SugarRush (Day 2): 1st Place – Roberto Ilagan ($15,125)

Level 29 (60,000/120,000/20,000)
Total SugarRush Challenge Entries: 578
Players Remaining: 1
Chip Average: 15,275,000

SugarRush Challenge Champion – Roberto Ilagan

In its yearlong history, the SugarRush Challenge has proven to be a great test for a player’s patience and skill to shine through over the course of two days. Roberto Ilagan flew under the radar for most of Day 2 until it mattered most, at which point Ilagan came alive. Ilagan started Day 2 with 133,000 and wasn’t full above average until 20 or so players remained.

Ilagan made his presence felt when he eliminated former SugarRush champion John Attanasio in a monster pot that moved Ilagan among the chip leaders. From that point forward, Ilagan continued to add chips to his bank as they became more valuable than water.

At this time last year, Ilagan was taking home fifth place in the formerly named Winter Poker Showdown at SugarHouse for a then career-high score of $9,600. Not only did Ilagan best that payout total today, he also earned his first career non-daily tournament victory. Ilagan and his ever-present smile are sure to be a factor at future SugarHouse tournaments as he looks to add to his tournament legacy.

Thanks again to SugarHouse tournament staff, dealers and players for another exceptionally well-run event. This is Matt Clark, and the SugarHouse blog will return in March for the Poker Night In America series. Stay tuned to the SugarHouse Twitter page for upcoming schedule information.