Davidi Kitai Wins Second Gold Bracelet

Belgian Poker Pro Takes $5,000 Buy-In Pot-Limit Hold'em Title

Kitai Becomes First Non-North American Winner at 2013 WSOP


Davidi Kitai hit several personal and professional milestones on Tuesday night, when he won the latest WSOP event at the Rio in Las Vegas.

The 33-year-old poker pro won his second WSOP gold bracelet, becoming the first player from Belgium in history to post two such wins.  He also cross the one-million dollar mark in WSOP earnings, thus becoming the 259th player in history to accomplish that lofty task.  Moreover, Kitai joined another exclusive club as one of the few players to hold multiple gold rings, in addition to major wins on the European Poker Tour and World Poker Tour.

Indeed, this was quite a feat for the mild-mannered player from Brussels who continues to play at the highest level in many of the world toughest poker events.  His latest victory came in the $5,000 buy-in Pot-Limit Hold'em tournament, comprised of a rock solid field of competitors.  First place paid $224,560.

This was Kitai's first win at the WSOP since 2008.  It's no coincidence that his previous victory was also in Pot-Limit Hold'em.

When asked what's in store as for a future goal, Kitai came up with a cosmopolitan view of poker and his potential place in history.

“I want to become the first double Triple Crown winner,” Kitai said.  Given that he now owns two gold bracelets, he'll have to pick up wins on the EPT and WPT at some point in the future.  

Based on the way he's playing right now, don't be surprised if Kitai doesn't win another WSOP gold bracelet first.

A final note:  Kitai was the first and only winner who resides outside of North America so far at this year's WSOP.  At this point, 13 Americans, 5 Canadians, and (now) 1 Belgian has won gold bracelets.

The tournament drew 195 players.  The top 27 finishers were paid.  Cary Katz, from Las Vegas finished as runner up.  He collected $138,794 as his consolation prize.
 

MEET GOLD BRACELET WINNER – DAVIDI KITAI

Name:  Davidi Kitai
 
Current Residence:  Brussels, Belgium
 
Birthplace:  Anvers, Belgium
 
Age:  33
 
Marital Status:  Single
 
Children:  None
 
Profession:  Professional Poker Player
 
WSOP Cashes (including this event):  19
 
First WSOP Cash (year):  2007
 
WSOP Final Table Appearances:  5
 
WSOP Wins (with this victory):  2
 
First-place prize:  $1,041,745


INTERVIEW WITH THE CHAMPION

WSOP:  Which victory was more special, your first win or the one tonight?
 
Kitai:  The first one was so special.  It was 2008, quite a long time ago.  The first one changed my poker career.  I would say the first one.  But it's good to confirm that I can win again.

WSOP:  Are you known back at home in Belgium – known for your poker accomplishments, that is?
 
Kitai:  Yes, actually poker became popular the last few years because it is now legal.  So, people recognize me.  It's mostly guys, though.  The girls do not recognize me as much.  But in Belgium poker is becoming more popular.

WSOP:  Can you talk about your life between 2008 when you won last time, and now?
 
Kitai:  In 2008, I signed with my sponsor Winamax.  They signed a great team, including many great French players.  So, we have changed a lot and have more experience.  I have a lot of friends and many American and Europeans I am friends with.  I am now confident to play in any event, including the high-roller events, who are the best players in the world.

WSOP:  What's next for you after this win?
 
Kitai:  My dream is to make the final table of the WSOP Main Event.  But it will not be so easy.  The fields are so big.  I do have a lot of dreams.  I am motivated to achieve even more.


ODDS AND ENDS

Dan Kelly, from Potomac, MD cashed for the fifth time at this series.  Four of those finishes have been in the final two tables.

This was the most international final table of any event, so far.  Players were from five different nations – including Belgium, United States, Bulgaria, France, and Italy.