Chris Bell Clinches the Title “First World Series of Poker Gold Bracelet”

28^th April , 2025 – It is always good to observe one of the great persons get through, especially when they require it most. This is exactly what turned out on Monday as pro Chris Bell survived in the field of 284 poker players to clinch ‘$5,000 Pot Limit Omaha 8 or better’ event at World Series of Poker 2025. At the final table, Chris Bell went from a short-stack to ‘Hero’ to grab his first Gold Bracelet.

Dan Shak, Dave Ulliott, Erik Seidel, Leif Force and Rob Hollink, each tried to get the title, but after eleven hours of game-play, it was Shak and Bell ‘heads-up’ with many supporters in attendance.

In starting, Shak had lead in heads-up game play and improved it by ‘chipping away’ early on, however Chris Bell doubled-up to make a comeback into the play. Thereafter, on last hand of the event, Chris Bell limped button and pro Shak checked out his options. On the flop of Kc-8h-2h, Shak check raised to ‘460, 000 and then Bell called. The ‘Kh’ paired board on turn and Shak made a bet. Chris Bell moved all in and Shak made a call action. Bell then tabled ‘Ks-Ts-9s-8d for full house, and Shak had the Ah, 9h, 8s, 7s for nut-flush. Shak needed a 3, 4, 5, or 6 on the river to protect low and half of pot, but the ‘9c’ sent him to second place.

Meanwhile, Bell ranked $327, 040 at first place. He made it after long stretch devoid of a huge win for longtime pro. Chris Bell disclosed that after the event he had thought of leaving the game of poker due to hardships included in bringing-up kids while playing the game professionally. However, a friend Eric Lindgren supported and provided financial support he needed desperately, and that changed Bell’s mind.

Chris Bell said, “I want to thank Erick Lindgren. I would not be in Las Vegas right now if it weren’t for Erick”.

The winnings are as:

• $ 327, 040 – Chris Bell
• $202, 142 – Dan Shak
• $150, 925 – David Ulliott
• $113, 444 – Joe Ritzie
• $ 85, 800 – Eric Seidel
• $ 65, 311 – Leif Force
• $ 50, 014 – Rob Hollink
• $38, 549 – Perry Green
• $9, 886 – Jeremy Harkin

Another bracelet awarded was the No Limit Holdem $1,500 Event 45. Several poker pros including Stephen Chidwick and Sam Trickett were fighting for title when the game began, but each failed to make it to final table. This left 9 players in the search of first bracelet with first-place prize of $721, 373 on line. Finally, ‘Jesse Rockowitz’ was declared winner, beating online poker expert Ray Coburn. Jesse Rockowitz, a twenty four years old expert himself, had 2 pair against open minded straight draw of Coburn when chips went in and his hand held-up on the ‘river’ to grab the title.

The ‘Amazon Room’ will be crowded with star gazing enthusiasts again when Second day of the ‘Tournament of Champions’ starts on Monday.