Pecheux holds huge lead atop GPI Challenger Cup race

The GPI Challenger Cup looks to rewards players cashing in events with a buy-in lower than $2,000. Three winners – one each from North America, Europe and Asia – will receive a 2015 WSOP Main Event package once the 2014 poker season is over. We take a look at the top players on each eligible continent at the moment, including a Frenchman who’s running away from the competition…

PECHEUX BEST ON THE PLANET

With over 600 points so far this season, French young gun Erwann Pecheux (GPI#61) leads all players in the Challenger Cup. In fact, there isn’t a single other player on the planet who has even accumulated 500 points this season. The PMU Poker Pro has collected a remarkable 20 cashes so far in 2014, most qualifying for Challenger Cup points.

The 23-year-old’s lead worldwide is impressive, but the fact that 71-year-old Pierre Neuville (GPI#250) is currently ranked #2 in Europe is equally impressive. The Belgian pro finished 5th at the WPT National Brussels Summer Poker Challenge Main Event just a few short days ago. A tip of the cap to 58-year-old Roger Hairabedian (GPI#66) who still puts in tons of hours at the poker tables. He sits 5th in the European Challenger Cup race.

2014 GPI Challenger Cup | Top 10 – Europe

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ISRAELSHVILI LEADS IN NORTH AMERICA

Roland Israelshvili (GPI#150) leads the way in North America. Israelshvili leads a tight race where there is only a 20-point difference between 1st and 4th, and less than 100 points separates 10th position from the top.

Strong results in both California and Las Vegas see NiPun Java (GPI#419) move to second while Dan Heimiller (GPI#126), who won his second WSOP bracelet this summer following his Seniors Championship victory, is currently ranked 3rd.

Tim West (GPI#142) and three-time WSOP bracelet winner Jeff Madsen (GPI#44) round-up the Top 5.

2014 GPI Challenger Cup | Top 10 – North America

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LOTS OF ROOM TO MOVE IN ASIA

Jae Kyung Sim (GPI#306) is the Challenger Cup leader in Asia. The Korean holds a 30-point lead over China’s Wenlin Wang (GPI#2455). Jae Kyung Sim, the #1 ranked poker player in South Korea, has earned points on three different continents.

Most of his cashes in 2014 have qualified for Challenger Cup points. One result that doesn’t count is his deep run at the Aussie Millions, where he finished 34th in the Main Event.

2014 GPI Challenger Cup | Top 10 – Asia

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