Jeff Madsen wins fifth WSOP bracelet after 20 years, recreating 2006 glory

On June 6, 2026, Jeff Madsen won Event #20: $1,500 Dealer's Choice at the WSOP, capturing his fifth World Series of Poker gold bracelet and $161,057 in prize money. This comes 20 years after his first summer in 2006, when a 21-year-old Madsen became the youngest WSOP Player of the Year in history.

Madsen rose to fame during the 2006 poker boom, winning two gold bracelets that summer and claiming the Player of the Year title, setting the record as the youngest ever. Two decades later, his fifth bracelet further solidifies his legendary status.

The victory came in a Dealer's Choice event, a mixed-game format featuring 19 different poker variants, considered one of the most skill-testing events outside of the championship. Madsen's win showcases his well-rounded expertise across multiple poker disciplines.

Madsen's last WSOP gold bracelet dated back to 2013, making this victory a 13-year drought breaker. He remains one of the few professionals from the poker boom era who continues to stay active and add to his bracelet count.

During the 2026 WSOP schedule, several notable players have already taken down titles, including Kristen Foxen (sixth bracelet), Artur Martirosyan (fourth bracelet), and Kihara (two-win season). Madsen's win further underscores the tournament's favor toward elite players.

For Madsen, this bracelet is not only a career affirmation but also proof that he can maintain a near-20-year competitive edge and remains a force to be reckoned with at major events.