“The grinder” wins Borgata Winter Poker Open

Day Four and the final table of the inaugural Borgata Winter Poker Open came and went Wednesday with more than just a big bang as three of the game's top players took on three unknowns in a massive chip battle that will go down in the record books of Borgata's growing poker legend.

Although there was excellent play from all players at the final table, only one player would be lucky enough to take home the title, a $1,173,373 cash prize, a $25,000 seat into the World Poker Tour's championship event in April and the sleek 2006 Cadillac Escalade graciously added to the prize pool by Borgata. After finishing second at the most recent World Poker Tour tournament in Tunica, Mississippi, Borgata's winner, Michael "the Grinder" Mizrachi, did the almost impossible by improving on his second-place finish from last week.

The Grinder once again showed the poker prowess that makes him one of the most feared players. The Winter Poker Open's main event also saw the return of John D'Agostino to the final table. "D'ags," battled for two days of up-and-down chip counts to place a close second behind "the Grinder." For his stellar play, D'Agostino collected $591,312 by beating all challengers, including the third-place finisher and Full Tilt team member Erick "E-Dog" Lindgren.

Despite having the chip lead for most of the final day, Lindgren collected $282,721 for his enviable performance. Although it simply wasn't meant to be for Lindgren this time around, poker fans can rest easy knowing Lindgren, one of the most consistent players in the game, will make more than his share of final tables during this year's tournament circuit.