Joao Simao Wins Fourth WSOP Bracelet in Omaha High Roller

"Tetra, Tetra!"

Joao Simao has long been regarded as one of Brazil's strongest poker players. His victory in Event #55: $50,000 High Roller Pot-Limit Omaha earned him his fourth WSOP bracelet and secured the 33rd bracelet in Brazil's history.

The tournament drew 110 entries, with a top prize of $1,368,700.

This fourth bracelet carried special personal significance for Simao.

"When Brazil won its fourth World Cup title, the whole country was shouting 'tetra.' That's what we call a fourth championship. So this fourth bracelet means a lot to me."

Joao Simao's WSOP Bracelets:

• 2021 — WSOP Online Event #2: $1,111 Caesars Cares NLHE
• 2022 — WSOP Event #53: $5,000 Mixed No-Limit Hold’em / Pot-Limit Omaha
• 2025 — WSOP Paradise Event #10: $150,000 Triton NLH 8-Handed
• 2026 — WSOP Event #55: $50,000 High Roller Pot-Limit Omaha

Over the past year, Simao has recorded 15 six-figure scores and is approaching $10 million in live tournament earnings. When his online results are included, the Brazilian's career winnings exceed $20 million.

Speaking about his move into the high-roller scene, Joao explained:

"It's a great way to learn, challenge yourself, and make money. Of course, the ROI is much lower because the games are incredibly tough. But if you have a 10% ROI in $100K tournaments, that's $10K. If you have a 50% ROI in a $10K event, that's only $5,000. In the end, the profits are twice as high. That's what motivates me."

Path to the victory

Simao began the final day as the second-best stack among the eight remaining players, trailing only Robert Cowen.

One of the first to leave the final table was Naoya Kihara, who was aiming for his third bracelet of the series. Another Brazilian, Yuri Dziwielewski, soon followed suit.

Despite Cowen's lead, the initiative gradually shifted to Simao and Santosh Suvarna. A key moment came when Carlo van Ravenswoude was eliminated in fifth place. Simao managed to make two pair on the river and eliminated one of the strongest online PLO pros.

Suvarna rose from last place to the chip lead in the top three. He first won several no-showdown pots against Robert and Joao, and then doubled up against the Brit player after flopping a set of eights. Cowen's flush draws missed, and he couldn't make a set with pocket queens. Robert's final hand against an Indian businessman followed the worst-case scenario: getting all-in on the flop with a pair and a flush draw now against a completed straight.

Heads-up

Santosh Suvarna began heads-up with a commanding chip lead, holding 20.8 million to Simao's 12.2 million.

Both players were chasing their fourth WSOP bracelet, but the momentum quickly shifted in the Brazilian's favor. Simao first doubled up with pocket aces and then captured another massive pot by making a full house.

The decisive hand also went his way. Suvarna moved all in with pocket tens, only to find himself once again up against Simao's aces. The Brazilian improved to a set and sealed the victory.

After the match, Simao spoke highly of his opponent.

"Santosh is a very strong player. He's not a professional, but he already has three bracelets and plays at the level of the best regulars. It was a pleasure competing against him."

Event #55 $50,000 High Roller Pot-Limit Omaha: Final Table Payouts: 

1. Joao Simao (Brazil) – $1,368,700
2. Santosh Suvarna (India) – $912,420
3. Robert Cowan (UK) – $628,510
4. Venkat Chivukula (USA) – $445,440
5. Carlo van Ravenswoude (Netherlands) – $325,080
6. Yuri Dziwielewski (Brazil) – $244,510
7. Naoya Kihara (Japan) – $189,720
8. Veselin Karakitukov (Bulgaria) – $152,020