Atlanta poker player Daniel Weinman made history on Monday, July 17, in Las Vegas as he emerged victorious in the World Series of Poker’s (WSOP) Main Event, securing an astounding $12.1 million for his triumphant feat.
Defeating a massive field of 10,043 players, Weinman’s remarkable journey to the top has shattered previous records, propelling him to poker stardom.
Daniel Weinman (@notontilt09) is your 2023 @WSOP Main Event Champion.
In the final hand, Weinman and Steven Jones both flop top pair, and when Jones moves in on the turn, Weinman calls.
Weinman walks away with $12,100,000 after conquering the largest Main Event field ever. pic.twitter.com/bxOOJaOcMH
— PokerGO (@PokerGO) July 17, 2023
Who is Daniel Weinman?
Daniel Weinman, a 35-year-old professional poker player hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, has proven his mettle in the poker world with an impressive victory at the 2023 WSOP Main Event.
Born on February 3, 1988, Weinman graduated from Georgia Tech in 2009, holding a degree in mechanical engineering. Prior to his poker career, he worked as an engineer before embracing his passion for the game.
Weinman’s ascent in the poker circuit began in 2012 when he made his first appearance at the WSOP final table. His breakthrough came in 2015, clinching a WSOP Circuit event in Cherokee, North Carolina, and walking away with a substantial prize of $280,000.
In 2017, Weinman’s poker prowess continued to shine as he triumphed in two World Poker Tour (WPT) events. The first victory was at the Borgata Winter Poker Open in February, where he bested a field of 1,312 players and pocketed a staggering $892,000.
Shortly after, he claimed another WPT title at the Tournament of Champions in April, adding $381,500 to his ever-growing winnings.
Weinman’s presence at the WSOP has been undeniable. In 2021, he cashed in the Main Event, finishing in the 173rd position.
The following year, he showcased his skills, making it to three final tables and amassing an impressive 19 cashes during the 2022 World Series of Poker.
Notably, he secured his first WSOP bracelet by triumphing in a $1,000 Pot-Limit Omaha event, earning a remarkable $255,000.
Entering the final table in the third chip position with 81,700,000 chips, Weinman faced tough competition.
However, he demonstrated his resilience by winning a critical three-way all-in pot with pocket jacks against pocket aces, setting the stage for an extraordinary victory.
The final table witnessed intense showdowns, but it all came down to a dramatic heads-up battle with Steven Jones.
On the 164th hand of the final table and the 24th hand of heads-up play, Weinman secured victory with a pair of jacks on the flop, holding the King of Clubs and Joker Heart suit, clinching the coveted WSOP bracelet and the eye-watering $12.1 million top prize.
Beyond poker, Daniel Weinman is an avid golfer who plays to a scratch handicap. His love for golf led him to participate in a qualifier for the prestigious US Mid-Amateur Golf Championship in 2023, showcasing his talents extend far beyond the poker table.
The Unbelievable Win: Weinman’s Reflections
In an interview with ESPN, Daniel Weinman shared his disbelief at his latest triumph. He expressed uncertainty about participating in the tournament initially, but the resounding success of the World Series of Poker this year changed his mind.
Acknowledging the role of luck in poker tournaments, Weinman praised his own performance while acknowledging the unpredictability of the game.
Daniel Weinman’s extraordinary victory at the 2023 WSOP Main Event has not only earned him a place in poker history but also solidified his position as a true poker star.
