Online Crusher Sebastian Gaehl Scores $1.39M Live Breakthrough At Les A Casino

Live Poker
Recap
Derick Elomina
Reviewed by Kai Cocklin

The high-stakes action at the Triton Poker Super High Roller Series Jeju 2026  at Les A Casino continues to showcase the game’s elite. While most players spend years grinding the mid-stakes circuit before taking a shot on this stage, 28-year-old German pro Sebastian Gaehl has found a much shorter path to the winner’s circle.

Sebastian Gaehl Claims First Triton Title And Career-Best $1.39M

Sebastian Gaehl
Sebastian Gaehl

Three years after making his debut as an online qualifier in Vietnam , Gaehl returned to the tour’s biggest stage in South Korea to secure his first major live title. Outlasting 116 entries in the $50k NLH 7-Handed event, Gaehl walked away with a massive $1,392,000 top prize.

From “Super MILLION$” To Live Glory

Gaehl is no stranger to the winner’s circle, though his reputation was built primarily behind a screen. His breakout moment arrived in April 2022, when he conquered the prestigious GGPoker Super MILLION$ for $369,934.

While that online score set the foundation, his performance during the Triton Jeju 2026 stop marks a significant transition to the live arena. After making the final table in the $20k NLH opener earlier in the series, he navigated a difficult field in the $50k to finally hoist the trophy.

It’s tough to put it into words. I played so many years for this moment, and finally we are here. Still have to let it sink in, everything. But it feels incredible.

The Declined Deal And Heads-Up Duel

Brandon Wilson (L) - Sebastian Gaehl (R)
Brandon Wilson (L) – Sebastian Gaehl (R)

The final table featured a stacked lineup, including Alex Kulev (4th) and Felipe Boianovsky (3rd). By the time Gaehl reached heads-up play against American Brandon Wilson , he held a 38-to-20 big blind lead. Gaehl offered to “look at the numbers” to discuss a potential deal, but Wilson declined.

You have to have patience and wait for your spots. It was a really tough final, only really, really good players at it. I think I got really lucky and I took my spots.

Gaehl Closes It Out In Quick Heads-Up Finish

The refusal proved costly, just four hands into the duel, the chips went into the middle. Wilson shoved with ace-nine, but ran straight into Gaehl’s dominating ace-ten. The board offered no surprises, ending the tournament in a flash and securing Gaehl’s largest career score to date.

#7 Triton - NLH 7-Handed - USD 50,000 ($53,000)
Triton - NLH 7-Handed - USD 50,000
Total Prize
$5,800,000
Entries
116
ITM
20
#PayoutPlayer
SPI
1$1,392,000
3,967.82
2$948,000
BW
Brandon Wilson
United States of America [USA]United States of America
2,805.67
3$626,000
2,290.82
4$516,000
AK
Alex Kulev
Bulgaria [BGR]Bulgaria
1,983.91
5$414,500
QZ
1,774.46
6$325,000
1,619.86
7$243,000
1,499.70
8$180,000
1,402.84
9$139,000
1,322.61
Check the 20 Payouts & Results ...

Read the full story on the Triton Poker Series website.

Upcoming Schedule: Triton Super High Roller Series Jeju

Click to collapse: Remaining Jeju Schedule (March 23 – April 1)
DateEventBuy-in
Mar 22-23Event #8 – NLH 7-Handed$125,000
Mar 23Event #9 – NLH Turbo$30,000
Mar 24-26Event #10 – NLH MAIN EVENT$100,000
Mar 26-27Event #12 – 10th Anniversary Special$150,000
Mar 27-28Event #13 – PLO/NLH Mix$30,000
Mar 28-29Event #15 – PLO Mystery Bounty$50,000
Mar 29-31Event #16 – PLO MAIN EVENT$100,000
Mar 30-31Event #17 – PLO 6-Handed$25,000
Mar 31-April 1Event #18 – PLO 6-Handed$75,000
Apr 1Event #19 – PLO Turbo Bounty Quattro$30,000

About Triton Jeju 2026

The Triton Poker Series returned to Jeju, South Korea , in March. The Triton Super High Roller Series Jeju 2026 is running from March 14 to April 1 at the luxurious Les A Casino at Jeju Shinhwa World.

All quotes, images, and figures courtesy of Triton Poker Series.

About the Editor
Derick Elomina

Derick Elomina discovered poker at 14, playing home games with his high school friends. What began as a pastime quickly grew into a passion that shaped his career. By 21, he entered the poker industry as a field reporter — just old enough to step foot inside the casino. Starting as a hand reporter, he steadily honed his craft, blending sharp observation with growing writing skills. Known for his dedication, he constantly roams the floor to capture the action, conduct interviews, and deliver live updates. With a strong commitment to the game and a passion for telling poker’s stories, Derick continues to build his path in the industry.