Adam Friedman

Adam Friedman began his poker career focusing on limit and rotation games, a niche that would define his success. His first notable live cash came in 2012, and he gradually built a reputation in the Midwest poker circuit. The turning point came in 2016 when he finished runner-up in the $1,500 Seven Card Stud event at the World Series of Poker, earning $73,128. That near-miss fueled his determination, and he continued to refine his skills in games like HORSE, Eight-Game, and Dealer's Choice. Over the next few years, Friedman cashed in multiple WSOP events, including the $10,000 H.O.R.S.E. Championship and the $10,000 Omaha Hi-Lo Championship, steadily climbing the tournament earnings leaderboard.

Friedman's WSOP resume is highlighted by five gold bracelets, all captured in mixed-game formats. His first bracelet came in 2018 when he won Event #18: $10,000 Dealer's Choice Championship, taking home $293,275. He successfully defended that title in 2019, and after the COVID-19 postponement, he returned in 2021 to win the same event for a third consecutive time. That historic three-peat saw him defeat Phil Hellmuth heads-up, denying the poker legend a second bracelet that summer. In addition to his Dealer's Choice dominance, Friedman has won bracelets in the $10,000 H.O.R.S.E. Championship and other mixed-game events. He also has multiple final table appearances in the $10,000 Seven Card Stud and $10,000 8-Game championships, solidifying his status as one of the most versatile players in WSOP history.

Beyond the WSOP, Friedman has been a force on the PokerGO Tour, particularly during the PGT Mixed Games festivals. As of 2025, he has won three PGT titles, with his most recent victory coming in Event #2: $5,100 8-Game of the 2025 PGT Mixed Games. Entering the final table as the shortest stack, Friedman demonstrated his trademark patience and comeback ability, ultimately winning $170,200 and 170 PGT points. A key hand involved a 2-7 Triple Draw where Friedman made a number three to eliminate Jerry Wong in fifth place for $44,400. This victory vaulted him to the top of the series leaderboard. Overall, Friedman has accrued $1,308,634 in PGT earnings through 17 cashes and 10 final tables, cementing his status as one of the tour's most successful mixed-game specialists.

Adam Friedman is widely recognized for his technical proficiency and calm demeanor at the table. He specializes in limit and rotation games, where his deep understanding of strategy in variants like HORSE, Eight-Game, and Dealer's Choice gives him an edge over many opponents. Friedman is known for his ability to adjust his play based on the game and the tendencies of his opponents. He often employs a patient, value-oriented approach in limit games, while in no-limit rounds, he uses selective aggression. His heads-up play is particularly strong, as demonstrated by his victory over Phil Hellmuth. Friedman also excels at short-stacked play; his comeback from the shortest stack to win the 2025 PGT event is a testament to his skill in high-pressure situations.

With five WSOP bracelets and over $5.1 million in live tournament earnings, Adam Friedman has cemented his legacy as one of the greatest mixed-game players of all time. His three consecutive Dealer's Choice Championship wins are an unprecedented achievement. As of March 2026, his latest cash was $72,150, and he has recorded 146 lifetime cashes. His Global Poker Index rank stands at 4,864. Friedman continues to compete in high-stakes mixed games on both the WSOP and PGT circuits, and his success has inspired a new generation of poker players to explore mixed games. His career demonstrates that mastery of poker's diverse variants can lead to sustained success and recognition in the poker world.