Carson Wieland Wins First WSOPC Ring at Choctaw

Jonathan Rodriguez

Written by: Jonathan Rodriguez

Published: Wed Jul 29, 2026, 10:00 am ET

Read Time: 4 minutes

Carson Wieland Wins First WSOPC Ring at Choctaw

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Carson Wieland finally ended his wait for a World Series of Poker Circuit title at Choctaw Casino & Resort. He defeated 1,117 entries in the $1,700 No-Limit Hold'em Main Event.

The tournament created a $1,692,255 prize pool after surpassing its $1 million guarantee. Wieland collected $268,245 for the biggest tournament score of his career.

He also secured his first WSOPC gold ring after several close calls on the Circuit. In addition, the victory earned Wieland a $5,000 WSOP Paradise Package.

The package includes a seat in the WSOP Circuit Championship and accommodations at Baha Mar in the Bahamas. That added prize gives Wieland another major opportunity after his breakthrough performance at Choctaw.

Carson Wieland Navigates a Tough Final Table

Wieland entered the nine-handed final table fifth in chips. Several experienced opponents stood between him and his first Circuit title.

Brian Ellebracht started the final table as the chip leader. He eliminated Christopher Rohlmeier in ninth place for $20,980.

Wieland then eliminated Mark Fisher in eighth place, sending him home with $27,100. Alexander Ho subsequently moved into the chip lead before eliminating Robert Hart in seventh place for $35,620.

The field then narrowed to six players, with several contenders still chasing the title.

Braxton Dunaway scored a crucial double-up against Viet Vo during six-handed play. Dunaway's pocket nines cracked Vo's pocket kings and shifted the tournament momentum.

Dunaway later eliminated Vo in sixth place for $47,610. Ho then eliminated Ellebracht in fifth place after his pocket fives held against Ellebracht's pocket threes.

Dunaway continued his run by eliminating Lawrence Wayne in fourth place. His pocket threes held against Wayne's K♣J♦, sending Wayne to the rail with $89,400.

The final three players were Wieland, Ho, and Dunaway. Ho eventually ended Dunaway's run after his pocket aces survived Dunaway's flush draw.

Dunaway earned $125,510 for third place, setting up the heads-up battle between Wieland and Ho.

Wieland Overcomes Ho in Heads-Up Battle

Ho started heads-up play with more than a 3.5-to-1 chip advantage. Wieland quickly turned the match around with two crucial double-ups.

First, Wieland's pocket fours defeated Ho's ace-jack suited in a preflop race. He then won another major confrontation with 8♥8♦ against Ho's K♥Q♦.

Wieland's pocket eights held, giving him a substantial lead. He maintained that advantage until the decisive confrontation.

Ho moved all in with A♣K♣, while Wieland held 4♠4♥. The Q♠Q♣4♦ flop gave Wieland a full house.

The J♣ turn gave Ho a potential royal flush draw. The 7♠ river missed, leaving Wieland's full house as the winning hand.

Wieland secured the $268,245 first-place prize and his first Circuit ring. Ho settled for $179,030 as the runner-up

"It's been a long time coming," Wieland said. "I've been playing this game for too long to not have a ring already."

For players following the tournament scene beyond US online poker sites, Wieland's victory shows the value of staying persistent on the live Circuit.

Final Table Results

Place Player Payout POY Points
1 Carson Wieland $268,245 960
2 Alexander Ho $179,030 800
3 Braxton Dunaway $125,510 640
4 Lawrence Wayne $89,400 480
5 Brian Ellebracht $64,710 400
6 Viet Vo $47,610 320
7 Robert Hart $35,620 240
8 Mark Fisher $27,100 160
9 Christopher Rohlmeier $20,980 80

A Long-Awaited Breakthrough

Wieland's victory capped a lengthy run of near misses on the WSOP Circuit. He had reached multiple Circuit final tables without securing a gold ring.

His previous career-best cash came from a runner-up finish in a $1,100 Pot-Limit Omaha event. That tournament took place during the 2024 Champions Winter Poker Open.

Wieland also cashed in this Choctaw Main Event earlier in the year. He earned $4,380 in that previous appearance.

This time, he converted his opportunity after overcoming Ho's early heads-up advantage. His Houston poker friends also provided plenty of support during the final table.

A large group of friends celebrated loudly whenever Wieland won important pots or doubled up. His family followed the dramatic finish from home.

His wife stayed home with their four children while Wieland competed in Oklahoma. The family regularly requested updates throughout the tournament.

"My wife has probably already blown my phone up," he said, laughing. "She's at home taking care of our four kids so I could be here. The kids have been asking for updates all day, so I'm excited to call them and tell them we got the victory."

Wieland now leaves Choctaw with his first WSOPC ring, a career-best payday, and an opportunity to compete in the WSOP Circuit Championship.

Jonathan Rodriguez
Jonathan Rodriguez

Jonathan is an avid basketball fan, and is often looking forward to the next upcoming NBA season when not checking players' stats during games. He also likes to keep his ears on the ground for the latest rumblings in the online casino industry.

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