The United States may dominate the World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet count, but this week saw the addition of two new countries to the winners’ list: Moldova and Poland secured their first live-poker tournament victories, expanding the roster of triumphant nations.
While the US reigns supreme with a staggering 1,453 WSOP bracelets, as reported by The Hendon Mob, Canada (78) and England (60) hold second and third place, respectively. Surprisingly, even Morocco and Kosovo have secured spots on the list over the past few years.
With impressive performances that involved defeating renowned players, both Moldova and Poland have now made their mark in live tournament wins. As the ongoing series unfolds, there is still a chance for these two countries to add more accolades to their names.
Poland Celebrates a WSOP Bracelet via Horecki
In the WSOP $1,500 seven card stud eight-or-better event, 566 participants vied for victory, including notable figures like Brian Rast and Sergio Braga. Another longstanding player was present, still chasing his first WSOP title seventeen years after his inaugural live cash.
Horecki faced formidable odds as he maneuvered his way to the final table and ultimately emerged as the winner. Starting the last day of action near the bottom of the chip counts, he employed a strategic approach to navigate the challenging landscape.
This journey involved surpassing Rast, a six-time WSOP bracelet winner and three-time Poker Players Championship victor, who bowed out in seventh place. Horecki also had to contend against Matusow in a thrilling heads-up battle for the coveted triumph.
As contenders dwindled, Horecki and Matusow engaged in a gripping showdown. Although Horecki initially held a commanding chip lead, Matusow, a 2023 Poker Hall of Fame finalist, tenaciously fought his way back.
Finally, the finish line was in sight. Matusow found himself on the ropes with a rapidly diminishing chip stack. Despite an all-in move and an ardent plea to the poker gods, fortune did not favor him. He settled for second place, pocketing $95,957.
Horecki ended his victory drought in spectacular fashion, propelling his lifetime live poker winnings to nearly $1.6 million. His last first-place win occurred six years ago when he triumphed in the €330 Seven Card Stud tournament during the WSOP Circuit series in Rozvadov, Czech Republic.
Poland already boasted a WSOP bracelet, secured through an online tournament when Dominik Panka emerged victorious in the $2,100 No-Limit Hold’em – Bounty Championship in 2021.
Moldova Celebrates its First WSOP Bracelet
Until Pavel Plesuv’s triumph, Moldova had never produced a WSOP bracelet winner, despite several attempts by its poker players. Among them, Dragos Trofimov stands out, having achieved considerable success and consistently ranking among the country’s top money earners.
When Plesuv entered the WSOP $1,500 Millionaire Maker No-Limit Hold’em event, he likely did not anticipate emerging as the champion. As Moldova’s leading poker player with approximately $5 million in winnings before the tournament, he had yet to capture a WSOP bracelet.
After five days and a field of 10,430 competitors, everything changed. Plesuv began to grasp the potential outcome as he secured a seat at the final table. The pivotal moment arrived during a monumental hand.
In a thrilling turn of events, Plesuv completed a straight with an A-2 combination when the board delivered the necessary runners. Head-to-head against Andreas Kniep, who had lured him into an all-in confrontation, Plesuv’s opponent gloated with confidence.
However, the German poker professional’s demeanor quickly turned somber as the cards were revealed. He realized his pocket Aces had been vanquished and was destined to depart in fourth place.
A few hands later, Plesuv triumphantly raised the WSOP bracelet, celebrating alongside his friends and family, with an additional $1.2 million in his pocket. Ribouchon claimed second place, earning $1 million for his commendable finish.
These recent victories by Moldova and Poland add further excitement and diversity to the prestigious World Series of Poker, showcasing the global appeal and ever-expanding reach of the game. As the tournament progresses, the stage is set for more captivating moments and unforeseen triumphs.
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