Pavel Plesuv picks up his first WSOP bracelet

The 2023 World Series of Poker in its home at Horseshoe and Paris Las Vegas has crowned a new champion as Moldovan Pavel Plesuv has won his first bracelet. He was the last player standing in Event #53: $1,500 Millionaire Maker No-Limit Hold'em. Although this is his first bracelet, Plesuv has found high success in various WSOP events prior.

With his bracelet win, Plesuv has found his biggest live cash to date. With such prestige and notoriety, Plesuv has won the grand prize of $1,201,564 and his first WSOP bracelet. Plesuv stormed through the field of bracelet winners and notable names as he outmaneuvered the entrants over five days to claim the bulk of the $13,905,360.

It was with little adversity, since Plesuv came into the final day as the chip leader and continued to run hot until the end of the event. Plesuv was supported by a rail of friends and family as he seemed unstoppable marching his way to the bracelet.

Many notables were in the field with David "OBD" Baker chasing his fourth WSOP bracelet. However, Baker was eliminated near the beginning of Day 4 in 30th place. Another bracelet winner Blair Hinkle was also eliminated early in day 3 at 33rd Place.

Plesuv came into Day 5 as the chip leader and he managed to secure the win with little risk. He was never all in or at risk of elimination as he took the tournament down.

PokerNews asked about his success in WSOP events, and how he felt after winning this tournament.

"It feels amazing, as you said I had some deep runs in the World Series, but no bracelets,” said Plesuv. “So, it's really nice to win my first bracelet in such a big field, and for such a big amount my best cash. It feels amazing"

When asked about plans and how he was gonna spend the money.

"We'll see,” said Plesuv. “First of all, I will pay my taxes. Second, I will have some beer and party, and I will continue supporting Ukraine and people in need. Maybe I'll buy a house we will see"

When asked if he felt there was a tipping point or hand that was crucial to his win of the tournament.

"Honestly, I don't have this feeling that I will definitely win,” said Plesuv. “The stacks were pretty shallow and it is swingy. If I lose this ace, 2 vs ace, ace hand I will not be chip leader. I'd say the turning point where I got the chip lead and far ahead of the others was at two tables on the second feature table. We got big stacks there close to each other, and I was getting good hands in good spots to accumulate some chips."

Finally, when asked if there was anything else he wanted to say to the readers.

"Keep studying and keep believing in your dreams,” said Plesuv. “Follow your passion and the results will come. Don't let results affect your life too much. You can extract a lot of good things, even when you have a losing streak.

The day started with Andreas Kniep putting the pressure on the rest of the table, and the first elimination could be credited to Kniep when Vitor De Souza Countinho lost a flip to him. This eliminated the Brazilian in 7th place for $222,749.

The next victim was Myles Mullaly who saw himself on the wrong end of a two outer hit. This tragically ended the American's run in 6th place for $287,522.

Anton Smirnov was knocked out next. He lost a flip to be eliminated in 5th place for $373,524. Following shortly after was Andreas Kniep who had his Aces beat to send him home in 4th place for $501,182.

Next up was Paul Gunness who was eliminated in 3rd place for $650,058. His Ace high hand was beaten in a flip against Plesuv.

The heads-up battle was a short affair and it was the Jacks of Florian Ribouchon that lost to Puslev in a flip. Florian took home $1,003,554 for his 2nd place finish.

Final table results:
Place Winner Country Prize
1 Pavel Plesuv Moldova $1,201,564
2 Florian Ribouchon France $1,003,554
3 Paul Gunness United States $650,058
4 Andreas Kniep Germany $501,182
5 Anton Smirnov Russia $373,524
6 Myles Mullaly United States $287,522
7 Vitor De Souza Coutinho Brazil $222,749
8 Andras Matrai Hungary $173,683
9 Charles Benoit Canada $136,302