Adam Friedman has achieved one of the most incredible feats in live poker by successfully defending his title in the WSOP $10,000 dealer’s choice championship. Friedman, who had won the event in 2018, overcame a field of 122 entries to secure back-to-back wins in this poker tournament. For his grand win, Friedman earned his third WSOP bracelet and the top prize of $312,417, which is the largest cash of Friedman’s career and it has taken his live earnings to more than $2.8 million.
Friedman outlasted a strong final table on his way to defending the title. He started the fourth and final day as second in chips, behind eventual runner-up Shaun Deeb, who was looking for his fifth career WSOP bracelet. New York’s Nick Schulman exited in sixth-place for $52,656. Two California-based players, David Moskowitz and Michael McKenna finished in fourth ($100,440) and fifth ($72,653) places. After Matthew Glantz exiting in third place for $139,126, the heads-up took place between Friedman and Deeb. Friedman had taken the advantage by a 3:2 margin by the time he and Deeb began the heads-up play, which ended with Friedman notching up a repeat win.
While the chip lead changed several times, Deeb could not go all the way, eventually finishing runner-up in the tournament. The last hand of the heads-up saw Friedman raising to 60,000 with 8d 7c. Deeb three-bet to 250,000 with Ah Jc. Friedman called and the flop opened 8c 7d 4h. Deeb bet 175,000 and Friedman raised to 530,000. Deeb called and 7h hit the turn. Deeb check-called a bet of 670,000 from Friedman. The Js completed the board and Deeb checked. Friedman shoved, having Deeb’s 1,725,000 covered. Deeb called with his jacks and sevens and lost to Friedman’s full house. Deeb earned $193,090 as runner-up finisher, while Friedman took home $312,417 for his win.
Final Table Payouts
| 1 | Adam Friedman | $312,417 |
| 2 | Shaun Deeb | $193,090 |
| 3 | Matthew Glantz | $139,126 |
| 4 | David Moskowitz | $100,440 |
| 5 | Michael McKenna | $72,653 |
| 6 | Nick Schulman | $52,656 |
