Bernhard Binder Dominates Record-Breaking Super Main Event at WSOP Paradise, Takes Home $10 Million

This tournament wasn’t just about the money; it was about pushing boundaries. An ambitious initial guarantee of $60 million was surpassed, with the final prizepool reaching a breathtaking $72,275,000 thanks to 2,891 entries. Interestingly, Michael Moncek took the most shots in the unlimited re-entry event, spending $364,000 across 14 attempts, but ultimately cashed out only $70,000.

The final day also witnessed a historic first. Bernhard Binder became the first player in major tournament history to hold a stack exceeding one billion chips.

Final Table Stories

Eric Wasserson drew significant attention after earning the label of the tournament's "villain" for executing a controversial slowroll with aces against Benny Glaser the previous day. Wasserson finished 5th ($2,350,000) when Binder made a flush on the turn against his A-J.

One of the unexpected heroes was Terrance “TJ” Reid, who swapped his press badge for chips and climbed to 4th place, earning a life-changing $3,000,000.

For many fans, Natasha Mercier was the main heroine. While her mother Ghada watched the children so Natasha could "play in peace," Natasha aimed to break Liv Boeree's record ($2,800,000) for the highest female cash in live tournaments. Although she claimed not to have seen any playable cards in the last two days, her daring bluffs carried her to 6th place ($1,800,000). Her run ended when Jean-Noel Thorel hit a king on the river against her A-Q.

Natasha Mercier made history with the fifth highest live win by a woman and humorously remarked that she would remind her husband Jason Mercier of this achievement forever. Despite his six WSOP bracelets, Natasha's win surpassed his highest career earnings of roughly $1.6 million.

Also noteworthy was Brazilian Belarmino De Souza, who finished 3rd ($4,000,000). Commentators described his tournament exit as one of the most brutal in WSOP history. Thorel, holding 8 h 4 d, hit four of a kind on the river just as De Souza completed a full house with T s 6 h and went all-in.

Clash of Generations

A few weeks ago, high-stakes pro Mario Mosböck predicted that Bernhard Binder would become one of the biggest stars of 2026, yet his words came true ahead of schedule. The Austrian online specialist turned the prediction into reality in the Bahamian paradise, winning the Super Main Event and claiming his first WSOP gold bracelet.

The final heads-up was a battle of generations. Facing 27-year-old Binder was 78-year-old Jean-Noel Thorel, separated by an incredible 51-year age gap. During the nearly four-hour heads-up marathon, Thorel put up a tenacious fight. Binder admitted post-victory that playing against Thorel was a significant challenge due to his unpredictable style.

The conclusion came when Thorel shoved all-in with K d Q s and Binder called with A c 8 c. The board 2 h 6 c 9 s ​​​​​​​3 s ​​​​​​​8 s brought no drama and secured the title for the Austrian.

Binder, who was cheered on throughout by a boisterous rail, dedicated his victory to his friends. According to him, the win wouldn’t have the same meaning without them: “That’s the best part. If I was here alone and won, it wouldn’t mean a fraction of what it does now when I can celebrate with so many people.”

WSOP Paradise Super Main Event Final Table Results

Sources: WSOP, PokerNews, The Hendon Mob, X, YouTube