Casella denies Schulman eighth gold bracelet; Kessler again comes close but falls short
In 2026 WSOP mixed game events, seven-time bracelet winner Nick Schulman was defeated by Mike Casella in the $1,500 Seven-Card Stud Hi-Lo event, failing to secure his eighth gold bracelet. Allen Kessler finished third in the $10,000 Seven-Card Stud Championship, extending his 21-year gold bracelet drought. Naoya Kihara won that event, while Scott Clements defeated Phil Hellmuth to win the $10,000 Omaha Hi-Lo Championship.
2026 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Mixed Game events saw multiple notable players fall just short of gold bracelets. Seven-time WSOP bracelet winner Nick Schulman made it to heads-up in Event #15: $1,500 Seven Card Stud Hi/Lo 8 or Better, but ultimately lost to Mike Casella, missing out on his eighth bracelet. Had he won, Schulman would have tied the record for most mixed game bracelets, though he said afterward that although the loss stung, he still considers himself one of the most successful mixed game players in WSOP history.
Another heartbreaking battle took place in Event #23: $10,000 Seven Card Stud. Allen Kessler held the chip lead three-handed but ultimately finished third, earning $139,036. According to PokerNews, this marks another "bittersweet" result for Kessler after nearly 100 WSOP cashes — his 21-year quest for a gold bracelet remains unfulfilled. The event was won by Japan's Naoya Kihara, his second bracelet of the series. During the same period, Kristen Foxen won her sixth WSOP bracelet.
Additionally, in Event #9: $10,000 Omaha Hi/Lo, Phil Hellmuth failed in his attempt to win a record 16th bracelet. The title went to Scott Clements, who defeated Mike Matusow in a lengthy heads-up match to earn his fourth career bracelet.
This week's mixed game events saw multiple legends make runs at history, but the bracelet outcomes remain full of suspense.
FAQ
- Nick Schulman currently has seven WSOP gold bracelets, ranking among the top in the mixed games category.