WSOP 2026: Justin Smith Conquers Massive 16,000-Player COLOSSUS, Turning $500 Into Half a Million (Event #34)

Event #34: $500 COLOSSUS once again lived up to its reputation as the 'everyman' championship, drawing a staggering field of 16,269 entries to the floors of Horseshoe and Paris Las Vegas. The immense player turnout generated a total prizepool of $6,751,635.

The final day was a rollercoaster for Smith. Starting at the final table from fourth position, he found himself in a critical spot with just four big blinds remaining among the last four players. However, a crucial double-up with A-J against Wang's A-6 put him back in the game, allowing him to seize control. Smith eventually eliminated Min Ji, Yuefan Wang, and Victor Chong, paving his way to the final showdown.

The heads-up against Myles German was a one-hand spectacle. German went all-in with 8 s 8 d, and Smith called with A s K h. The board 4 c J h ​​​​​2 h ​​​​​T h ​​​​4 h delivered Smith a winning flush and his first gold bracelet.

"I still can't believe it," said the emotional champion, who, the very next day after his win, returned to his professional duties back home.

Final Table Results of Event #34: $500 COLOSSUS

Source: WSOP

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