Michael Casella Wins WSOP Badugi Bracelet in Thrilling Final Showdown

Michael Casella won the 2026 WSOP Badugi Bracelet, securing his first WSOP gold bracelet and $141,963. Michael Casella is an experienced chess player. He won 840 Card Player Player of the Year points.

Scott Seiver and Nick Schulman were among the final three contenders. Nick Schulman finished as the runner-up, earning $94,607. Scott Seiver finished in third place, earning $62,920. Gary Benson finished in fourth place, earning $42,815. Brant Hale finished in fifth place, earning $29,824. Stephen Nussrallah finished in sixth place, earning $21,279. Walter Chambers finished in seventh place, earning $15,560.

Casella held more than a 3:1 chip advantage over Schulman when heads-up play began. The final two went back and forth for several hours. Schulman was able to overtake the lead briefly, but spent most of the battle with his back against the wall. In the end, Schulman’s final stand saw him get all-in ahead of the final draw with 6♦5♣4♠ facing the 5♦2♠A♥ of Casella. Both players drew queens, and both hit suits that they already held. As a result, it was a showdown of two three-card hands, and Casella’s was best.