Gaming Guru

Eli Elezra wins first gold bracelet

Elezra secures his first WSOP title

Eli Elezra won his first gold bracelet in Saturday night's Seven Card Stud Hi-Low World Championship (Event #24), defeating the "Prince of Poker" Scotty Nguyen in an epic heads-up match.

Elezra, a 46-year old professional renown for his high-stakes prowess and his off-table gambling adventures, has been a regular at the WSOP since 1999, but has never won a bracelet. Now he has one and a $198k payday, but when asked afterwards what he'll remember most about this event, it was all about Nguyen.

"He is such a great player," Elezra said. "To win this is amazing. But to win against a player like Scotty – that makes it all the more meaningful to me."

Elezra is a world-classed gambler, never missing an opportunity to take a side wager. He collected $250,000 after winning his bracelet, cashing in on a $25,000 at 10-1 bet he made with another player that he would win a bracelet in 2007. He also posted several other side bets, making his side-wager payday more than twice as much as his tournament win.

Clements continues WSOP success

Scott Clements, a recently married professional from Mount Vernon, Wash., has been in force at the last two WSOPs, winning two bracelets, cashing seven times, and earning more than $600,000.

Clements secured his second bracelet Friday night, winning a $1,500 Pot Limit Hold'em (Event #23). He now has four cashes in 2007, including two final tables. Clements tournament poker dominance extends past the WSOP. The 25-year old also holds a WSOP Circuit Event title and a World Poker Tour title.

21-year old wins first bracelet

James Mackey, a 21-year amateur from Colombia, Missouri, won a $5,000 No Limit Hold'em title (Event #22), earning $730k. Mackey decided to take time off from the University of Missouri to pursue his poker career. He said after the tournament that he plans to head back to school at some point, but will continue to play for the time being.

Mackey is the third-youngest player to win a bracelet at 21 years and 4 months. Jeff Madsen and Steve Billirakis rank one and two.