2018 WSOP Round-Up: The Series Becomes a Family Affair

As it always does, the World Series of Poker (WSOP) has produced some intriguing headlines, including the first ever mother-son bracelet combo and a big win for Michael Mizrachi.

Michael Mizrachi makes history by winning his third Poker Players Championship bracelet during the 2018 series. (Image: WSOP.com)

Success is in the Genes

After introducing the Super Seniors tournament back in 2015, the WSOP welcomed 2,191 players aged 65+ to this year’s $1,000 event. However, when the final chips had fallen, it was Farhintaj Bonyadi who stood victorious.

The victory not only earned Bonyadi her first WSOP title and $311,451, it put her and her son Farzad in the history books. Despite there being a number of father-son bracelet winners over the years, never had there been a mother-son combination.

Farhintaj changed all that on June 19 as she posed for pictures alongside her three-time bracelet winning son. In the wake of the result, a humble Farhintaj said that she’d learned everything from her son, but Farzad was quick to put the record straight.

“I was standing there for 20 hours trying to help her out, but she did it on her own,” said Farzad. “I’m so happy for her. She deserves it. She’s been cashing so many times. She won a tournament for $50,000, for $45,000, but this is her biggest score,” the long-time pro told the WSOP’s live reporting team.

Mizrachi Does It Again

As the Bonyadis were celebrating, Michael Mizrachi was busy picking up his third $50,000 Poker Players Championship bracelet. Having won the event in 2010 and 2012, Mizrachi was back to his best this year.

Starting the final table with the chip lead, the man known as the Grinder did what he does best. Eventually, with only John Hennigan in his way, Mizrachi took just 20 minutes to seal the deal and collect his fourth bracelet.

As the mixed game dynamic rolled around to No Limit Hold’em, the two players moved their chips in on a Q95 flop. As Hennigan showed JT for a straight draw, Mizrachi tabled 98 for the best hand.

Eventually, after the turn and river brought down the T and 8, the pot was push towards Mizrachi. In celebrating his latest win, the Florida native noted that he’s now managed to equal his brother

Robert’s haul of four WSOP bracelets.

Amateur Beats the Pros

In a break from the family vibe that seems to be sweeping across the Rio this summer, Yaniv Birman has taken the top spot in the $10,000 Seven Card Stud Championship. Although the tournament only attracted 83 runners, many of the game’s toughest players were in action.

The early offing saw Daniel Negreanu, Jason Mercier and Scott Sevier fall by the wayside, clearing the way for Birman to rise up. Despite being a part-time player, the California business owner put in the performance of his career to secure a $236,238 payday.

The final hand saw Birman make a pair of nines to beat Jesse Martin’s busted straight draw. With that, the amateur had beaten the pros to collect his first WSOP bracelet and add another layer of mystique to this summer’s storyline.