WSOPE 2026: Koopmann Defeats Shaun Deeb in a Dramatic Final, Kabrhel's First Controversy

The prestigious World Series of Poker Europe (WSOPE) in Prague kicked off in grand style. The winner of the first bracelet of this year's event was German player Frank Koopmann, who defeated Shaun Deeb in a dramatic heads-up. The opening Mystery Bounty tournament saw its first flights and the first controversy involving Martin Kabrhel.

David vs. Goliath Showdown

The €3,300 Mixed PLO / PLO8 / Big O event attracted a total of 181 entries, creating a prize pool of €543,000. Shaun Deeb entered the final day as the massive chipleader, with a promising shot at his ninth bracelet.

However, in a gripping heads-up match, he was bested by Germany's Frank Koopmann. Shaun Deeb had to settle for a runner-up finish once again—his eighth second-place result in his WSOP career. In the decisive hand, Deeb with K s Q s A d 3 d flopped a flush, but the board read T s 4 s 2 s 4 d K c and Koopmann revealed a winning quad fours with A s 4 h 3 h 4 c. Deeb shook hands with Koopmann and congratulated him on the victory.

Frank Koopmann, who describes himself as a recreational player with a 20-year career, showed incredible tenacity on his way to capturing his first bracelet. “It's amazing to beat such a professional player like Shaun,” Koopmann admitted after claiming the title, adding that Omaha holds a special place in his heart.

Final Table Results of Event #2: €3,300 Mixed Omaha:

Position	Player	Country	Prize
1.	Frank Koopmann	Germany	€123,879
2.	Shaun Deeb	USA	€81,784
3.	Blaz Zerjav	Slovenia	€55,518
4.	Simeon Tsonev	Bulgaria	€38,779
5.	Rishi Amin	UK	€27,894
6.	Dario Sammartino	Italy	€20,682
7.	Dimitrios Michailidis	Greece	€15,820

Kabrhel's Controversy in the Opening Mystery Bounty

WSOPE's opening day wasn't without controversy, courtesy of homegrown maverick Martin Kabrhel. During Event #1: €1,100 The Opener - Mystery Bounty, he was involved in a dispute after it was discovered he held five cards instead of four in PLO. Despite facing possible penalties, he emerged with only a minor chip loss after a lengthy discussion with the floorman, though he didn't survive the first day.

Kabrhel was much more successful on the second day, advancing among the top players during Day 1D. The Opener - Mystery Bounty has already reported a record 2,195 entries with a prize pool exceeding a million euros.

Poker fans will be delighted to know that Martin Kabrhel has decided to vlog his journey at the event on YouTube, ensuring entertainment is guaranteed.

Sources: WSOP, YouTube, X