Elan Branas

Elan Branas grew up in Forest Hills, New York, and began his poker tournament career at the Borgata in Atlantic City. In the 2013 Borgata Winter Poker Open, he entered Event 20: $500 + $60 Big Stack Semi-Turbo No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry). He built a massive chip lead, reaching 1,300,000 at one point, but ultimately finished in 3rd place for a $15,697 payday. His final hand saw his K-J fall to Anthony Bocchino's A-5 when an ace held on a clean board.

During the 2012 Borgata Spring Poker Open $2,500 + $200 Championship No Limit Hold'em event, Branas played a crucial hand against Brian England. On a flop of J-7-2 rainbow, both players checked. The turn brought a 9, and Branas led out. England moved all in, and after a lengthy tank, Branas called with K-J, out-kicking England's Q-J. The river was a ten, giving Branas a double-up that kept him alive in the tournament.

Branas is an aggressive player who is not afraid to put his tournament life on the line with a big hand. His deep run in the Borgata Spring Poker Open Championship and his near-win in the Winter Poker Open event highlight his ability to compete against strong fields. He often takes time to consider all-in decisions, as shown by his five-minute tank before calling England's shove.