Ray Dehkarghani Wins Latest Gold Bracelet Tournament Victory at 2016 World Series of Poker
There was a lot more on the line than just a World Series of Poker gold bracelet and more than a quarter-million dollars in prize money when Jason Mercier and Ray Dehkarghani became engaged in the fiercest heads-up duel of any gold bracelet competition played thus far as this year’s series.
The focus of the entire poker world focused on the ESPN main stage at the Rio in Las Vegas where Mercier and Dehkarghani tangled in a knock-down, drag-out battle that reportedly could result in a seven-figure swing should Mercier’s tournament tear at the 2016 WSOP continue.
Just three days after winning his fourth career gold bracelet in the $10K buy-in Deuce-to-Seven No-Limit Draw Lowball Championship, Mercier was back onstage again hoping to win a fifth WSOP title and second victory this week.
However, Dehkarghani had his own ambitions. The Iranian-born poker player from Leawood, KS won the $10,000 buy-in Seven-Card Razz Championship tournament, which was played over three days and nights and just concluded on the ESPN main stage at the Rio in Las Vegas. Dehkarghani collected $273,338 in prize money, making this the biggest win of his career.
Dehkarghani won his victory by coming out on top at a final table which included several notables, including Jason Mercier, John Racener, Brian Hastings, Rich Zhu, and Bart Hanson.
The moment of triumph came when Dehkarghani scooped the final pot of the tournament against Mercier who finished as the runner up.
This tourney attracted 100 entrants which created a prize pool totaling $940,000.
This was the 20th event on this year’s schedule. This leaves 49 gold bracelet tournaments still to go in what promises to be the biggest and most exciting WSOP ever.
[Note: This is an abbreviated news feature. A completed final version of this report, with winner quotes, and more data will be posted shortly. Please check back for regular updates as they become available.]