The 2008 UltimateBetAruba Poker Classic has officially concluded as PocketFiver Jeff jpapolaPapola took received approximately $477,000 for 3rd place following a 5-way final table chop deal. This year's event, held at the Radisson Beach Resort – Aruba, featured 551 poker players from across the globe who converged on this tropical island to compete alongside some of the best poker players in the world. A total of 12 PocketFives.com members cashed in the 2008 APC; led by Jeffrey's $477k effort.

Jeff was low-key a few hours after his greatest career poker accomplishment. Once the action got down to 5-handed, players struck a deal that guaranteed jpapola (pictured) at least $400,000 and he walked away with an additional $77k after busting out in 3rd place to eventual 2008 Aruba Poker Classic champion Matt Brady. The fifth hand of final table play was key for Jeff, who was able to get his pocket aces all-in preflop versus his opponent's ace-king. Jeff's aces held and he had approximately 2.2 million chips when the deal was made.

This year's Aruba event was a coming out party for many veteran forum posters here on the site. Lynn SassyTexan Samples placed 16th after impressing fellow poker players and media alike with her friendly demeanor and ability to consistently accumulate chips. Gary debo34 DeBernardi and Mark Poker H0 Kroon, well-liked members of the online poker community, cashed in the 2008 APC as well.

Following is a list of all PocketFives.com members who cashed in the 2008 UltimateBetAruba Poker Classic:

Jeffrey jpapola Papola – 3rd Place — $477,000
Chris DashAlert Morrison – 8th Place — $58,500
Lynn SassyTexan Samples – 16th Place — $13,340
Aditya intervention Agarwal – 21st Place — $11,670
Gary debo34 DeBernardi – 22nd Place — $11,670
Jason icufish Smith – 26th Place — $10,000
Mark Poker H0 Kroon – 28th Place — $10,000
Michael V00D00 Chile Foley – 32nd Place — $8,340
Jason gamble24x7 Stern – 37th Place — $6,670
Matthew Plattsburgh Vengrin – 40th Place — $6,670
Ryan papaGEORGIOOO Caldwell – 45th Place — $6,670
Robert Cunningham – 52nd Place — $5,500