Chinese Yang Wang won one of the most important titles of his career at the start of WSOP 2026. He overcame a field of 716 entries in Event #5 (US$ 5,000 Pot-Limit Omaha) and claimed the first bracelet of his career, as well as a prize of US$ 595,388.
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Moreover, the tournament gathered some of the top specialists in the discipline. The event distributed a prize pool of US$ 3,293,600, while Yang had to overcome a final table full of experienced players to confirm the victory. Among the Brazilians, Francisco Baruffi (50th) and Yuri Martins (55th) cashed and each received US$ 12,199.
However, the big highlight of the final stretch was Jesse Lonis. Owner of two WSOP bracelets and one of the main names on the world circuit, the American started the Final Day with a huge chip lead and was the absolute favorite for the title. Still, Yang found an impressive comeback to turn things around.
Meanwhile, the heads-up put two players at different stages of their careers face to face. Lonis was seeking his third bracelet, while Yang was trying to win his first series jewel. The American ended up as runner-up and took home US$ 396,892, while Evan Krentzman completed the podium with US$ 277,537.
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Check out the final table payouts:
| Position | Name | Country | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yang Wang | China | US$ 595,388 |
| 2 | Jesse Lonis | United States | US$ 396,892 |
| 3 | Evan Krentzman | United States | US$ 277,537 |
| 4 | Justin Scott | United States | US$ 197,139 |
| 5 | Stephen Hubbard | United States | US$ 142,279 |
| 6 | Dylan Weisman | United States | US$ 104,359 |
| 7 | Jarred Graham | Australia | US$ 77,815 |
| 8 | Zackary Estes | United States | US$ 59,001 |
| 9 | Edward Leonard | United States | US$ 45,502 |
First major career title
However, despite already having significant results on the international circuit, Yang Wang was still seeking a victory of this magnitude. With this result, he surpassed the mark of US$ 6 million in live earnings, according to The Hendon Mob.
Before the win in Las Vegas, his best career result had been a runner-up finish in the US$ 50,000 Pot-Limit Omaha at WSOP Paradise 2024, when he earned over US$ 1 million.
Finally, the Chinese player revealed that patience was key to achieving the title. “I folded many big hands at the final table and just waited and waited until the right moment appeared”, the player explained to “PokerNews” after the victory.
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