In spite of its short existence, the National Heads-up Poker Championship already has a historical meaning in the poker world. More of it was added as the two finalists of this year’s championship took their spotlighted seat at the table and took a shot at salvation.

“Third tries the charm”, said Ferguson as he lifted up the championship trophy. The 2005 and 2006 runner-up, Chris Ferguson finally knocked down the 2008 National Heads-Up Poker Championship, winning a best two out of three finals against Andy Bloch.

A lot of this year’s earlier matches were marked by the difference between both finalists. In spite of this, when the final round was about to take place, it was the similarity between opponents which was outstanding. Both Ferguson and Bloch have advanced degrees from prestigious universities, and they both developed, in the early 1990’s a range of all possible hands using a computer simulation based on identical assumptions. Also, both of them are professional players associated with the Full Tilt poker site.

After winning two out of three games, Ferguson walked away with the trophy, a championship watch, $500,000, and a $10,000 seat in the 2008 World Series of Poker main event. Bloch got to take home $250,000 for his efforts.