Joey Couden Denies Shaun Deeb Ninth Bracelet in Nine Game Mix

Joey Couden has won Event #52: $3,000 Nine Game Mix at the 2026 World Series of Poker , defeating Shaun Deeb heads-up to claim his third WSOP bracelet and the $254,470 top prize.

The mixed-game event attracted 462 entries and generated a prize pool of $1,260,240. While much of the attention entering the final day centred on Deeb’s pursuit of a ninth bracelet, it was Couden who completed the comeback, overcoming a significant heads-up deficit to capture the title.

Deeb entered Day 3 as chip leader and maintained control for much of the tournament, but Couden refused to go away. After falling behind during the final stages, he battled back to seize the momentum before eventually closing out one of the toughest fields of the summer.

Final Table Results

Couden Captures Third Bracelet

Couden arrived at the final day facing a daunting challenge. Deeb, one of the most accomplished mixed-game players in the world, held the chip lead and appeared on course for bracelet number nine.

Instead, Couden steadily worked his way back into contention, matching Deeb across the game’s rotating formats before eventually taking control during heads-up play.

Deeb Leads the Final Three

Three-handed play began with Deeb holding a healthy advantage over both Couden and Kazuhiro Shirasawa .

The Japanese player was eventually eliminated in third place during a round of No-Limit 2-7 Single Draw. Shirasawa moved all in after the draw holding jack-ten-nine-seven-three, but Deeb revealed nine-six-five-three-deuce to send the final table into heads-up play.

At that point, Deeb appeared firmly in control and looked well positioned to secure another bracelet.

Fight Back From Couden

The heads-up battle proved far more competitive than many expected, with a huge crowd forming to see if Deeb could close it out.

Couden chipped away at Deeb’s lead before eventually moving in front. One of the biggest pots came during a round of Limit Hold’em when Couden rivered a pair of sixes with queen-six after missing a flush draw, earning a frustrated reaction from Deeb and pushing Couden into a commanding position.

Deeb refused to surrender. He doubled up in No-Limit 2-7 Single Draw when his ten-eight-six-two low held after Couden paired on the draw, keeping his hopes alive.

The eight-time bracelet winner even regained some momentum shortly afterwards, but every time Deeb appeared ready to make a run, Couden found another crucial pot.

A crucial Seven Card Stud hand left Deeb on fumes. Deeb fired multiple streets before showing a single pair at showdown, only for Couden to reveal jacks up and drag a huge pot that left his opponent with just a few big bets remaining.

Couden Closes It Out

The final hand came during a round of Razz.

Couden completed and Deeb called before facing another bet on fourth street. After calling, Deeb committed the remainder of his chips on fifth.

Deeb improved to an eight-low by sixth street and looked to be in decent shape. However, Couden squeezed a six on seventh street to make a six-low and end the tournament.

Deeb’s pursuit of a ninth bracelet ended in second place worth $166,540, while Couden secured his third WSOP bracelet and the $254,470 first-place prize.

For much of the final day, the story appeared destined to be another chapter in Deeb’s remarkable WSOP career. Instead, it became a showcase for Couden’s resilience, as he overturned a significant heads-up deficit to deny bracelet number nine and claim one of the most prestigious mixed-game titles on the schedule.

All hand information courtesy of PokerNews. Images courtesy of WSOP.