A new seven-figure champion has emerged from the Las Vegas poker scene. After a marathon heads-up battle at the WPT Prime Championship, Aaron Johnson outlasted the field to secure the largest payout of his career, earning just over $1 million in prize money.
Held at Wynn Las Vegas, the $1,100 buy-in event stood out for its unusually top-heavy payout structure. What began as a mid-stakes tournament quickly transformed into one of the most lucrative stops on the WPT Prime calendar. Following a post–heads-up deal, Johnson officially banked $1,010,400 — a milestone win that reshaped his tournament résumé.
Final Table Collapses at Record Pace
The six-handed final table moved at a blistering speed. In fewer than 30 hands, the lineup was reduced to just two players, underscoring the aggressive play and high-risk confrontations that defined the closing stage.
Ching Liu entered the final table as the only player holding more than 60 big blinds, briefly controlling the tempo. However, the advantage proved fleeting as a string of critical all-ins rapidly reshuffled the leaderboard.
The first elimination saw Uri Fox exit in sixth place ($250,000) after his ace-eight failed to overcome Fernando Martin del Campo’s pocket kings. Soon after, Tim Burden followed in fifth ($325,000), watching his pocket tens fall victim to a straight that materialized on the board.
Del Campo Takes Control — Briefly
Momentum swung decisively toward del Campo as he eliminated Liu in fourth place ($430,000), positioning himself as the clear favorite to win the title. Safiya Umerova, the last woman remaining in the field, bowed out in third ($575,000) after her king-ten ran into aces, setting the stage for the final duel.
Johnson’s Comeback on the Biggest Stage
When heads-up play began, Johnson faced a steep uphill battle. He trailed significantly in chips, and the crowd’s support leaned heavily toward del Campo. Yet the match quickly turned into a test of endurance rather than momentum.
Over the opening stretch of heads-up play, Johnson clawed back stack after stack, capturing several key pots and eventually winning a pivotal hand worth roughly 30 big blinds. Although del Campo later rebuilt a commanding 3-to-1 chip lead, the advantage evaporated when Johnson completed a crucial straight in a massive confrontation.
For nearly three hours, the two traded control in a tense strategic standoff. The championship was ultimately decided by an all-in situation with roughly 60–40 equity. Johnson held, sealing the victory and bringing the prolonged duel to an end.
Life-Changing Payday for the Runner-Up
Despite falling short, del Campo walked away with $942,480 — a transformative result. Prior to this event, his total live tournament earnings sat below $20,000 according to The Hendon Mob, making this finish one of the most dramatic single-event breakthroughs in recent WPT history.
Johnson Surpasses $3.5M in Career Earnings
With the win, Johnson’s lifetime tournament earnings now exceed $3.5 million. The victory also includes a seat in the upcoming WPT World Championship, further strengthening his position heading into the next phase of the WPT season.
Meanwhile, attention now shifts to the 2025 WPT World Championship Festival, also taking place at Wynn Las Vegas. Soheb Porbandarwala currently holds a commanding chip lead as he eyes a second WPT title and a top prize exceeding $2.5 million.