Despite a furious comeback from Jay Farber, 23-year-old Ryan Riess(pictured) won the 2013 World Series of Poker Main Event title on Tuesday night. The money went in pre-flop, with a short stacked Farber holding Q-5 of spades against Riess’ A-K of hearts. A few hands prior, ESPN commentator Antonio Esfandiari pointed out that Farber had looked a tad deflated. He had also appeared frustrated at having to give Riess a walk on several occasions.

The all-in call from Riess on the final hand was instant, with an elated rail fist-pumping Riess before the flop was even dealt. The flop of the final hand came J-10-4, while a running 3-4 secured the win for Riess, the first WSOP Main Event champion born in the 1990s. He is the sixth straight champion in his 20s and second from Michigan in the last four years (Joe Cada, 2009). Riess sank to the floor with tears in his eyes before the river was dealt, while Farber looked rather saddened on his rail.

Riess triumphantly hoisted the WSOP Main Event bracelet above his head. Streamers poured down from the Penn and Teller Theater ceiling and a giant mosh pit chanted “Riess the Beast! Riess the Beast!” Riess hugged his “beast” mascot as the audience gave him a standing ovation.

The two competitors who fought for about three-and-a-half hours shook hands and the screen faded to black within a couple of minutes of the final river card being dealt so “SportsCenter” could be shown. Down the stretch, Esfandiari noted, “Riess is playing phenomenal poker and has Farber on the ropes.” A few hands earlier, Farber had shoved with A-K pre-flop, but Riess had just 9-7 and folded.

Former WSOP Main Event champion Jonathan Duhamel Tweeted in celebration, “Congratulations to @RyanRiess1 for winning the #WSOP Main Event, enjoy the ride kid! #RiessTheBeast.” Riess donned his signature Calvin Johnson Detroit Lions jersey throughout the final two days of the tournament and celebrated with a throng of onlookers who wore white “Riess the Beast” shirts.

Farber earned $5.1 million for his second place finish. The youngster, who donned an 888 Poker patch, had largely been upstaged on Tuesday, but fought valiantly down the stretch, doubling up at one point after hitting an open-ended straight draw.

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