Germany’s Aldemir wins World Series of Poker, beating American in Finals

Germany’s Koray Aldemir is the 2021 World Series of Poker Main Event Champion.

How He Won

Aldemir bested 6,650 competitors from around the world to take home $8,000,000 in winnings in addition to the 10K yellow and white gold Main Event bracelet, which is encrusted with 2,230 rubies, white and black diamonds.

"It felt great,” Aldemir said. “It's the biggest final table in the world, so it's a dream come true. Probably every poker player thinks about this moment when they watch this, believing 'maybe I could be there one day.' "

Aldemir debuted as a professional poker player in 2012. Up to this year's main event, he tallied over $12 million in career winnings.

On Wednesday, Aldemir, Jack Oliver and George Holmes were the final three. Oliver went out first, leaving Holmes and Aldemir to go head-to-head. The matchup lasted over six and a half hours with Aldemir claiming the title on hand 223. Aldemir’s deciding hand started with him calling Holmes’ $6 million and concluded with Holmes all in for $133 million with Aldemir winning with two pair of 10s and sevens.

"This year's Main Event has exceeded expectations across the board," World Series of Poker Senior Vice President, Ty Stewart said in a media release. "To see five countries represented at the 2021 Final Table was amazing, and after a classic battle, we're looking forward to raising Koray's banner this summer at Bally's on the Strip."

WSOP 2022

Caesar’s Entertainment announced that the 53rd World Series of Poker tournament will occur at Bally’s and Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino from May 31- July 19, 2022. Actor, comedian and card player Vince Vaughn will serve as the event’s official celebrity Master of Ceremonies.

The new location for the event follows a 17-year-year run at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino. The WSOP will be held at the Las Vegas Strip inside Bally’s and Paris for the first time.

“We are absolutely thrilled with this year's turnout, both domestically and internationally,” Stewart said in a media release. “As we close out this chapter at the Rio, we are excited to have the iconic Vince Vaughn usher in a new era of WSOP at Bally's and Paris next summer."

Following the announcement of the new location for next year, Vaughn announced his role as the 2022 WSOP Master of Ceremonies. He made an appearance at the WSOP Main Event by starting the final table with a surprise shuffle up and deal moment. Vaughn has been an avid poker player for much of his life and plans on taking part in the 2022 WSOP tournament next summer.

"I have such a strong connection to Las Vegas and am honored to be selected as the Master of Ceremonies for what is set to be the most anticipated World Series of Poker tournament ever," said World Series of Poker Master of Ceremonies, Vince Vaughn. "Poker has long been one of my favorite sports, so to be a part of something as historic as the WSOP finally moving to the Strip is an absolute dream. Vegas Baby, Vegas!"