Just two days after falling short in the $50K seven‑handed, Schulman clinches the most lucrative win of his storied career and seizes the lead in the 2026 POY race.
Jeju, South Korea — In a stunning display of resilience and mastery under pressure, Nick Schulman transformed a near miss into a crowning achievement at the Triton Super High Roller Series Jeju II. Two days after finishing runner‑up in the $50,000 seven‑handed event, the Poker Hall of Famer surged to victory in the $100,000 No‑Limit Hold’em Main Event, outperforming a field of 196 entries to secure the largest single cash of his career — $3,854,888 — and add another illustrious title to his résumé.
Turning Runner‑Up Pain into Triumph
According to Card Player, Schulman’s runner‑up finish in the $50K NLH seven‑handed event just two days earlier brought him $810,279. But rather than let the near miss dampen his spirits, he channeled it into motivation and confidence at the Main Event.
PokerNews paints the full picture: Schulman stood atop a stacked final table, defeating Bernhard Binder heads‑up in a hard fought battle, emerging victorious from the 196‑entry field at LES A Casino in Jeju for $3,854,888. The win notably represents the biggest tournament score in Schulman’s career.
A Storied Career, Elevated Yet Again
Schulman, now 41, already boasts an extraordinary poker résumé — eight WSOP bracelets, two WPT titles, and a seat in the Poker Hall of Fame. Becoming just a two‑time Triton champion — his first came in Jeju in 2018 — the latest triumph cements his legacy among poker’s elite.
Card Player adds that this victory also delivered 1,680 Card Player Player of the Year points — vaulting Schulman into the outright lead in the 2026 POY race. With 13 final‑table appearances and three titles this year, his momentum is undeniable.
Final Table Drama and the Defining Moment
Details from both outlets trace the escalating tension of the final table. PokerNews recounts the fluctuating fortunes, from Wesley Fei’s early resurgence to Xu Yang’s ascent, Lazauninkas’ deep run, and the pivotal shift as Schulman seized control after an aggressive shove that caught a draw against Binder.
Card Player offers riveting detail on the final hand: heads‑up negotiations locked Schulman $3,714,888 and Binder $3,080,112, leaving $140,000 and the prestigious title on the line. Schulman held K♠K♥; Binder had K♣J♦. Binder called an all‑in after the river, but Schulman’s pocket kings held firm — clinching the championship.
Legacy, Gratitude, and What’s Next
Reflecting on his win, Schulman shared raw emotion: “It means the world to me,” he told PokerNews. “I’ve been playing since I was 15…when things go right at this level, it’s something to be grateful for.” He added that while he relishes competing, he isn’t tallying trophies — he simply wants to “hold my head high,” win or lose.
This victory doesn’t reflect an impulse toward globe‑trotting high‑rollers, Schulman said. His base remains firmly in Las Vegas, where most of his volume will continue.
Where This Leaves the 2026 Season
- Schulman’s combined haul from Jeju II — the $810K runner‑up and the $3.85M win — injects nearly $4.7 million into his live‑tournament earnings, pushing his lifetime total over $31.7 million, per Card Player.
- The Player of the Year race now sees Schulman in pole position, with 1,680 points added to his tally and a narrow lead over second‑place Punnat Punsri.
- Bernhard Binder’s runner‑up finish earns him $3,080,112 and 1,400 POY points. Despite falling short, the performance reinforces his status as a force in high‑stakes tournaments.
In a single weekend, Schulman transformed a near miss into lasting triumph — weaving resilience with elite execution and reaffirming why his name moves crowds and money on poker’s highest stages.
Sources
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