Through The Lens of Drew - Cynn's Win

Drew Amato • Jul 23, 2018

Looking back on the life-changing 2018 WSOP Main Event Victory of John Cynn

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Drew Amato has been covering the World Series of Poker since 2014. This year he’s covered the U.S. Poker Open and Super High Roller Bowl for Poker Central. Daily during the Main Event, Amato will share his favorite images from the World Series of Poker. Enjoy this recurring piece as, in his own words, Amato describes the biggest moments in the game.

The 2018 World Series of Poker in Las Vegas wrapped up last week with the crowing of Justin Bonomo as the Big One for One Drop champion, but a few days prior poker’s greatest spectacle saw the biggest life-changing moment for John Cynn. Forever a part of poker history from this point forward, John Cynn beat a field of 7,874 players to take home the staggering $8.8 million first prize. In this photo blog, I look back on how John Cynn went from a face in the crowd to a win that will see his banner hang from the rafters inside the Amazon room when the WSOP returns in 2019.

As the 2018 WSOP Main Event saw its field narrow down to just a few tables, the name 'John Cynn' stood out as one of those players that had gotten close to the game's biggest final table before. Cynn finished 11th in the 2016 Main Event and as the final table grew closer, stories of redemption for that close call surfaced. For Cynn, however, 2016 was never on his mind as he remained focused on the task at hand throughout its entire 10-day run. — Spotting John Cynn on Day 6: As the 2018 WSOP Main Event saw its field narrow down to just a few tables, the name ‘John Cynn’ stood out as one of those players that had gotten close to the game’s biggest final table before. Cynn finished 11th in the 2016 Main Event and as the final table grew closer, stories of redemption for that close call surfaced. For Cynn, however, 2016 was never on his mind as he remained focused on the task at hand throughout its entire 10-day run.

Cynn on rail: During breaks both players had a few of the top pros on their rail, relaying hands from the stream and discussing the best way to proceed. John Cynn was seen catching up with Dan "jungleman" Cates and Ben Lamb, while Tony Miles was often speaking to Shaun Deeb. — In Search of Answers: John Cynn had a selection of top pros on his rail during the final table, relaying hands from the stream and discussing the best way to proceed. In this picture, Cynn is seen catching up with Dan “jungleman” Cates and Ben Lamb, while Tony Miles was often speaking to Shaun Deeb.

Cynn sitting down: It was pretty remarkable to watch the demeanor between John Cynn and Tony Miles as the final table played out. The two embraced the situation and were constantly laughing, joking around, and making the most of the opportunity. Often on breaks, both players would catch up with their friends, and then zone out with some music. Pretty refreshing to see two players so caught up in the moment, enjoy themselves. — A Moment of Peace: It was pretty remarkable to watch the demeanor of John Cynn and Tony Miles as the final table played out. The two embraced the situation and were constantly laughing, joking around, and making the most of the opportunity. Often on breaks, both players would catch up with their friends, and then zone out with some music. It was pretty refreshing to see two players so caught up in the moment, enjoying themselves.

Mom and Dad: While Cynn had a lot of support within the poker community, his two biggest fans were his mom and dad. The two spent the duration on the rail, cheering at any bit of momentum their son could get going. Despite the heads up battle nearly setting the record for longest ever, Cynn's parents never left his side. — Mom and Dad: While Cynn had a lot of support from the poker community, his two biggest fans were undoubtedly his mom and dad. The two spent the duration of the final table on the rail, cheering at any bit of momentum their son could get going. Despite the heads up battle nearly setting the record for longest ever, Cynn’s parents never left his side.

Heads Up for $8.8 Million: John Cynn and Tony Miles went toe-to-toe for several hours with neither playing willing to give an inch. Throughout this entire battle, Cynn remained calm and collected, closing it out in the end to put his name up among some of poker’s greatest players.

Cynn winners: After a grueling 10 days of poker, including a marathon heads-up battle, John Cynn is your 2018 WSOP Main Event Champion. Cynn, who finished 11th in this event in 2015, will take home a cool $8.8 Million, the WSOP Main Event Bracelet, and his own little piece of poker history. — Cynn City: After 10 grueling days of poker, including a marathon heads-up battle, John Cynn is your 2018 WSOP Main Event Champion. Cynn, who finished 11th in this event in 2016, will take home a cool $8.8 Million, the WSOP Main Event Bracelet, and his own little piece of poker history. See more from the final table in the photoblog capturing the action on the final day of the event.

Enjoyed this photoblog? You’ll also enjoy “Super High Roller Bowl Highlights”, “Poker’s Annual Gold Rush” and “Doyle’s Final Ride” in the series “Through the Lens of Drew” by clicking the links. Follow Drew Amato on Instagram. The 2018 World Series of Poker streams live on PokerGO now. Don’t miss a minute of the action by subscribing to PokerGO.

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