Shrikant Pillamarapu Wins WPT Prime Lodge Championship

Jonathan Rodriguez

Written by: Jonathan Rodriguez

Published: Wed Oct 14, 2026, 8:00 am ET

Read Time: 3 minutes

Shrikant Pillamarapu Wins WPT Prime Lodge Championship

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Shrikant Pillamarapu turned a freeroll opportunity into a major tournament victory by winning the 2026 WPT Prime Lodge Championship in Texas. He earned $148,527 after defeating Kenneth Quattrocchi at The Lodge Card Club.

The $1,100 buy-in event attracted 1,083 entries, generating a total prize pool of $1,051,480. In addition to the top prize, Pillamarapu secured a $10,400 seat into the WPT World Championship in Las Vegas.

His victory capped an impressive run after he entered the nine-player final table with just 25 big blinds. He navigated a competitive field featuring established players, including three-time World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet winner David Pham.

David Urban Finishes Third

The tournament's final table featured several experienced contenders, with Pillamarapu gradually working his way toward the title. David Urban ultimately finished third, collecting $75,000 for his performance.

Before Urban's elimination, the three remaining players discussed an Independent Chip Model (ICM) deal. However, Urban declined the proposed three-way chop, choosing to continue playing for a larger potential payout. The decision proved costly, as he busted on the very next hand.

Urban held Q♦Q♣ against Quattrocchi's A♥7♦, but an ace on the flop gave Quattrocchi the lead. Urban's elimination set up the heads-up battle between Pillamarapu and Quattrocchi.

The finalists then agreed to an ICM deal, adjusting their payouts while leaving the championship title to be decided at the table. Quattrocchi held a slight chip lead as heads-up play began.

Straight Flush Cooler Cripples Quattrocchi

During heads-up play, Quattrocchi held A♣5♣ against Pillamarapu's A♦J♣ on a board of K♦9♣8♣10♣. The Q♣ landed on the river, completing Pillamarapu's straight flush.

Pillamarapu moved all-in for 14.1 million chips, and Quattrocchi called with his ace-high flush. However, Pillamarapu revealed the straight flush and scooped the massive pot.

The hand left Quattrocchi with approximately 800,000 chips, equivalent to just two big blinds. Despite the devastating setback, he continued battling heads-up for more than 50 additional hands.

Quattrocchi's persistence extended the match, but Pillamarapu maintained his pursuit of the championship. The two players continued exchanging pots until the final hand settled the contest.

Pillamarapu Wins the Final Hand

The championship ended when Quattrocchi moved all-in with A♦J♥ against Pillamarapu's 5♦5♣. The board ran A♥9♠5♥6♦10♠, giving Quattrocchi a pair of aces on the flop.

However, Pillamarapu also connected with the flop, making a set of fives. His pocket pair held through the turn and river, securing the decisive pot and the tournament victory.

Pillamarapu claimed the $148,527 first-place prize, while Quattrocchi finished runner-up for $126,733 under their earlier deal. The victory completed a remarkable run for Pillamarapu, who converted a freeroll qualification into a major live tournament title.

WPT Prime Lodge Championship Final Table Results

Place Player Prize
1 Shrikant Pillamarapu $148,527
2 Kenneth Quattrocchi $126,733
3 David Urban $75,000
4 Preston Duron $57,000
5 David Pham $43,500
6 Vladyslav Shovkovyi $32,500
7 Matthew McDowell $25,000
8 Pranay Reddy Patlolla $19,700
9 Michael Jones $16,700

Freeroll Qualifier Secures a Major Poker Victory

Pillamarapu qualified for the tournament through a freeroll, turning that opportunity into a championship title and a substantial payday. His victory also earned him a seat in the WPT World Championship in Las Vegas.

For fans following live tournament results and US online poker sites, Pillamarapu's performance highlights the unpredictable nature of tournament poker. His run featured a comeback from a short stack, a dramatic straight-flush showdown, and a prolonged heads-up battle.

Ultimately, Pillamarapu prevailed after navigating a competitive field and capitalizing on the decisive final hand. His victory delivered a memorable conclusion to the 2026 WPT Prime Lodge Championship.

Jonathan Rodriguez
Jonathan Rodriguez

Jonathan is an avid basketball fan, and is often looking forward to the next upcoming NBA season when not checking players' stats during games. He also likes to keep his ears on the ground for the latest rumblings in the online casino industry.

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