Events 57 and 58 folded

After fierce battles, another two deserving players claimed their World Series of Poker bracelets as events 57 and 58 concluded at the Rio in Las Vegas.

In event 57 – the $10,000 buy-in No-Limit Hold’em Six Handed competition, it was US pro Gregory Merson who earned his virgin WSOP bracelet along with a hefty prize of $1,136,197 ndash; his biggest earning to date.

On his way to this major success, Merson had to face off other 473 entrants, including some big names. In the heads-up, he fought and defeated Keith Lehr – a WSOP bracelet holder, who ended up with the runner up prize of $701,757.

Other pay-outs on the final table were:

Shannon Shorr $455,362

Edward Sabat $300,753

Christopher Brammer $200,502

Andrew Lichtenberger $140,531

As for Event 58 – $3,000 buy-in Pot-Limit Omaha Hi/Low Split 8/OB, which ended on the same day, it saw Russian 23-year-old former geologist turned poker pro Viacheslav Zhukov emerge the winner among a field of 526.

Thanks to his formidable play, Zhukov was able to claim his second bracelet and a main prize worth $330,277, besting a final table, which also comprised Roch Cousineau, Chris Bell, David Baker, Randy Ohel, Yuval Bronshtein, Jack Ward, Scotty Nguyen and Juan Ramirez.

In the heads-up, he outplayed Roch Cousineau, who had to settle for the runner-up paycheck of $204,426.

Other cashouts included:

Chris Bell $135,858

David Baker $100,820

Randy Ohel $75,662

Yuval Bronshtein $57,662

Jack Ward $43,840

Scotty Nguyen $33,789

Juan Ramirez $26,235