WSOP Day 3: First Bracelet Awarded and a Quirky 'Joker' at the Table

Jerome Neppl Claims the First Gold

Jerome Neppl from the USA became the first gold bracelet winner of the 2026 season, dominating Event #3: $500 Industry Employees. This tournament, designed for poker industry employees, attracted 906 entries, generating a prize pool of $375,990.

In the final 77-minute heads-up, Neppl defeated Sean Hamrick. The decisive hand occurred when Neppl with J h 9 h called his opponent's all-in with K d Q d. The board 9 s 7 s K h 4 h 9 d delivered Neppl a set of nines, sealing his victory. “I'm tired,” admitted the winner before making the final call, which earned him $64,083.

Results of Event #3: $500 Industry Employees No-Limit Hold'em

Quirky 'Joker' on the Flop in Mini Mystery Millions

One of the most amusing moments early in the series came from a dealer in Event #1: $550 Mini Mystery Millions. Amongst cards K h and J c, an unexpected instructional card explaining hand rankings appeared on the flop. “We've got a good flop; it's teaching us how to play,” commented the floorman called to the table.

The hand was declared a misdeal, causing a wave of laughter at the table and on social media, where humorous comments about the incident abound. This came in a year when WSOP implemented a new dealer evaluation system via a mobile app, allowing top-rated staff to receive financial bonuses.

The Mini Mystery Millions tournament has completed its third and busiest starting flight 1c with 2,450 entries. Day 1c was dominated by American Matthew Todd, finishing the day with a stack of 2.3 million chips. However, he's still behind the overall chipleader from Day 1b, Tel Avivi, who holds 2.8 million chips.

Chinese Dominance in the Final Five of Event #2

The prestigious Event #2: $5K 8-Handed No-Limit Hold'em reached its final phase after three days. From an original field of 570 entries, only five players remain, eyeing the top prize of $502,985 from the total prize pool of $2,622,000.

Chinese player Chenxiang Miao emerged as the star of the day, achieving a dominant chiplead with a stack of 10,850,000 chips (90 BB) after a powerful finish. He claimed the lead in the day’s last hand by knocking out Ivan Ruban with A h A s against Ruban's A c 5 h.

The title will also be contested by Xiaohu Liu, unpredictable Ren Lin, and Americans Daniyal Gheba and Peter Mugar. The tournament was tough on several stars and bracelet holders who were eliminated on day three, including Julien Sitbon, Renji Mao, and Justin Saliba.

Current Standings of Event #2: $5,000 8-Handed NLH

Jason Daly Aims for Third Bracelet, Selbst and a 90-Year-Old Legend Progress

The second day of Event #4: $1,500 Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better narrowed the field from 828 players to the final 17, who compete at the Paris casino for the coveted bracelet and a prize of $191,362.

Jason Daly leads the current standings, eyeing his third bracelet in four years.

Two incredible stories are unfolding. Three-time bracelet winner and one of the greatest female players in history, Vanessa Selbst, has come out of poker retirement and is the last woman standing, aiming for her fourth gold.

Equally remarkable is the performance of Perry Green — a 90-year-old veteran who won his first bracelet half a century ago in 1976. He proves that age is just a number in poker. Green, who lost the 1981 Main Event heads-up to Stu Ungar, could make history with a victory.

Top 10 Stacks After Day 2 in Event #4: $1,500 Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better

More tournaments are in full swing in Las Vegas, with familiar names making their presence felt. In Event #5: $5K PLO, PLO guru Dylan Weisman leads the field of 716 entries, affirming his status as a top favorite.

Event #6: $1,500 Seven Card Stud registered 359 entries. After the first day, Bradley Jansen tops the leaderboard, followed by five-time WSOP champion Brian Yoon. Among the 62 remaining players, legends like Scott Seiver and Todd Brunson continue to compete.

Sources: WSOP, X, PokerNews