Kihara Claims Second Straight WSOP Bracelet
Allen Kessler's buzzy run ends at the final table of the $10K Seven Card Stud event.
Naoya Kihara captured his second consecutive World Series of Poker bracelet this week, defeating a final table that included Allen Kessler — who fell agonizingly short of his first career bracelet in the $10,000 Seven Card Stud event, per Poker.org.
Why It Matters
Kihara's back-to-back bracelet wins mark him as one of the hottest players at the 2026 WSOP, a streak that draws significant attention from bettors tracking tournament poker futures and prop markets. Kessler, a veteran known for his vocal presence on social media and his strong advocacy for player value, had built genuine momentum heading into the final stages — making his bust-out a storyline that resonated well beyond the felt. For iGaming operators running WSOP-related markets, deep runs by recognizable personalities drive engagement and handle. Gambling involves risk; poker outcomes are never guaranteed regardless of a player's experience or momentum.
Context
The $10,000 Seven Card Stud event is one of the WSOP's most prestigious mixed-game tournaments, attracting a smaller but highly skilled field compared to No-Limit Hold'em marquee events. As of June 2026, the WSOP is deep into its summer schedule at Horseshoe Las Vegas, with dozens of bracelets still to be awarded across a range of formats.
What's Next
Kessler is expected to continue competing across remaining WSOP events this summer, keeping his bracelet pursuit alive. Kihara, meanwhile, enters the rest of the series as one of the most watched players on the floor.
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