The 2024 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Paradise in the Bahamas kicked off with some of the year’s most competitive events, but it was Eric Wasserson who stole the show by capturing his first-ever WSOP bracelet in Event #5: $25,000 Dealers Choice Championship.
Widely regarded as one of the best poker players without a WSOP bracelet, Wasserson changed that narrative by conquering a field of 49 elite mixed-game players. Along with the prestigious bracelet, he took home a $353,340 top prize after outlasting poker titan Josh Arieh, who settled for a runner-up finish and $262,090.
“It is a monkey off of my back for sure,” Wasserson expressed. “I’ve been chasing this for years. To finally win feels amazing. I can’t even explain the feeling.”
A Long Road to Glory
This victory held special significance for Wasserson, who had come agonizingly close to claiming a bracelet in the past. With two second-place and three third-place finishes to his name, the win was a long-awaited triumph. Wasserson’s career live tournament earnings have now surpassed $2.80 million, according to his Hendon Mob profile.
Sharing his mindset during the event, Wasserson said: “You just have to focus on each hand as a new situation. It’s important to make good decisions and keep a positive mentality because it’s never going to be easy.”
Highlights from the Championship
The $25K Dealers Choice Championship was a star-studded affair that attracted the crème de la crème of the poker world. Reigning WSOP Player of the Year Scott Seiver, 17-time bracelet winner Phil Hellmuth, and poker legend Daniel Negreanu were among the late entries on Day 2, bringing the total field to 49.
The prize pool reached $1,225,000, with the top seven finishers guaranteed at least $60,040. But getting into the money required navigating through a gauntlet of top-tier talent, and even the best players faced dramatic eliminations.
Both Negreanu and Hellmuth fell victim to brutal Omaha hands, where their aces were cracked in unforgettable fashion. Negreanu lost a heart-stopping Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO) hand to Seiver when the board delivered a runner-runner miracle for Seiver’s weaker starting hand. Hellmuth exited shortly after when his aces couldn’t withstand a set in an Omaha Hi-Lo clash, missing the money by a whisker.
The bubble burst in spectacular fashion when Ari Engel, a four-time bracelet winner and WSOP Circuit legend, couldn’t hold on with his against Daniel Zack’s . The flop brought a flush draw for Zack, and the turn and river sealed Engel’s fate in eighth place.
The Final Table: A Clash of Poker Titans
The final table was a mixed-game masterclass, featuring some of the brightest minds in poker. The chip counts entering the final table reflected just how competitive the event was:
- Daniel Zack – 1,800,000
- Eric Wasserson – 1,650,000
- Mike Gorodinsky – 1,100,000
- Josh Arieh – 1,000,000
- John Racener – 1,000,000
- Benny Glaser – 700,000
- Nacho Barbero – 270,000
The final table action began with Nacho Barbero being eliminated in seventh place during a No-Limit 2-7 Single Draw hand. Barbero went all-in pat but ran into Benny Glaser’s superior smooth nine, ending his deep run.
Benny Glaser followed suit shortly afterward, exiting in sixth place after losing a Stud Hi-Lo hand to Mike Gorodinsky, who showcased exceptional skills with a seven-high straight and six-low.
The momentum slowed during five-handed play as players exchanged tanking strategies and jokes, creating a lively yet competitive atmosphere. However, the mood shifted when John Racener bowed out in fifth place during a PLO hand. Gorodinsky’s strong full house sent Racener to the rail.
The remaining four players wrapped up Day 2 with Eric Wasserson in the lead, holding a commanding 3.9 million stack.
Final Day Drama: A Battle for the Bracelet
Day 3 began with high stakes and relentless action. Daniel Zack was the first to fall, running into Gorodinsky’s pat jack in a No-Limit 2-7 Single Draw hand.
Mike Gorodinsky seemed poised to challenge Wasserson’s dominance but faced a devastating blow in PLO. His against Josh Arieh’s full house led to a heartbreaking third-place finish, setting the stage for an epic heads-up showdown.
Heads-Up Showdown: Wasserson vs. Arieh
With a bracelet on the line, Eric Wasserson entered heads-up play against Josh Arieh with the chip lead. The two engaged in a fierce back-and-forth battle, with Arieh briefly gaining the upper hand during a No-Limit 2-7 Single Draw hand. His eight-high draw triumphed over Wasserson’s pat jack-ten, evening the stacks.
Wasserson quickly regrouped, employing a calculated strategy to regain control. In the decisive hand, Arieh limped the button with and called Wasserson’s all-in shove with . The board delivered no help for Arieh, and a jack on the turn sealed Wasserson’s victory.
A Moment to Remember
After the win, Wasserson took time to thank his rail, which included several poker legends such as Nick Schulman, Jason Mercier, and Daniel Negreanu. “Thanks to everyone that was on my rail,” Wasserson said. “All of them have played a part in my poker journey. And, of course, thanks to my parents for their constant support.”
With his long-awaited bracelet now in hand, Eric Wasserson has cemented his place in poker history, inspiring fans and fellow players alike.
Complete Results (USD)
- Eric Wasserson – $353,340
- Josh Arieh – $262,090
- Mike Gorodinsky – $194,430
- Daniel Zack – $144,230
- John Racener – $107,000
- Benny Glaser – $79,370
- Nacho Barbero – $60,040
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