The latest chapter of the SunBet Poker Tour (SPT) played out at Time Square Casino in Pretoria, South Africa, where Stephen Courtney etched his name into history with a victory in the Nahum Lum Memorial Main Event. In a fast-paced heads-up battle against Harold Brooks, Courtney secured the win in under 20 minutes, claiming the lion’s share of the ZAR 4 million ($217,580) prize pool.
A Rapid-Fire Final Table
The tournament, which drew 312 entries at a buy-in of ZAR 15,000 ($820), has cemented itself as a staple in the South African poker community. Honoring the late Nahum Lum, a well-respected figure in the local poker scene, the event carried an added sense of significance for the players.
For Brooks, this final table represented a chance to go back-to-back, having won the same tournament in August 2024. However, his title defense fell just short, as he settled for the runner-up spot and a ZAR 650,000 ($45,430) payday. Courtney, meanwhile, walked away with ZAR 826,000 ($35,750), having secured a deal before heads-up play commenced.
The heads-up battle was brief but dramatic, lasting fewer than 20 minutes. The defining moment? A runner-runner quads hand that stunned onlookers and sealed Courtney’s victory in emphatic fashion.
The Final Table Payouts
A diverse group of South African poker regulars and an international contender made up the final table.
| Rank | Player | Country | Prize (ZAR) | Prize (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stephen Courtney | South Africa | 826,000 | $45,430 |
| 2 | Harold Brooks | South Africa | 650,000 | $35,750 |
| 3 | KM | South Africa | 402,000 | $22,110 |
| 4 | Jonathan Kalil | South Africa | 291,600 | $16,038 |
| 5 | Max Deveson | United Kingdom | 215,200 | $11,836 |
| 6 | Sean Bloom | South Africa | 162,000 | $8,910 |
| 7 | Greg Tucker | South Africa | 124,400 | $6,842 |
| 8 | Keenan Pienaar | South Africa | 97,200 | $5,346 |
| 9 | Taariq Jaftha | South Africa | 77,600 | $4,268 |
- Heads-up deal ensured Courtney and Brooks locked in their payouts before the final hand was played.
A Familiar Face Among the Finalists
One notable finalist was Max Deveson, a UK-born player who has become a well-known name on the South African circuit. Fresh off a ZAR 50,000 High Roller victory earlier in the series, Deveson was aiming for another title. However, his tournament run ended in fifth place after a crucial hand against KM left him short-stacked.
Despite missing out on the top prize, Deveson’s back-to-back deep runs showcased his consistency and ability to compete at the highest level in South Africa’s growing poker scene.
Courtney Reflects on His Third SPT Title
Speaking after his win, Courtney couldn’t hide his excitement.
“My first final table in the Main Event was two years ago right here at Time Square, and I busted in ninth. I was still happy just to make it that far,” he said. “Now, to actually win it, it’s just an unbelievable feeling.”
He also acknowledged the grueling nature of the week, saying, “The whole week was really tough. I had to grind through some tough spots and just kept pushing through. It all came together at the right time.”
This marks Courtney’s third title on the SunBet Poker Tour, reinforcing his status as one of South Africa’s most dangerous competitors at the tables.
South Africa’s Poker Scene Keeps Growing
The SunBet Poker Tour continues to gain momentum, bringing together a mix of local grinders, international players, and rising stars.
The SPT Main Event at Time Square Casino proved once again why South Africa is becoming a more attractive poker destination. With a solid structure, deep fields, and an engaged poker community, the country is making its mark on the global poker map.
Courtney’s runner-runner quads finish may be the headline of this stop, but the bigger story is clear—South African poker is thriving, and the best is yet to come.
