Chris Moneymaker was the big story going into the final day of the World Poker Open in Tunica, Mississippi. The 2003 World Champion held a massive chip lead at the start of final table play but in the end the Team Poker Stars pro could only manage third place.

After surrendering his early advantage Moneymaker was left crippled after his AQ ran into eventual winner Jeremy Gaubert’s AK. The former World Champ doubled up holding aces but his comeback was short lived, busting out on the very next hand after seeing his top pair overtaken by Gaubert’s river flush.

The 25-year-old from Los Angeles took that momentum into heads up play against Steve Harmontree, sealing the victory in style holding pocket aces. Interestingly, last year’s winner Clonie Gowan was also holding pocket aces when she claimed the title. Gaubert collected a first prize of $192,953, his best cash in a live event.

The final table positions and payouts were as follows:

1st – Jeremy Gaubert – $192,953
2nd – Steve Hamontree – $109,400
3rd – Chris Moneymaker – $60,110
4th – Chad Brown – $48,088
5th – Thomas Creel – $36,066
6th – Gil George – $30,055
7th – Tommy Vedes – $24,044
8th – Jerry Milanos – $18,033
9th – Parris Heard – $12,022