Welshman Robert Wells Wins First WSOP Bracelet in Thrilling $3K 9-Game Mix.

Welsh poker pro Robert Wells has etched his name into the annals of World Series of Poker (WSOP) history. After multiple close calls, including two second-place finishes in 2024, Wells finally broke through to claim his first WSOP bracelet by conquering a stacked field in Event #58: $3,000 Nine-Game Mix. His victory came with a career-best payout of $228,115 and the respect of the global poker community.

Wells Breaks Through in Poker’s Ultimate Mixed Test

With 409 entries, Event #58 is considered the “Mini-PPC,” a nod to the prestigious $50K Poker Players Championship. The tournament’s nine-game rotation tests a player’s versatility across a variety of formats—Limit Hold’em, Omaha Hi-Lo, Razz, Stud, Stud Hi-Lo, No-Limit Hold’em, Pot-Limit Omaha, 2-7 Triple Draw, and No-Limit 2-7 Single Draw.

Wells, representing the United Kingdom, topped a deep and experienced field, defeating Canada’s Thomas Taylor in a thrilling heads-up match.

“I came second twice last year, so I know that pain on the other side. Being on this side is amazing,” Wells told PokerNews after his win.”

Also Read: Kristopher Tong Snaps His First Bracelet Drought at 2025 WSOP H.O.R.S.E. Championship

Final Table Results – Event #58: $3,000 Nine-Game Mix

From Underdog to Champion: Wells’ Long Road to Glory

At 42 years old, Wells isn’t the most seasoned tournament grinder. He’s a longtime mixed game enthusiast who played poker at various levels of seriousness for nearly two decades. But it wasn’t until a few years ago that a trip to Las Vegas inspired him to pursue tournaments seriously.

“I got bit by the tournament bug,” Wells said. “I’ve been coming back every year since.”

Despite not having the live experience of many of his opponents, Wells’ understanding of multiple formats—and some well-timed cards—proved invaluable in navigating the complexities of mixed-game warfare.

Day 3 Drama: Turning the Tide

Eighteen players returned on Day 3, with the likes of Yuri Dzivielevski, the 2024 champion, and Jonathan Glendinning among the frontrunners. Dzivielevski bowed out in 11th, and soon the field was trimmed to the final eight. Wells began the final table with the chip lead but faced a closely packed leaderboard. One critical moment came in No-Limit Hold’em, when his two pair trumped Taylor’s in a big pot that shifted momentum in Wells’ favour. From there, the Welshman never looked back.

Heads-Up Battle: Skill, Strategy & a Little Luck

Taylor came into heads-up play slightly ahead, but after nearly two hours of high-level exchanges, Wells seized control with a timely trip in Stud Hi-Lo and closed the deal in No-Limit 2-7 Single Draw. On the final hand, Taylor failed to improve with an eight-draw while Wells held a pat ten.

Wells threw his arms in the air as the final pot was pushed his way, marking the end of a long chase for WSOP gold.

The Rail, the Sweat, and the Support

Wells credited his close friend Yuri Dzivielevski for his mentorship and his wife, who was back home in Wales, for her unwavering support.

“She’s stuck at home with the dog while I’m out here. I love her very much and I’m super grateful,” said an emotional Wells.

He also acknowledged how important it was to win this specific event: “Besides the PPC, this would have been the one I’d choose to win.”

A Rising Star in the Mixed Game Universe

Robert Wells’ win is more than just a personal victory—it’s a reminder that mixed game specialists are on the rise. In a Hold ’em-heavy tournament scene, these events demand all-around poker excellence. Wells’ triumph places him firmly among the top contenders for future mixed events and possibly the PPC itself.

FAQs

1. What is the $3,000 9-Game Mix tournament?
This WSOP event tests players across nine poker variants, similar to the prestigious Poker Players Championship.

2. Who is Robert Wells?
A poker pro from Wales, Robert Wells won his first WSOP bracelet in Event #58, outlasting a field of 409 players.

3. What was the final prize for first place?
Wells earned $228,115 along with the coveted gold WSOP bracelet.

4. What hand won the tournament?
In No-Limit 2-7 Single Draw, Wells’ pat ten held up against Taylor’s eight-draw, securing the title.

5. Will Wells play in the Poker Players Championship next?
While unconfirmed, his close friend Yuri Dzivielevski strongly hinted he should take a shot after this win.

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Image Courtesy: WSOP