2026 World Series of Poker

Day: 1
123
Event Info
2026 World Series of Poker
Final Results
Winner
Winning Hand
q666554
Prize
$159,276
Event Info
Buy-in
$1,500
Prize Pool
$858,892
Total Entries
647
Level Info
Level
35
Blinds
0 / 0
Ante
0
Players Info - Day 1
Entries
647
Players Left
146
Players Left 1 / 647

High-Fives to Heartbreak: Poker Player Celebrates Before Realizing He’s Eliminated

Seiji Sasaki
Seiji Sasaki

It was one of the largest fields at this year's World Series of Poker, and with Event #50: $1,500 Millionaire Maker down to its final two tables, every single decision carried massive implications.

The stakes couldn't have been higher, with the tournament scheduled to mint two separate millionaires by the time a winner emerges on Wednesday. Unfortunately for Seiji Sasaki, the Japanese player will not be among those taking home a seven-figure payday. Sasaki bowed out in 15th place after a dramatic clash with Michael Monroig.

Believing he had secured a vital double-up, Sasaki initially celebrated and high-fived his rail, only to realize the reality when he returned to the table...