WSOP 2026: Kostritsyn Wins H.O.R.S.E., Sitbon 4th

WSOP 2026 is heading into its final stretch with major storylines

The 2026 World Series of Poker is reaching its climax, and the closing days are delivering exactly the kind of drama players expect from the biggest festival in live poker. With the Main Event final nine set to return from August 3 to 5 and $10,000,000 still on the line, the spotlight was also on the last major side events that can still reshape a player’s summer.

For French poker fans, one name kept showing up again and again: Julien Sitbon. He has been running deep throughout the series, and this time he added another strong result by finishing 4th in the $25,000 H.O.R.S.E. event. In a mixed-game field this tough, that kind of run is a serious statement.

Alexander Kostritsyn wins the H.O.R.S.E. crown

The winner of the event was Alexander Kostritsyn, a player best known to many as a high-stakes cash game regular. This victory gives him his first WSOP world champion title and one of the biggest tournament scores of his career.

Kostritsyn defeated American Ali Eslami in heads-up play and banked $872,052. In H.O.R.S.E., success is about far more than one-game talent. Players need to switch gears constantly, manage changing betting structures, and stay sharp across multiple variants.

• Alexander Kostritsyn — $872,052
• Ali Eslami — $578,718
• Naoya Kihara — $394,433
• Julien Sitbon — $276,297
• Yueqi Zhu — $199,071
• Ari Engel — $147,648
• Walter Chambers — $112,825
• Shaun Deeb — $88,909
• Alex Foxen — $60,789

That lineup shows just how elite the field was. When players like Deeb and Foxen are still in contention deep into the event, every decision becomes magnified.

Julien Sitbon keeps delivering deep WSOP runs

Julien Sitbon finished 4th for $276,297, adding another strong result to a summer that has been defined by consistency and pressure-tested performance.

That matters because H.O.R.S.E. is one of the most demanding live formats on the schedule. Unlike No-Limit Hold’em, where many players can survive on familiarity and aggression, mixed games punish leaks immediately. Sitbon’s result confirms that his game is built for more than one discipline.

For players looking to improve their own tournament results, studying mixed-game fundamentals can be just as important as volume. A strong foundation in poker school, plus regular play in quality poker rooms and live poker clubs, can make a real difference over time.

Darren Rabinowitz wins the $5,000 8-Handed NLH event

Another final result from the day came in the $5,000 8-Handed NLH event, where Darren Rabinowitz came out on top after two days of play. The tournament drew 884 entries, and the American secured his second WSOP bracelet along with $695,256.

The runner-up finish went to Phil Hellmuth, who was once again very close to adding an 18th bracelet to his legendary collection. Instead, he had to settle for $464,286.

• Jimmy Guerrero finished 19th for $27,537
• Virgile Turchi finished 46th for $16,364

Neither reached the final table, but both posted respectable runs in a large and highly competitive field.

Expert analysis: what this H.O.R.S.E. result means for players

This final H.O.R.S.E. result is a reminder that mixed games reward complete poker players, not just specialists. In formats like this, edge comes from versatility, discipline, and the ability to adapt faster than the table.

• Game selection matters. If you are strong across several variants, mixed events can create real EV.
• Adaptation is everything. The best players do not just memorize lines; they adjust to structure, opponents, and variant-specific dynamics.
• Mental endurance is crucial. WSOP late-stage pressure exposes leaks in focus as much as technical mistakes.

If you are serious about long-term improvement, it helps to combine study with smart volume and value opportunities such as promotions & bonuses. And for players thinking beyond the tables, a role as a poker agent can also be part of the wider poker ecosystem.

Final thoughts on WSOP 2026 Day 52

Day 52 delivered a strong mix of elite results and meaningful storylines: a first-time world champion in H.O.R.S.E., another deep run from Julien Sitbon, and a near-historic runner-up finish for Phil Hellmuth.

The bigger picture is clear. At the WSOP, the players who thrive are not only the ones who can win pots, but the ones who can adjust to format, field, and pressure. That is what makes the final days of the series so compelling for both professionals and ambitious recreational players.

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