By a narrow margin, the last day of competition at the WSOP (World Series of Poker) 2026 did not see the record for bracelets won by a single player extended. Holder of the all-time best record, Phil Hellmuth was one step away from his 18th bracelet, but was stopped by Darren Rabinowitz, who won his second by taking the Event 99 (US$ 5,000 8-Handed NLH) this Wednesday (15).
Read more “ZENET0” stands out on GGPoker with a podium finish in a High Roller tournament
In two days of tournament, Darren Rabinowitz defeated the entire field of 884 entries to pocket US$ 695,256, in addition to the second jewel of his collection. Hellmuth, who attracted a huge crowd on the rail and in the Las Vegas (USA) hall, ended up with US$ 464,286 and the runner-up title.
Check out the final standings of Event 99:
| Position | Name | Country | Prize |
| 1 | Darren Rabinowitz | USA | US$ 695,256 |
| 2 | Phil Hellmuth | USA | US$ 464,286 |
| 3 | Nicholas Palma | USA | US$ 326,136 |
| 4 | Joshua Stewart | United Kingdom | US$ 232,570 |
| 5 | Nick Pupillo | USA | US$ 168,402 |
| 6 | Victor Li | Canada | US$ 123,846 |
| 7 | Max Kingstone | USA | US$ 92,527 |
| 8 | Connor Belcher | USA | US$ 70,245 |
| 9 | Josh Norvock | Australia | US$ 54,204 |
With a turbo structure, the Final Day unfolded quickly, and Hellmuth reached the final table leading in chips, drawing the attention of everyone nearby. While the “Poker Brat” was holding on and eliminations were happening, the buzz grew more and more.
However, it was Darren Rabinowitz who made the last two eliminations before the heads-up, arriving at the confrontation with Hellmuth with an advantage. Hellmuth reacted, securing an important double up in a straight cooler versus two pairs, but was unable to take control of the match.
Read more Luan Barbosa wins the Bounty Builder High Roller on PokerStars
In a duel lasting over an hour, defying the fast pace of the other moments at the final table, Rabinowitz worked to grow his stack again and eliminate his opponent. In the final hand, the chips went to the center on the turn, when the board showed 9824. Hellmuth had A2o, and Rabinowitz held 97o. The top pair, which was already good, improved to two pairs on the river 7, putting an end to the contest.
The redemption of Darren Rabinowitz
Darren Rabinowitz’s title came at the last chance to change the script of a WSOP that was ending with a bittersweet taste for the American. This is because he had been a highlight in the Main Event as the competition narrowed. However, after suffering a painful bad beat with two outs on the river, he finished the campaign in 145th place for US$ 65 thousand. Now, he has reason to celebrate.
Finally, it is worth noting that Brazil was represented with three names in the payout zone of Event 99. From a prize pool of US$ 4,066,400, payouts were received by Cristian Aquino (20th, US$ 27,537), Pedro Bromfman (41st, US$ 16,364) and Renan Meneguetti (72nd, US$ 10,594).
Read more Jared Griener is robbed after leaving the WSOP and loses all the prize money
