Santhosh Suvarna Becomes WSOP Winner for the Third Time

Three bracelets in four years

Another high-stakes event at this year's World Series of Poker has been claimed by one of the most recognizable names in international poker.

Santhosh Suvarna took first place in Event #29: High Roller with a $50,000 buy-in and earned $1,992,870.

The tournament drew 167 entries and featured a star-studded field. Among those who reached the money were Adrian Mateos, Cary Katz, Sergio Aido, and Chris Brewer.

The victory secured Suvarna's third WSOP bracelet. His previous two titles came in:

1. In 2023 in Rozvadov: WSOPE $50K Diamond High Roller ($695,291)
2. In 2024 in Las Vegas: $250K Super High Roller ($5,415,152)

With the victory, Suvarna has drawn level with another Indian player, Nipun Java, who is also competing in Las Vegas.

Suvarna began his poker career almost immediately in the highest-stakes tournaments. Initially viewed as a businessman and recreational player, he has gradually earned the respect of the poker community by consistently delivering strong results.

After his victory, he noted the scale of the series and the significance of the bracelet:

"Any bracelet is always important. The players come to the WSOP from more than 100 countries. It feels like a dream, and a bracelet means prestige."

Suvarna also emphasized that the victory could influence the development of poker in his country:

"This is very important. There are a lot of people playing in India, and this bracelet means even more players from the country will join poker."

He also added that his main goal in poker has already been determined:

"First place in the Main Event. If I win the Main Event, I'll quit poker."

Event #29: High Roller Final Table

Suvarna entered the top-9 table as the chip leader, but it was Anatoly Zlotnikov who quickly took control of the action. After winning several key pots and knocking out two opponents, Zlotnikov had accumulated more than half of the chips in play by the time the field was reduced to six players. 

It was the hand against the Russian that allowed Santos to regain his chip lead. He defended the big blind with K♠10♠ against Zlotnikov's A♦9♠, flopped a flush draw, hit top pair on the turn, and rivered a flush, calling his opponent's big ace-high bluff.

Chang Li then showed his strength. He eliminated Zlotnikov in 5th place, and then Breck. Even after the Indian player took all of Robinson's chips, the heads-up stacks were roughly even.

The decisive hand was saved by the river. Suvarna re-raised with 8♥7♥ and flopped 9♦9♣T♦ for an open-ended straight draw. The turn brought an eight of spades, and that was enough for Santos to call Li's all-in with pocket kings. But the dealer rivered another eight, and the tournament was over.

Final Table Payouts for Event #29: $50K High Roller WSOP 2026:

1. Santosh Suvarna (India) — $1,992,870
2. Chang Lee (South Korea) — $1,281,905
3. Colin Robinson (USA) — $893,225
4. Chris Brewer (USA) — $634,870
5. Anatoly Zlotnikov (Russia) — $460,445
6. Brandon Wilson (USA) — $340,905
7. Brian Breck (USA) — $257,770
8. Jans Arends (Netherlands) — $199,150