This content was AI generated based on the original article published on https://www.pokernews.com/news/2026/07/henri-perez-lopez-wins-thm-mid-major-championship-52010.htm. All credits for the original reporting belong to them.
Henri Perez Lopez has captured his first RunGood Poker Series title, topping a massive field of 1,096 entrants in the $600 The Hendon Mob Mid-Major Championship at Thunder Valley Casino Resort. The win earned him $83,380 from a $577,720 prize pool.
Lopez, who learned the game from friends and coworkers years ago while working at a restaurant, said he had long believed he could become a champion. “I told my friends I’m going for first place,” he said after the victory, crediting faith and self-belief for helping him reach the final table.
His run to the title picked up steam once the field narrowed to five players. Lopez eliminated Gregory Pon in fifth place to seize the chip lead, then knocked out Aaron Overton in fourth and Jedidiah Hoffman in third to enter heads-up play holding more than 85 percent of the chips in play.
The heads-up match against Ryan Awwad proved far from straightforward. Awwad rattled off four consecutive double-ups to seize a two-to-one chip advantage, temporarily flipping the momentum in his favor.
Lopez battled back repeatedly, winning key pots including a flip, a flush, and a crucial straight over Awwad’s trip deuces to regain a commanding lead. He described staying calm throughout the swings, acknowledging Awwad’s skill while trusting his own instincts to push forward.
Lopez ultimately closed out the win, boosting his career live tournament earnings from roughly $36,000 to well over $100,000 in a single event.
