A First Bracelet, Hard-Earned at the Highest Level
Koji Fujimoto has his first World Series of Poker gold bracelet — and he earned it the hardest possible way, beating one of the most decorated mixed-game specialists in the world.
Fujimoto defeated Nick Schulman in heads-up play to win the $10,000 Deuce-to-Seven Lowball Championship at the 2026 WSOP. It is Fujimoto's first career bracelet, and the victory carries particular weight given the opponent standing between him and the title at the finish line.
Why This Result Stands Out
Schulman is widely regarded as one of the elite high-stakes mixed-game players on the circuit, with multiple bracelets and deep runs in prestigious events already on his résumé. Navigating a tough $10K field and then closing out a heads-up match against a player of that calibre is a meaningful test of both technical skill and nerve.
Deuce-to-Seven Lowball — in its triple-draw format — is considered one of the more technically demanding disciplines in poker. Unlike hold'em-adjacent games, it rewards a deep understanding of drawing strategy, hand-reading in multi-street spots, and precise adjustment in heads-up play where ranges shift dramatically.
What It Means for Fujimoto
For Fujimoto, this result is a statement moment. Winning a five-figure buy-in event at the WSOP against a world-class field places him firmly on the radar of the high-stakes mixed-game community. First bracelets in $10K+ events are rare by definition — the competition at that level rarely offers an easy path.
It also continues what has been a strong 2026 WSOP for international players, who have been increasingly visible at final tables across multiple disciplines.
Full results, hand histories, and reaction from both players are available at the link below.