Michael Simhai Hits the Mark for First Gold Bracelet in Event #27: Shootout NLH ($240,480)
At the end of three days of play, Michael Simhai was the last man standing in the 2022 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Event #27: Shootout No-Limit Hold'em. The event hit the 1,000-player cap and Simhai won his table three consecutive days to take home a $240,480 first-place prize.
Simhai, who lives in Beverly Hills, California, took home his maiden gold bracelet for his impressive performance. His previous best live cash was $99,271 according to The Hendon Mob.
Throughout the tournament, Simhai played fast, made quick decisions, and put his opponents in tough spots. Playing a shootout format, Simhai had to beat the nine opponents with whom he shared the table to survive and advance each day. His fast decision-making and aggressive betting kept his opponents on their toes.
Event #27: $1,500 Shoutout NLH Final Table Results
| Place | Player | Country | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Michael Simhai | United States | $240,480 |
| 2 | David Dowdy | United States | $148,618 |
| 3 | Anant Patel | United States | $111,226 |
| 4 | Ravi Raghavan | United States | $84,047 |
| 5 | Timothy McDermott | United States | $64,129 |
| 6 | Roongsak Griffith | United States | $49,414 |
| 7 | Austin Peck | United States | $38,455 |
| 8 | David Yonnotti | United States | $30,227 |
| 9 | Kevin Song | United States | $24,001 |
| 10 | Derek Sudell | United States | $19,253 |
Key Moments
On Day 2, Simhai found himself locked in a long heads-up battle with Ryan Ramsdell. The two players battled back and forth over small pots until a massive cooler would settle the match. Ramsdell had pocket kings against Simhai's ace-queen. All in preflop, Simhai found an ace on the river to propel him to the final table.
It was there during three-handed play that Simhai called a raise from Anant Patel. Patel flopped top pair on the jack-high board, but Simhai flopped two pair that held up for a massive pot.
David "The Assassin" Dowdy found himself heads up with Simhai at the end of the day. Dowdy started the final table hot, eliminating Derek Sudell when he ran ace-king into Dowdy's aces. Dowdy amassed a large stack early that carried him down to three-handed play neck-and-neck with Simhai. He stumbled when he doubled up Patel and went into heads-up play as a 4:1 underdog.
"He's the nicest guy, one of the nicest guys I've ever played against in a poker room," Simhai said about Dowdy. "I kind of feel bad."
Much like the gracious winner, the final table was full of goodwill among the players. Simhai would often show his hands and other players were returning the favor.
Congratulations to Michael Simhai, the newest champion and bracelet winner at the World Series of Poker at Bally's and Paris Las Vegas. Click here to see what other tournaments are currently taking place at the 2022 WSOP!
, providing no help to Simhai. The 
turn changed nothing as well. Then, the 
arrived on the river, pairing the board for a second time, counterfeiting Dowdy's pocket sevens. Simhai's ace kicker played, giving him the pot, and sending Dowdy to the rail in second place, where he'll take home a cash of $148,618. 
. Simhai checked and Patel continued for 300,000. Simhai immediately slid a stack of chip worth 2,000,000 into the pot. 
river to eliminated Patel and bring the match to heads-up play.
hit the board. The 
turn and 
river ended the hand and Patel locked up the full double.
to give Patel the best hand and secure him the full double.
, giving him a gutshot.
came out, giving Patel top set. The 
turn and 
, offering no help to Peck. Simhai's aces had held, sending Peck to the rail in 7th place for a cash of $38,455. Meanwhile, Simhai scooped the pot and entered the chip lead.
. Action checked to Griffeth who bet 500,000. Only Simhai made the call in position.