A total of 63 players came in solely focused on the $551,250 first-place prize when play began Saturday.

However, as big names like Phil Ivey, Gavin Smith, Andy Bloch and Erick Lindgren all hit the virtual rail, PokerStars LAPT San Jose final tablist Griffin moved his way up the ranks, defeating GrindMode, Isaac "luvtheWNBA" Haxton, David Singer, and Past to push into Sunday's semifinals.

Meeting him there was Blair "yogiblair" Anderson, who had also beaten a stellar crew of rounders, including 2008 WSOP final tablist Scott Montgomery, to book his seat.

Griffin made quick work of Anderson, however, jumping out to an early lead and eventually moving on when his queens bested Anderson's fives.

The other semifinal saw Full Tilt Pro David Benefield taking on Jim "WinnerFish" Kilarjian.

However, it was Benefield making a date with Griffin when he took the lead making trips to beat Kilarjian's flopped pair of aces, then rode an overpair over his top pair.

After both semifinalists were sent packing with $165,375 in prize money, the final began with Griffin taking the lead holding two pair against Benefield's top pair.

A short while later, Benefield turned a pair to go with his open-ender and committed all his chips.

Griffin had trips, they held and the $551,250 first-place prize was his.

Benefield took $315,000 for second.

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