Hamnett, who's previous biggest cash was a 274th-place finish at this year's WSOP Main Event for $38,000, earned $818,847 and a $25,500 seat into next year's WPT World Championship for the win.
Key Pot Early Changes Tide
Coming into the final table second-last in chips, Hamnett grabbed the chip lead on just the third hand of the day in a key pot with incoming chip leader Burnitz.
Starting the hand with around 9 million in chips to Hamnett's 4.7 million, Burnitz raised under the gun to 325,000 with A♣ 9♠.
Hamnett reraised from the button to 525,000 and Burnitz called. When the flop flop came J♣ 8♦ 4♦, Burnitz checked. Hamnett bet 445,000 and Burnitz called.
The turn card came the critical A♦. Burnitz checked, Hamnett bet 1,210,000 and Burnitz called.
The 7♣ river card drew another check from Burnitz before Hamnett shoved for 2,780,000.
After tanking for a minute-and-a-half, Burnitz called only to see Hamnett flip the A♥ Q♦.
The tide was swung to Hamnett then and there and he rode his new lead all the way to victory 125 hands later.
Burnitz earned $488,850 for his runner-up finish, also by far his largest career cash.
Diaz, Brecher Bust First
The two biggest names at the final table - veteran pro Steve Brecher and 2011 WSOP bracelet winner David Diaz - were actually first to make their exits.
Diaz, second in chips coming in, lots of couple of big pots and busted first in sixth place for $167,337.
Brecher, 2009 WPT Bay 101 Champ, went next in fifith to earn $206,065.
Ofir Mor and Tyler Patterson went out in fourth and third respectively.
For a recap of all the final-table action, check the WPT Live Updates.
The final six players and their offical payouts, courtesy of WPT.com:
1. Ben Hamnett - $818,847 2. Matthew Burnitz - $488,850 3. yler Patterson - $298,950 4. Ofir Mor - $250,065 5. Steve Brecher - $206,821 6. David Diaz - $167,337Next stop on the World Poker Tour is the Emperors Palace Poker Classic in Johannesburg, South Africa, from Oct. 22-26. For more details, check WPT.com.
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