Stephen Hubbard

Stephen Hubbard, a native of Utah, has steadily built a reputation as one of the most consistent tournament grinders on the live poker circuit. While he considers himself a Pot-Limit Omaha specialist, his results have spanned multiple disciplines, showcasing a versatile skill set that has earned him over $1.66 million in career tournament earnings. His rise to prominence has been marked by a series of deep runs in major events, particularly at the World Series of Poker (WSOP), where he has repeatedly demonstrated his ability to compete at the highest level.

Hubbard's defining moment came in June 2026, when he captured his first WSOP bracelet in the $1,500 No-Limit 2-7 Lowball Draw event at the Horseshoe and Paris Las Vegas. The tournament attracted a massive field of 626 players, and Hubbard navigated through the competition to secure the title and the $155,819 first-place prize. He defeated Gabriel Paul heads-up after a back-and-forth battle, capping off a remarkable run that saw him enter the final day with a significant chip lead.

The victory was particularly sweet for Hubbard, as it came just days after he finished fifth in Event #5: $5,000 Pot-Limit Omaha, earning his second six-figure score of the series. Reflecting on the back-to-back deep runs, Hubbard told PokerNews, "I mean, that's crazy that (two deep runs) just happened so quickly back-to-back. I have a few other titles, but this one means a lot to me." He described the win as "redemption" after coming so close to his first bracelet in the PLO event.

The final table of the $1,500 No-Limit 2-7 Lowball Draw was a showcase of Hubbard's skill and composure under pressure. The complete results were as follows:

Day 3 began with just six players returning, all seeking their first WSOP gold bracelet. Hubbard held a commanding chip lead, and the action was fast and furious. Philip Jaffe was the first to fall, committing his stack against Gabriel Paul with a seven-draw, while Paul held a pat ten. Jaffe caught an ace and was eliminated in sixth place. Anthony Lamps followed shortly after, getting into a pre-draw raising war against Hubbard that ended with Lamps all in for nearly 50 big blinds. Lamps held a pat ten, but Hubbard drew to a nine and sent him out in fifth place.

Hubbard then took control of the table after winning a couple of significant pots, including one against Dylan Smith where he called with a pair of deuces facing an overbet, accumulating approximately half the chips in play. Timothy Wong, meanwhile, was unable to gain momentum and was eventually eliminated in fourth place, setting the stage for the heads-up duel with Paul.

Hubbard is widely regarded as a Pot-Limit Omaha specialist, with the vast majority of his tournament results coming in that format. However, his victory in the 2-7 Lowball event demonstrates his willingness to expand his repertoire. "[Deuce to Seven] is a fun one, just to put people to the test, and, you know, put them in the spot before they put me in the spot," he explained. "I think I would consider myself a PLO specialist, but I'm trying to become more well-versed in the other games over time and even maybe going back to no limit soon."

His playing style is characterized by patience, aggressive hand reading, and a knack for making critical calls in high-pressure situations. The call against Dylan Smith with a pair of deuces, facing an overbet, is a prime example of his willingness to trust his reads and commit chips when he believes he has the best hand. Hubbard's ability to maintain composure during long tournaments and his disciplined approach to bankroll management have been key factors in his sustained success.

Hubbard's recent results have been nothing short of spectacular. As he noted after his bracelet win, "My last four Hendon scores are gonna be first, first, fifth, and first, which is absurd." This stretch includes two PokerGO Tour titles in PLO events, further cementing his status as one of the top players in that format. When asked about the secret to his success, a humble Hubbard replied, "Yeah, luck accumulation."

Despite his recent achievements, Hubbard shows no signs of slowing down. He wasted no time late-registering into the $1,500 Mixed: Pot-Limit Omaha Hi-Lo event, and he plans to play a full summer schedule right up through the WSOP Main Event. His ambition to become more well-versed in other games suggests that he will continue to be a formidable presence on the tournament circuit for years to come.

With career earnings exceeding $1.66 million, Stephen Hubbard has established himself as one of Utah's most successful poker players, ranking No. 2 on the state's all-time money list. His first WSOP bracelet is a testament to his skill and dedication, and his ability to adapt to different game formats sets him apart from many of his peers. As he continues to expand his game and take on new challenges, Hubbard is poised to leave an even greater mark on the world of professional poker.