Bonnie Bona capped a remarkable comeback Sunday at the Golden Nugget Las Vegas, winning the Free Poker Network’s Clash of Kings & Queens National Championship Main Event for $25,000.
The Illinois resident was down to less than a big blind with two tables remaining, but rallied to the title and defeated Tammy Quade heads-up. Quade finished second for $10,000, while 21-year-old Ryne Peterson placed third for $5,000.
Field, Prize Pool, and Final Table
The event, the second FPN championship of the series, drew 392 runners and produced a $58,700 prize pool. All players who reached the money were guaranteed at least $300.
The final table also featured Chris Nelson (4th, $2,000), Joel Smith (5th, $1,000), Herve Brajon (6th, $1,000), Perry Peyerl (7th, $1,000), Justin Moore (8th, $1,000), and Scott Fitch (9th, $1,000).
Bona previously made a deep run earlier in the festival, finishing eighth in the Royal Court championship.
Notable Moments From the Stretch Run
Rae Gibbs fell on the final table bubble in 10th place after getting her chips in with pocket fives against Peterson’s ace-king. Peterson flopped a straight to eliminate her. The Raw Data notes Gibbs played with a collection of crystals behind her chips.
Peterson’s run ended in third place after he doubled up Bona. The Raw Data also notes he is the son of FPN champion Nels Peterson.
Joel Smith’s series run ended in fifth place when his ace-six did not hold against Bona’s king-queen. The Raw Data says Smith made three final tables during the festival and won the Tag Team Championship.
Bona entered heads-up with a sizable lead and finished the match in only a few hands.
“I just was patient and waited for my cards and hit my moments,” Bona said.
Kings & Queens National Championship Final Table Results
| Place | Player | Hometown | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bonnie Bona | Illinois | $25,000 |
| 2 | Tammy Quade | Minnesota | $10,000 |
| 3 | Ryne Peterson | New York | $5,000 |
| 4 | Chris Nelson | South Dakota | $2,000 |
| 5 | Joel Smith | Minnesota | $1,000 |
| 6 | Herve Brajon | France | $1,000 |
| 7 | Perry Peyerl | Fargo, ND | $1,000 |
| 8 | Justin Moore | New Bethlehem, PA | $1,000 |
| 9 | Scott Fitch | South Dakota | $1,000 |
