WSOP 2026: Max Kruse and Philip Sternheimer Advance to Razz Championship Final

According to poker media Pokerexklusiv, the Razz tournament of the 2026 World Series of Poker (WSOP) has entered its final stage. German player Max Kruse and American player Philip Sternheimer have emerged from a large field of competitors to meet at the final table.

About Razz

Razz is a variant of Seven-Card Stud, but unlike regular Stud, the goal in Razz is to make the lowest possible hand. Typically, Aces are considered low, and straights and flushes do not count against the hand, making A-2-3-4-5 the best possible hand. Razz tests a player's understanding of low cards and bluffing skills, and is a less mainstream yet highly technical event at the WSOP.

WSOP Razz Tournament

The WSOP has hosted Razz events since 1971, initially as part of mixed games and later as a standalone tournament. Many top players have won Razz titles over the years, including Doyle Brunson and Phil Hellmuth. The 2026 Razz Championship attracted numerous professional players, and after multiple rounds of play, only two finalists remain.

Final Preview

Both Max Kruse and Philip Sternheimer are seasoned tournament players. Kruse is known for his aggressive style, while Sternheimer excels at calm analysis. Their match-up in the final is highly anticipated. The final will be held soon in Las Vegas, with the winner earning a WSOP gold bracelet and a substantial prize.

(Note: This article is based solely on available reports; the final result has not yet been announced.)