2023 World Series of Poker Week 3 in review

(PRESS RELEASE) -- Las Vegas is no stranger to champions, and neither is the World Series of Poker. As the city celebrates the Vegas Golden Knights first Stanley Cup, the third week of the 54th annual WSOP concluded with its own roster of history-making champions, including the first-ever Gladiator of Poker and Badugi bracelet holders. With a little over two weeks to go until this year’s highly-anticipated Main Event, the excitement of this year’s WSOP is reaching a fever pitch, promising much more historical, record-breaking action in the weeks to come.

Week 3 Highlights
- Jason Simon Tops a Field of 23,088 to Become First-Ever ‘Gladiator of Poker’

• After three grueling days of play, St. Louis native Jason Simon defeated a staggering field of 23,088, claiming his first WSOP gold bracelet, $499,852 in cash, and the title of WSOP’s first-ever ‘Gladiator of Poker.’ A new event for this year’s tournament, the Gladiators of Poker event saw the second-highest number of entries at the WSOP, second only to the Big 50 event in 2019.

- Michael Rodrigues Takes Down Yingui Li to Become the First Badugi Champion

• After less than an hour of play on the final day, Portuguese pro Michael Rodrigues took home his first WSOP gold bracelet and $144,678 in prize winnings, becoming the first-ever Badugi champion. Besting a field of 516 runners, Rodrigues’ victory is the largest live tournament cash of his career.

- A Promise Fulfilled: Shaun Deeb Takes Home His Sixth WSOP Gold Bracelet in Event #27: $1,500 Eight Game Mix

• Days after making a promise to get his sixth bracelet before fellow pro Josh Arieh retires, Shaun Deeb emerged victorious in Event #27: $1,500 Eight Game Mix, taking home his sixth WSOP gold bracelet and $198,854 in cash. Deeb now joins an elite list of players with six bracelets including hall of famers Layne Flack and Daniel Negreanu.

- Mixed Game Expert John Monnette Takes Home His Fifth Bracelet in Event #330: $1,500 Limit 2-7 Triple Draw

• Following an action packed heads-up duel with Christopher Chung, John Monnette became the 35th player to win their fifth WSOP bracelet. Known as one of the best mixed game players, Monnette now joins Josh Arieh and Brian Yoon, who both earned their fifth earlier this year.

- Josh Arieh Claims His Fifth WSOP Gold Bracelet and $316,226 in Event #22: $10,000 Limit Hold’em Championship

• Josh Arieh emerged victorious after defeating a field of 134 to win his fifth WSOP gold bracelet and $316,226 in winnings. Arieh now has earned over $8.5 million in WSOP cashes, with his biggest cash from 2005’s Main Event for $2.5 million.

What To Look Forward To

- “Go For Gold” June Promotion
WSOP.com kicked off a June promotion with 2006 Main Event winner Jamie Gold, who won the biggest Main Event field in history. Gold will be livestreaming WSOP Online bracelet events each Sunday and players who outlast him or meet play criteria at live-action tables are eligible to win a seat in a $50,000 freeroll to play against the poker legend. Full promotion details are available on WSOP.com:

Upcoming Marquee Events

- Event #39: $1,500 MONSTER STACK No-Limit Hold’em – Flight A
- Event #39: $1,500 MONSTER STACK No-Limit Hold’em – Flight B
- Event $53: $1,500 Millionaire Maker No-Limit Hold’em – Flight A
- Event #56: $500 Salute to Warriors – No-Limit Hold’em

The full 2023 WSOP schedule, including a booking link for discounted participant hotel rates, can be found on WSOP.com. Players should follow @WSOP on Twitter or IG or check WSOP.com for event news and updates.

Upcoming WSOP bracelet livestreams on PokerGO

- Tonight at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT – Event #35: $10,000 No-Limit Hold’em Secret Bounty
- Saturday, June 17 – Event #38: $10,000 Limit 2-7 Triple Draw Championship
- Saturday, June 17 – Event #40: $250,000 Super High Roller (Day 2)
- Sunday, June 18 – Event #40: $250,000 Super High Roller
- Monday, June 19 – Event #42: $800 No-Limit Hold’em Deepstack
- Tuesday, June 20 – Event #39: $1,500 MONSTER STACK
- Tuesday, June 20 – Event #43: $50,000 Poker Players Championship (Day 3)
- Wednesday, June 21 – Event #43: $50,000 Poker Players Championship (Day 4)
- Thursday, June 22 – Event #43: $50,000 Poker Players Championship