Vegas with me. I’m gonna fire as much as humanly possible. All the mixed games.” He continued that he has put a lot of hard work into his game and commented on his strategy of “trying to understand mixed games more than anyone else. It’ll be the day when I ship a no-limit tournament in Reno.” Gerhart stated that his favorite, and arguably best, game is Pot-Limit Omaha. “Maybe O8 is my best game but, four cards.”

Here is a look at the final results for this tournament:

1st place: Kevin Gerhart – $7,165
2nd place: Brent Harrington – $4,580
3rd place: Adam Johnson – $3,170
4th place: Andy Pokrivnak – $2,400
5th place: Tim Malone – $1,750
6th place: Patrick Tardif – $1,200
7th place: Chrystal Shiarla – $780
8th place: Ronnie Bardah – $780