WSOP 2026: Calvin Anderson Wins $10k Razz Event, Max Kruse Misses Gold Bracelet

The 2026 World Series of Poker (WSOP) is in full swing, with a $10,000 buy-in [Razz] event drawing the attention of poker enthusiasts. In the end, American pro Calvin Anderson claimed the title with an outstanding performance, earning his first WSOP [gold bracelet] and a hefty prize. German notable Max Kruse finished as runner-up, narrowly missing out on the bracelet.

Event Background

[Razz] is a low-hand variant of Seven-Card [Stud], where the goal is to make the lowest possible five-card hand. Aces are low, and straights and flushes do not count, so the best hand is A-2-3-4-5, known as the [Wheel]. Razz has a long history at the WSOP and demands solid hand-reading and bluffing skills, making it a favorite among seasoned players.

Tournament Progress

The $10k Razz event attracted over 200 entrants. After multiple rounds of action, the [final table] was set on Day 3. Calvin Anderson played steadily from the start, consistently among the chip leaders. At the [final table], he eliminated several tough opponents, including a former gold bracelet winner.

In heads-up play, Anderson faced German amateur Max Kruse. Kruse, best known as a professional footballer, has recently made a name for himself on the poker scene. Although Kruse successfully bluffed several times during the match, Anderson's greater experience gave him the edge in key hands. On the final hand, Anderson made A-2-4-5-7 to beat Kruse's 2-3-4-6-8, securing the victory.

Player Profiles

Calvin Anderson is a professional poker player from the United States who has previously performed well in both online and live events. This victory marks his first WSOP [gold bracelet] and further solidifies his place in the poker world.

Max Kruse is a well-known German footballer who has played for clubs such as Borussia Dortmund and VfL Wolfsburg. He has participated in poker events multiple times and recorded results on the European Poker Tour. Making the WSOP final table and finishing second here demonstrates his crossover ability from the pitch to the felt.

Significance of the Event

While Razz is not as mainstream as No-Limit Hold'em at the WSOP, it remains a staple of the traditional schedule. This year's $10k Razz attracted many top players, giving the championship high prestige. For Calvin Anderson, this gold bracelet is a major career milestone; for Max Kruse, the runner-up finish will only motivate him to continue competing.

As WSOP 2026 continues, more exciting events are yet to come. Poker fans can look forward to thrilling action in the Main Event and various side events.

(Note: The above content is based on tournament result reports. Exact prize amounts and player details are subject to the official WSOP announcement.)