High-Stakes Poker Deal Leaves Winner With Full CA$40,545 Prize at WSOPC Calgary
A high-stakes poker match at the World Series of Poker Circuit (WSOPC) in Calgary ended with an unusual twist. Mehmet Siginc defeated Nicholas Lee in a heads-up duel, securing the entire CA$40,545 prize after both players agreed to a winner-takes-all deal. The event, a CA$600 No-Limit Hold'em/Pot-Limit Omaha tournament, drew 226 entries and created a prize pool of CA$106,101.
The tournament took place as part of the WSOPC Calgary series, which includes 18 gold ring events and runs until January 19. Siginc and Lee, both experienced players, reached the final table before facing off in a dramatic heads-up battle. At one point, Siginc held a dominant chip lead, only for Lee to fight back and briefly take a 2:1 advantage.
Before the final hand, the two friends struck a 'gentleman’s agreement'—the winner would claim both first and second-place money, leaving the runner-up with nothing. The deal increased the top prize from CA$24,580 to CA$40,545. Siginc sealed the victory when his Ax9x outlasted Lee’s Kx10x, taking the full amount. Siginc, a two-time WSOP Circuit champion, now has over $360,000 in live tournament earnings. Lee, a Canadian pro with six-figure winnings and a WSOP Circuit ring, missed out on a fifth ring but will have more chances before the series concludes.
The unusual deal meant Siginc walked away with the entire CA$40,545 prize, while Lee left empty-handed. The tournament was one of 18 gold ring events at WSOPC Calgary, with the series continuing until January 19. Both players will likely return to the tables before the final day of competition.
