Eli Elezra bested a field of 237 entries in three days to lay hands on the $112,591 first-place prize. In addition, he received his third career gold bracelet at the World Series of Poker.
Elezra's previous wins took place in 2007 (Event #24: World Championship Seven Card Stud Hi-Low Split-8 or Better) and 2013 (Event #59: 2-7 Triple Draw Lowball - Limit). In other words, he now has two victories in Seven-Card Stud events (a game Elezra consider to be one of poker's most skilful games).
"This one was really special to me," Elezra said. "It's the game many of us grew up on and it's played by the most experienced players. When I won the Deuce-to-Seven (in 2013) that was very nice, but I really take extra pride in this one because so many well-known players have won it before me."
He added, "I really love this game. Poker has been such a big part of my life. I know so many good people in it. This time, I had my wife with me and my son, who just turned 21. So, having him here with me for the first time when I won make this one really special to me."
The tournament drew a small but talented field of players. Three of eight finalists were former gold bracelet winners, including Elezra, Allen Cunningham (who finished 3rd), and Matt Grapenthein (who finished 8th).
Aside from the final table finishers, other notable gold bracelet winning players who cashed included - Eric Buchman (10th), Vladimir Shchemelev (14th), Barry Greenstein (16th), Brendan Taylor (21st), Bill Chen (23rd), Perry Friedman (34th), and Mike Leah (40th).
Winner info:
Name: Eli Elezra
Birthplace: Jerusalem (Israel)
Age: 54
Current Residence: Henderson, NV (USA)
Marital Status: Married
Children: 2
Profession: Professional Poker Player
Number of WSOP Cashes: 41
Number of WSOP Final Table Appearances: 12
Number of WSOP Gold Bracelet Victories: 3
Best Previous WSOP Finish: 1st (2007, 2013)
Total WSOP Earnings: $1,293,323
Personal Facts: Prior to immigrating to the U.S,, Elezra once served as an officer in the Israeli Army
