Martin Jacobson Won $10 Million and His First WSOP Bracelet on Tuesday Night
27-year old Martin Jacobson became the first Swedish player to win the World Series of Poker Main Event late Tuesday. Jacobson entered the day as the only player at the final table with over $1 million in career earnings at the World Series of Poker.
Despite that distinction, Jacobson had never won a World Series of Poker bracelet, which signifies a win at one of the 60+ events during the 7-week long tournament. He had won several 2nd place finishes, but he saved his magic for the most important poker event of his life.
Set of 10s Beats Pair of 9s
On the final hand, Martin Jacobson held three 10s against the pair of 9s being held by the second runner-up, Felix Stephensen of Norway. It was the capper to a long march to the $10 million. Play at the WSOP Main Event began in early July. The July sessions lasted for 10 days, until the final table was decided.
The November Nine
When the final nine players were determined back in mid-July, play ended for 3 and 1/2 months. Those same nine gamblers returned for the “November Nine”, which would determine the eventual winner. To begin the day, each player received the same number of chips they finished July with.
Throughout the earlier session on the day before, Dutch phenom Jorryt van Hoof seemed to dominate play. When three players remained at the final table, play was suspended for rest and a meal. The gamblers returned at 5:30pm Las Vegas time. The session was set to last until a champion was determined. That champ was Martin Jacobson, who was joined by his mother, Eva.
How Jacobson Began Playing Cards
Martin says he began playing online poker after he would return home from a night out with friends. With everyone else in bed, the night owl would play cards on the Internet. “It’s his thing,” said his mother, Eva.
She said her son’s earlier trip to the WSOP Main Event six years ago had prepared him for the 2014 tournament. Just after he had turned 21, he entered the Main Event, but busted out within a few hands. Eva said the experience taught Jacobson how hard it was to win the event. “I think that was good for him,” his mother said.
Felix Stephensen Finishes 2nd
The 24-year old Norwegian player, Felix Stephensen, finished in 2nd and took home $5.1 million. Though he did not win the event, Stephensen said, “It’s disappointing to be so close, but I got really lucky to get this far, and it was a tough final table.”
The 31-year old Dutchman, Jorryt Van Hoof, entered the final session with a big chip lead. He had dazzled throughout earlier play and seemed to have momentum built up. Van Hoof had a cheering section and an entourage who analyzed data, then passed it to him. None of it was enough to assure victory, as the Dutch player finished in 3rd place and took home $3.8 million.
Lights Too Bright for Van Hoof
The lights for the additional television coverage were bright, so van Hoof wore sunglasses during play for the first time in his career. Van Hoof chuckled as he said, “I never wore glasses in my life, but it was really hot. I guess I’m not going to do that anymore.”
This was the first year the final three players at the World Series of Poker Main Event were non-Americans. All three men live in London at present. The third-place finisher said they plan to meet up when they return to the UK. Van Hoof said he expects the champion to buy him dinner.
