Jason Mercier Claims His Third WSOP Gold

It was a big day for Jason Mercier, as some hours ago he has claimed another WSOP bracelet, bringing his total count to three. While the bracelets from 2009 and 2011 came from PLO events, this time around 28-year old pro conquered a $5k NLHE six max event, claiming the first place prize of $633k.

Mercier seemed particularly pleased about the fact that he was finally able to win in a NLHE event. To top a field of 550 entries, full of great players, is quite an achievement even for a seasoned pro of Mercier's caliber, especially given the fact that things haven't been going his way thus far this summer.

When the starting field was finally reduced to a final table of six, Mercier was not looking at an easy victory by any standard. Sitting left, right and across were Dario Sammartino, Simon Deadman, Igor Dubinsky, James Obst Mike Gorodinsky - every single one of them with a lot of experience in big events and at big final tables.

Lady Luck certainly helped the young American along, as he started the final table strong, eliminating three players within the first eleven hands of the final table. First fell James Obst, who now has 8 WSOP cashes to his name, followed by Igor Dubinsky and Dario Sammartino who was playing his second final table of 2015 Series.

Omgggggoodness. Binked AKs vs QQ for a huge pot!!! T36... Q... Jack!!!

5.8 mill and massive chipleader with 5 left. Lets gooooooooo!

— Jason Mercier (@JasonMercier) June 18, 2015

This gave Jason a huge lead over the remaining two players and all the signs were there that he would be adding another bracelet to his resume. After Mike Gorodinsky, who's been having a great WSOP thus far, but still only has one bracelet from 2013, was eliminated in third, the American pro found himself only one elimination away from the title.

His final obstacle was the UK player Simon Deadman who, despite of having no bracelets to his name just yet, is definitely a force to be reckoned with. It took about an hour of chips going back and forth before they finally got the money in the middle, with Jason holding only a slight chip lead. It was the hand that would determine a winner either way, and it was a virtual coin-flip, as Mercier's pocket Sixes were up against Deadman's King-Queen.

It was a dangerous flop, giving Simon a lot of options, but both turn and river were of a brick variety, meaning that it was all over. Mercier claimed his third career bracelet and his first NLHE WSOP event, while Deadman's runner-up finish brought him $391,446 - the biggest cash of his career.

Won it! 3rd bracelet in the books! #ScoopJardine

— Jason Mercier (@JasonMercier) June 18, 2015