WSOP Day 10: Million-Dollar Triumph of an Amateur, Hellmuth's Unsuccessful Attempt, and Earthquake in Las Vegas

Amateur Stuns Pros in GGMillion$

Day ten of the WSOP crowned a champion in one of the series' most prestigious tournaments. Although five bracelet holders were among the eight final table players of the $10K GGMillion$ High Roller, it was an “amateur” who claimed the victory.

American businessman Naseem Salem (57) from San Diego delivered a performance of a lifetime, besting 627 entries, and walked away with a massive $1.089.964 prize and his first bracelet. Salem, who views poker as just a hobby and relaxation, admitted that his goal was to finish in the top three, but in heads-up, he managed to overcome Alexis Cruz.

The finale was uniquely spiced up by an earthquake that hit Las Vegas, but the brief disruption didn’t halt the battle for the gold bracelet.

The tournament will be remembered by fans also due to a brutal dealer error during Day 3, when a four-card flop was dealt, leading to Ricky Landais's elimination in 22nd place.

Results of Event #11: $10,000 GGMillion$ High Roller

Hellmuth Misses Out on Bracelet, Kihara Ends Long Wait

The climax of the day came in the $10K No-Limit 2-7 Lowball event. Out of 198 entries, Japanese player Naoya Kihara claimed victory. He defeated David Lin in the final heads-up, pocketing $428,923 and his second gold bracelet, ending a 14-year wait for another triumph.

The final was a showcase of poker elite. Legendary Phil Hellmuth drew considerable attention, confirming his top-tier status once more. Although the coveted 18th career bracelet eluded him, Hellmuth finished in an impressive 9th place, marking his second top 10 result during WSOP 2026.

Shaun Deeb significantly impacted the title chase, entering the final day as the interim leader and aiming for his ninth bracelet. Deeb ultimately settled for 5th place and a $99,557 prize.

Results of Event #17: $10,000 No-Limit 2-7 Lowball Draw Championship

Antonio Vargas Takes First Bracelet

A new champion was crowned in the inaugural year of the Circuit Championship. American Antonio Vargas celebrated his victory after a dominant performance, converting his lead from the start of the day into a gold bracelet and a $439,605 prize from a field of 2,148 entries. The tournament, with a total prize pool of $3,231,666, culminated in a dramatic heads-up against Kai Cohen.

The decisive battle for the title lasted several intense minutes and brought some amusing moments, such as the pot being split when both players held a ten as a kicker.

Vargas held the lead throughout heads-up, and even when Cohen managed to spike a double-up several times, the inevitable end came. On the board 5 s T s J d Q d 2 h, Vargas moved all-in, which Cohen called with Q s 3 s. However, Vargas had K c 9 h, securing a winning straight and ending the tournament.

Indian representative Kartik Ved finished in third place, marking his second bronze finish at WSOP 2026 after the Mini Mystery Millions.

Results of Event #16: $1,700 U.S. Circuit Championship No-Limit Hold’em

Benny Glaser Will Not Defend Title in Dealers Choice

This year's Dealers Choice attracted 656 entries, generating a prize pool of $870,850. The financial bubble burst surprisingly quickly in the second level of Day 2, with two simultaneous eliminations negating the need for the traditional “hand-for-hand” phase.

At the end of the day, only 10 players remain in contention for the gold bracelet and the top prize of $161,057. American Philip Wess emerged as the absolute leader, holding a commanding chip advantage. He possesses one-third of all the chips in play.

Trailing in second with a significant gap is Italian star Dario Sammartino, while bracelet holders Nathan Gamble and Jeff Madsen also secured their spots. On the other hand, notable names such as defending champion Benny Glaser (58th), Josh Arieh (54th), and David “ODB” Baker (25th) fell short of the final table.

Current Standings of Event #20: $1,500 Dealers Choice

Nakdali's Dominance in $25K High Roller

The second starting flight of the prestigious $25K High Roller attracted 167 entries, bringing the total registrations to 247 and the current prize pool to $5,804,500. Late registration remains open until the start of level 10 on Day 2, so final numbers are expected to grow.

From this flight, 53 players advanced to Day 2, led by Spanish player Yaman Nakdali, who displayed dominant play. Martin Kabrhel felt the brunt of this performance, being eliminated by Nakdali in a flip with 9 d 9 s against A s K d.

Other superstars such as Daniel Negreanu, Joe McKeehen, Jeremy Ausmus, and last year's champion Chang Lee found themselves on the list of unsuccessful players.

On the other end, Michael Moncek enjoyed successful progress after his bizarre exit in Day 1a, where he lost his stack in a single “blind” hand.

Top 10 Stacks After Day 1b – Event #19: $25,000 High Roller NLH

Thousands Compete for Monster Title

One of the most popular low buy-in events, Event #18: $1,500 Monster Stack, continued the trend with massive player turnout. The second starting flight 1b generated 1,903 entries, from which 667 players bagged their chips after ten levels. Topping the day was Brit Jamie Dwan.

Interesting is the joint progress of renowned British poker couple Sinead and Matthew Davenport. Sinead performed better, securing a preliminary 60th place with three times the chips as her husband.

Simultaneously, Day 2a played out with survivors from the opening flight 1a, totaling 538, along with an additional 293 late registrations. After ten levels, the field dramatically reduced to the last 90 players. American Hayden Hetland emerged as the chipleader. Veteran and bracelet holder from 2006, Ralph Perry, showcased an excellent performance and sits in third position.

Joining Day 3 are also elite pros such as John Juanda, Martin Kabrhel, and Daniel Rezaei.

Attention also turned to the start of Event #21: $1,500 Pot-Limit Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better, attracting 1,093 entries and generating a prize pool of $1,450,957, with $235,377 awaiting the future champion.

After the opening day, 173 players remain, led by Thomas Zanot with a slight lead. Several legends also successfully advanced to the second day, including the trio of Eli Elezra, Josh Arieh, and Benny Glaser, all seeking redemption after early exits in Dealers Choice.

Sources: WSOP, WSOP Live, X