Las Vegas, NV – The 2024 World Series of Poker has been full of thrilling moments and impressive displays of skill, but perhaps none quite like Event #11: $1,500 Badugi. Badugi is a draw poker variant where players aim to have the lowest hand with four different suits and no pairs. This unique and challenging game drew in a field of some of the top poker players in the world, all vying for a coveted WSOP bracelet and a share of the $500,000 prize pool.
As the tournament got underway at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino, players quickly settled in for what would prove to be a grueling test of their strategic thinking and mental fortitude. Among the notable players who took their seats at the felt were past bracelet winners, high-stakes cash game regulars, and rising stars looking to make a name for themselves on poker’s biggest stage.
The action was fast-paced and intense from the start, with players constantly sizing each other up and trying to gain any edge they could. Bluffs and double bluffs were plentiful, as players tried to outmaneuver their opponents and build up their chip stacks.
As the tournament progressed, certain players began to set themselves apart from the field. Names like Jason Mercier, Vanessa Selbst, and Phil Ivey were among those making deep runs and accumulating chips. However, in a game like Badugi where the swings can be massive, no lead was safe and any player could quickly find themselves on the rail.
As the final table dwindled down, it was clear that the intensity was only ramping up. The remaining players were all seasoned veterans, each capable of making big plays and pulling off impressive bluffs. It was a battle of wits and nerves, with the bracelet and the title of WSOP champion hanging in the balance.
In the end, it was Joe Hachem who emerged victorious, outlasting his final opponents with a mix of skill, luck, and sheer determination. Hachem’s win was particularly impressive given the caliber of his competition, and he walked away with a healthy payday and a shiny new piece of WSOP hardware to add to his collection.
As the final hands were played and the chips were bagged, the players in Event #11: $1,500 Badugi could all walk away knowing they had tested themselves against some of the best in the world. The combination of skill, strategy, and luck that Badugi requires makes it a truly unique and thrilling game, and the players who took part in this event did not disappoint. The 2024 WSOP may be nearing its conclusion, but the memories of Event #11 will surely linger on for years to come.
