Slowly but surely

As expected, this final table is taking its time to unfold. More than two hours after cards went in the air, only two players have been eliminated. At this pace, it could be a long night. But it’s understandable, the pay jumps are massive, and ICM pressure is forcing everyone into a cautious approach. We’ve already seen some big preflop folds, especially early on, with the presence of short stack Joona Nyholm looming over the table.

The Finnish player, who had battled all day yesterday with Thomas Eychenne, eventually takes his shot. He shoves his last 6 big blinds with K♦ T♣ and gets called by Chris Hunichen holding 8♥ 8♠. The flop 7♠ A♦ 7♦ favors the American, but the Q♦ turn gives Nyholm some extra outs. No help on the river, 3♠, and his run ends. Still, a career-best performance and a €140,000 score to add to his resumé.

Next to fall is Brandon Sheils. Considered one of the most experienced players at the table, his journey ends in 8th place, and in two acts.

First, a clash with Hunichen. Sheils opens with 8♥ 8♠, only to run into A♦ A♣ on the button. Standard so far, but things get interesting on a 2♣ K♥ T♥ flop. Sheils checks, Hunichen continuation bets, and then comes a surprising move: Sheils raises to 6 million. Hunichen quickly responds with an all-in. Sheils folds, but loses nearly half his stack, dropping into the danger zone.

The final blow comes shortly after. Hengtao Zhu opens from early position, Nikolay Bibov 3-bets from the hijack with A♣ K♦, and Sheils looks down at A♦ Q♥ in the big blind. After a long tank and multiple time banks, he decides to commit his last 16 big blinds. A risky move, and one that Thomas Eychenne would later describe as “a mistake.”

No miracle this time. Sheils can’t crack the better hand and exits in 8th place for €185,000.

The tension keeps building, and with every elimination, the path to the €2 million prize becomes clearer—and steeper.

Photo credit : WSOP-E

Paul Koessler