Chris Brewer Wins First WSOP Bracelet but Martin Kabrhel Steals Limelight

One of the WSOP’s biggest events, the $250,000 Super High Roller, concluded over the weekend, but allegations of cheating overshadowed Chris Brewer’s win.

Brewer has long been branded as one of the best without a bracelet, but he shook off that moniker on Sunday by winning the Super High Roller. The $250,000 event attracted 69 entrants, which meant the final nine were playing for the lion’s share of $17.1 million. 

Brewer started the WSOP final table among the chip leaders but, given his luck in major events, it was understandable that people stopped short of proclaiming him the favorite. Despite more than an air of pessimism, those who believed bad luck wouldn’t strike again were justly rewarded. Brewer eventually used his stack and skills to beat Artur Martirosian heads-up. 

Chris Brewer Bags His First WSOP Bracelet 

The win was worth $5.2 million and took Brewer’s career earnings over the $15 million mark. More significantly, it was Brewer’s first WSOP title. With a bracelet in hand, he spoke to members of the media after his victory. Fighting back the tears, Brewer said it “feels good” to finally get over the line after suffering a lot of “tough” final tables in recent years. 

WSOP $250,000 Super High Roller Result

1. Chris Brewer - $5,293,556
2. Artur Martirosian - $3,271,666
3. Martin Kabrhel - $2,279,038
4. Alex Kulev - $1,632,005
5. Chance Kornuth  - $1,202,318
6. Dan Smith - $912,022
7. David Peters - $712,953
8. Brandon Steven - $574,899
9. Steven Veneziano - $478,663

Chris Brewer bagging his first bracelet was the talk of Twitter over the weekend. However, the performance was somewhat overshadowed by the altercation between Martin Kabrhel and Dan Smith. Kabrhel is well-known for talking a lot and, during the $250,000 final table, his antics irked Smith.

Martin Kabrhel Controversy Leaves Black Mark on WSOP Event 

To make matters worse, Kabrhel eliminated Smith. Dan Smith moved all-in with A♦ Q♦ and, after going into the tank, Kabrhel called with 10♦ 6♦. The board ran out 8♣ 4♣ 6♥ 8♥ K♠ to send Smith to the rail in sixth place. As he left, Smith called Kabrhel the “worst” person he’s played poker against. He went on to say he should be “banned” from WSOP events.

Banning someone from WSOP events just because they talk a lot and take their time making decisions seems like a harsh punishment. The problem, it seems, goes beyond those frustrating antics. Andrew Robl joined the discussion surrounding Smith’s comments and accused Kabrhel of marking cards.

“How is Martin Kabrhel not banned from the WSOP? He makes any tournament no fun for anyone and, on top of it, I’ve seen him mark cards in every tournament I’ve ever played with him,” Robl tweeted on June 18.

He doubled down on that allegation on Monday by liking a thread that appears to show Martin Kabrhel marking cards. 

Those videos aren’t evidence Kabrhel marked cards or cheated in any way. 

However, they are being used by others to support the claims made by Robl. 

Kabrhel denies the allegations. He responded to Robl’s tweets on Monday, saying that he’s “shocked” and ready to take legal action. 

With Kabrhel going on the offensive, the latest WSOP drama looks set to continue for the next few weeks at least. 

Unfortunately for Brewer, this means his maiden WSOP win has been somewhat overshadowed. However, once the controversy finally fades away, Brewer’s victory will remain written in the history books for eternity.