The 2024 World Series of Poker (WSOP) crowned another first-time bracelet champion, as American poker pro and ICU nurse Brek Schutten overcame a field of 272 in Event #21: $25,000 High Roller No-Limit Hold’em (6-Handed), securing his first gold bracelet and a career-high $1,405,641 in prize money.
This was the second seven-figure score for Schutten, who cashed for $1,261,095 in 2021 for winning the World Poker Tour Seminole Hard Rock Poker Open $3,500 buy-in main event. He now has more than $5.3 million in live tournament earnings to his name despite not being a full-time poker professional.
WSOP 2024 Event #21: $25,000 High Roller No-Limit Hold’em Quick Recap
This event ran for three days and drew a field of 272 entries and generated $6,392,000. The top 41 finishers were paid out, with Chris Brewer (26th for $53,483), Ben Tollerene (25th for $53,483) Erik Seidel (24th), Andrew Lichtenberger (23rd for $64,249), Alex Foxen (18th for $64,249), Pieter Aerts (14th for $79,084), India’s Santhosh Suvarna (13th for $79,084), Justin Saliba (12th for $79,084), Stoyan Madanzhiev (10th for $99,685), and Ognyan Dimov (7th $169,719) being names to cash.
The final table featured the likes of bracelet winner Masashi Oya (6th for $229,002), Brandon Wilson (5th for $315,771), Taylor von Kriegenbergh (4th for $444,766), and Michael Rocco (3rd for $639,620).
Schutten’s journey to victory was nothing short of spectacular as he overcame a field packed with seasoned high rollers and former bracelet winners. After navigating Day 2 as a chip leader, Schutten took out Dimov to enter the final table among the larger stacks on Day 3. Bracelet winner Masashi Oya ($229,002) was the first to fall, with his K-J suited failing to beat the pocket nines of WPT champion Taylor von Kriegenbergh.
Brandon Wilson ran his K-Q ran into the pocket kings of Schutten and bowed out in fifth place ($315,771). He was soon followed by von Kriegenbergh, who shoved Q-10, trailing the A-Q suited of Michael Rocco. The board helped neither player and von Kriegenbergh settled for $444,766 for his fourth place. He was followed by Michael Rocco who shoved with 7s 4s against the Ad 7c. Stafman called from the big blind and held through the Qd 8d 6s 2s 10d runout.
Heads-up saw Schutten holding roughly a 5:3 chip lead over Stafman. While the latter was able to close the gap and even briefly take the lead, Schutten regained control and won the coveted title. On the final hand, Stafman moved all-in with Ad 9h and Schutten called with Ah Qd. The board ran out Jh 6h 5c 3h 2s, sealing the victory for Schutten and eliminating Stafman in second place ($938,775).
India’s Santhosh Suvarna Finishes 13th for $79,084
Santhosh Suvarna was the only Indian to cash the tournament. A former WSOP bracelet winner and Triton SHR champion, the Indian high roller sensation entered the Day 2 action directly, and did well finishing 13th for $79,084. This marked his first 2024 WSOP cash and his sixth WSOP cash overall.
Event #21: $25,000 High Roller No-Limit Hold’em Final Table Payouts (USD)
1. Brek Schutten – $1,405,641
2. Tyler Stafman – $938,775
3. Michael Rocco – $639,620
4. Taylor von Kriegenbergh – $444,766
5. Brandon Wilson – $315,771
6. Masashi Oya – $229,002
Keep following PokerProNews for the latest updates and news from the ongoing WSOP 2024.
Image Credit: WSOP & PokerNews
