The 2024 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Paradise series has come to a thrilling close with a victory by poker pro Nick Schulman, who claimed his sixth coveted WSOP gold bracelet in Event #15: $5,000 The Closer No-Limit Hold’em Bounty Turbo. After two weeks of intense poker action at Atlantis Paradise Island in the Bahamas, Schulman’s triumph in this high-stakes event has cemented his status as one of the most decorated players in the game.
Schulman’s Journey to Victory
The final event of the WSOP Paradise series saw a packed field of 238 entries, generating an impressive prize pool of $1,190,000. As the tournament’s rapid structure pushed players to make bold moves, Schulman managed to outlast the competition, eventually claiming the first-place prize of $145,000. In a brief but exciting heads-up battle, Schulman bested Ren Lin, a talented player from China, to secure the win.
Schulman’s victory was particularly special as it marked his sixth WSOP bracelet, an achievement that many poker professionals dream of. “This is huge for me,” he said after the win. “Having my family here with me to witness this moment made it even more special. They don’t usually travel with me, so it was a big deal for us.”
His wife and daughter were there on the rail to cheer him on during the final moments of the tournament, and Schulman couldn’t hide his emotion as he reflected on his journey. At 40 years old, the poker pro expressed gratitude for his career and family, adding, “I’m thankful for everything poker has brought me. We had a great trip to the Bahamas, and this win is a sweet way to close out the series.”
Final Table Results: A Star-Studded Field
The final table of Event #15 was packed with high-profile names, but Schulman was the one who ultimately emerged victorious. His win came after a fierce competition that saw some of the biggest names in poker fall short. Below are the results of the final table:
| Place | Name | Country | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nick Schulman | United States | $145,000 |
| 2 | Ren Lin | China | $110,000 |
| 3 | Arkadiy Tsinis | Ukraine | $84,600 |
| 4 | Daniel Negreanu | Canada | $65,200 |
| 5 | Santhosh Suvarna | India | $50,800 |
| 6 | Shaun Deeb | United States | $39,400 |
| 7 | Samuel Mullur | Austria | $30,500 |
| 8 | Meir Meystel | United States | $23,400 |
| 9 | Sosia Jiang | New Zealand | $18,100 |
| 10 | Ebony Kenney | United States | $14,100 |
The tournament’s structure was quick-paced, with players being eliminated at a rapid rate throughout the day. Only 37 competitors remained for Day 2, and the action was non-stop as the field thinned out quickly. Despite the fast pace, Schulman kept his composure and maneuvered through the final stages with precision.
A Family Moment
One of the most touching moments of the tournament came when Schulman shared his emotions after the victory. The presence of his wife and daughter at the final table added a personal touch to an already remarkable win. It was clear that this moment was about more than just the prize money.
Schulman, known for his high-level skill and calm demeanor at the table, acknowledged how much it meant to him to have his family present. “It’s a special thing to have them here with me,” he said. “My daughter is old enough now, so bringing them to The Bahamas was really special. This win feels like the cherry on top of an unforgettable experience.”
The poker world often sees players competing solo, focused solely on the game. However, for Schulman, the support of his family made all the difference. It served as a reminder that, at the highest levels of poker, it’s not just about the accolades—it’s about the personal connections and the journey.
Schulman Reflects on His Career
Having reached his sixth WSOP bracelet, Schulman has proven himself to be one of the game’s greats. His win in the $5,000 The Closer event adds to his already impressive resume. With a career spanning over a decade, Schulman has become a familiar face at the WSOP, known not just for his skill at the table but for his sportsmanship and humble demeanor.
Looking back on his career, Schulman expressed gratitude for the opportunity to play poker professionally. “Poker has given me so much,” he said. “I’ve had bad days and great days, but I’ve learned to appreciate both. As I get older, I realize how lucky I am to do what I love for a living.”
Schulman’s win in the Bahamas is another milestone in a career that has already been filled with numerous successes. His six WSOP bracelets are a testament to his ability to perform under pressure, and as the poker world looks to the future, Schulman’s name remains one to watch.
