2024 WSOP: John Racener Turns Shortest Stack to Second Gold Bracelet in Event #19: $10,000 Limit Hold’em Championship ($308,930)

In a stunning turn of events at the 2024 World Series of Poker (WSOP), American poker pro John Racener (cover image) clawed his way from the shortest stack on the final table to capture his second gold bracelet in Event #19: $10,000 Limit Hold’em Championship. This victory wasn’t quite the classic “chip and a chair” fairy tale, but it came pretty close.

The thrilling final table at the iconic Horseshoe and Paris Las Vegas saw Racener overcome a field of 133 top-tier poker professionals. In an intense heads-up showdown, he ultimately bested the formidable Chad Eveslage, a three-time bracelet winner, to secure his second WSOP gold bracelet and the $308,930 grand prize. This victory significantly bolstered Racener’s career earnings, pushing his total live tournament winnings to a staggering $12.14 Million.

Wellllll……LETS FUCKIN GOOOO won #2 baby @WSOP #wsopbracelet#2 #WSOP

— John Racener (@racener) June 8, 2024

Eveslage, though falling short of victory, secured a respectable $205,954 for his runner-up finish. This win not only boosted Racener’s WSOP earnings to an impressive $9.66 Million across an astonishing 120 cashes but also marked another significant milestone in his poker journey.

“I am so blessed and grateful to be here,” Racener shared with palpable emotion after his triumph. “I am just so happy to be out here, being able to play and grind.”

This victory was more than just another notch on his belt; it was a testament to his perseverance and passion for the game. Racener, known for his 2010 WSOP Main Event runner-up finish, attributed much of his summer success to the unwavering support of his wife, who allows him to focus on his poker career by taking care of their two sons. He also dedicated this win to his late mother, saying, “I know she is watching above me right now… she is happy as shit right now.”

This victory echoed a similar sentiment from Racener’s first bracelet win in the 2017 WSOP Event #17: $10,000 Dealers Choice 6-Handed Championship. Back then, he wore a shirt emblazoned with “for mom” in her honour and expressed a deep desire to win a bracelet for her. With this second victory, he fulfilled that promise once again.

Now, with renewed determination, Racener sets his sights on the coveted WSOP Player of the Year title, a goal that narrowly eluded him in 2017 when he finished second to Chris Ferguson. “It’s a huge start for me. Every day I’m in Vegas, I’ll be playing,” he stated with unwavering determination.

However, amidst his ambitious poker pursuits, Racener remains grounded in his priorities. “Being with my kids is the most important for me,” he declared with conviction.

The $10,000 buy-in Event #19 drew a competitive field, generating a robust $967,200 prize pool. The tournament saw intense action, with 20 players ultimately cashing out and payouts starting from $20,945. Early exits on Day 2 included notable players like Ahmed Mohamed (17th), Benjamin Underwood (18th), Maria Ho (19th), and Dustin Dirksen (20th), each receiving $20,945 for their efforts.

Day 3 began with 14 players vying for the title, and the action was swift. Early eliminations included Louis Hillman, who finished in 11th place for $24,740, and bracelet winners Renan Bruschi, Nick Schulman, and Dan Shak, who all finished in 12th-14th place, respectively, earning $21,992 each. The unofficial final table bubble burst with the exit of two-time bracelet winner Juha Helppi, who finished in 10th place, also taking home $24,740.

The unofficial final table commenced with Shyamsundar Challa holding the chip lead, closely followed by the formidable Chad Eveslage. The stage was set for a thrilling showdown, but it was John Racener, entering as the underdog with the shortest stack, who defied the odds to emerge as the champion

Unofficial Final Table Chip Counts

1. Shyamsundar Challa – 1,525,000
2. Chad Eveslage – 1,425,000
3. Ronnie Bardah – 1,375,000
4. Marco Johnson – 900,000
5. Justin Kusumowidagdo – 880,000
6. Andrew Kelsall – 600,000
7. Maxx Coleman – 590,000
8. Anthony Marsico – 360,000
9. John Racener – 215,000

The action kicked off with Maxx Coleman‘s early departure. Holding , Coleman went all in on the flop with his two-pair, only to be outdrawn by Marco Johnson’s , which made a straight. The and on the turn and river sealed Coleman’s fate in ninth place.

Final Table Recap

Andrew Kelsall followed suit in eighth place, his proving insufficient against Anthony Marsico’s pocket nines.

Ronnie Bardah‘s run ended in seventh when his , despite flopping top pair on , was outkicked by Johnson’s , which improved to trips on the turn.

The eliminations continued with Justin Kusumowidagdo exiting in sixth after being outplayed by Chad Eveslage.

The early chip leader, Shyamsundar Challa, saw his fortunes dwindle and ultimately fell in fifth place. His last stand came with an , but it was no match for Anthony Marsico’s . The board gave Marsico a pair of eights on the flop, sending Challa packing in fifth place, a tough break for the early frontrunner.

The drama intensified as Anthony Marsico, crippled by a nut flush against Marco Johnson, was dispatched in fourth place by John Racener’s that crushed his .

The three remaining players – Johnson, Racener, and Eveslage – engaged in a tense battle of attrition with stacks deep enough to ensure a long-drawn battle. The deadlock broke when Marco Johnson was eliminated in third place. On a flop, Johnson moved all-in with , drawing to a straight. However, Racener’s held up, ending Johnson’s run with the turn and river, giving Racener trips.

Heads-up play saw John Racener and Chad Eveslage shorten the blinds to accelerate the action. Racener initially dominated, but Eveslage fought back, doubling up to stay in contention. However, Racener’s relentless pressure proved too much. The final hand saw Racener’s best Eveslage’s on a board of , giving Racener two-pair and the victory. Eveslage finished as a worthy runner-up, concluding a thrilling and dramatic final table.

Final Table Results (USD)

1. John Racener – $308,930
2. Chad Eveslage – $205,954
3. Marco Johnson – $142,245
4. Anthony Marsico – $101,062
5. Shyamsundar Challa – $73,922
6. Justin Kusumowidagdo – $55,715
7. Ronnia Bardah – $43,311
8. Andrew Kelsall – $34,759

Content & Images Courtesy: World Series of Poker

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