It only took ten final tables, but persistence paid off: Eddie Blumenthal captures his first WSOP bracelet in Event #45’s $2,500 Mixed Omaha Hi‑Lo/Stud Hi‑Lo tournament.
The World Series of Poker’s stud‑8 and Omaha‑8 faithful were treated to a storybook payoff on June 17, 2026, as Eddie Blumenthal finally broke through for his first bracelet in Event #45. The Wisconsin grinder, having tallied ten final tables and multiple deep runs, conquered a star‑studded field to topple one of poker’s most elusive prizes.
Closing the Gap: From Near‑Misses to Victory
As PokerNews reported, Blumenthal outlasted a field of 587 entrants to capture the $2,500 Mixed Omaha Hi‑Lo/Stud Hi‑Lo 8 or Better event, earning $248,545 and claiming the lion’s share of the $1.3 million prize pool. It marked the high‑water mark of his mixed‑games career — and the long‑awaited bracelet to match.
Card Player also confirmed that Blumenthal vanquished a tough final table to notch his maiden WSOP gold, underscoring the culmination of a journey marked by close calls and near‑glorious finishes.
Final Table Highlights and the Turning Point
PokerNews’ live coverage described a tense final day where Blumenthal seized the chip lead with five players remaining and maintained relentless pressure down to the final heads‑up duel. His opponent, Nikolai Fal, had previously won his first bracelet in a Hi‑Lo format back in 2024, but succumbed this time — collecting $165,530 for second place.
According to Card Player, the final showdown saw Blumenthal flexing his mixed‑games prowess. He closed out multiple scoops and exploited his advantage in both game variants to steadily build a commanding lead before sealing the win.
A Career Milestone and What’s Next
The result pushed Blumenthal’s career live earnings past $2.7 million, while earning him 1,260 Player of the Year points and catapulting him into WSOP’s POY race rankings. Earlier in the year, he had scored a deep run on the WPT circuit, finishing sixth in the Lucky Hearts Poker Open for $127,000 and 480 POY points — a strong foundation that paid off in spectacular fashion here, PokerNews notes.
Card Player also highlights several notables who ran deep: bracelet winners like Cyndy Violette, Andrew Yeh, and Justin Liberto made strong showings, as did other mixed‑games specialists, underscoring the strength of the field.
Blumenthal’s Reaction—Relief and Validation
In the emotional aftermath, Blumenthal told PokerNews, “It feels nice to finally have a whole final come together, and be able to close it out.” His words carried the weight of persistence, a fitting sentiment for a player who had been inches from glory on multiple occasions.
How This Fits Into the Bigger WSOP Landscape
- This win adds to a string of prominent mixed‑games bracelet wins in 2026, including Jason Daly’s third career bracelet in $1,500 Omaha Hi‑Lo from earlier in the series.
- It highlights the deep field and growing diversity of event winners — from mixed‑games veterans to first‑time titleholders — that make this year’s WSOP one of the most competitive in memory.
- Blumenthal’s breakthrough story resonates with any faithful mixed‑games grinder watching the rail long enough: perseverance, adaptability, and a flair for nuance ultimately pay off.
As the summer marches on and players chase the remaining bracelets, one thing’s clear: Blumenthal’s long‑sought victory is more than a personal milestone — it’s a reminder that in poker, as in life, sometimes the sweetest victories are the ones earned the hard way.
Sources
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