Joao Simao Wins Fourth WSOP Bracelet in $50K PLO

Jonathan Rodriguez

Written by: Jonathan Rodriguez

Published: Wed Jun 24, 2026, 9:00 am ET

Read Time: 4 minutes

Joao Simao Wins Fourth WSOP Bracelet in $50K PLO

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Joao Simao added another milestone to his decorated poker career after winning Event #55: $50,000 Pot-Limit Omaha High Roller at the 2026 World Series of Poker. The Brazilian star outlasted a field packed with elite professionals and earned $1,368,700 for the victory.

The win secured Simao's fourth WSOP gold bracelet and strengthened his position among poker's most accomplished international players. It also pushed his lifetime live tournament earnings beyond $20.5 million, extending his lead as Brazil's all-time money leader.

The prestigious high roller event attracted many of the world's top Pot-Limit Omaha specialists. As a result, Simao faced a difficult path to the title. However, he consistently found crucial spots and converted opportunities throughout the tournament.

Meanwhile, poker fans across the globe followed the action closely, including players from US online poker sites looking for lessons from one of the game's most respected veterans.

Simao Navigates Tough Final Table to Reach the Title

The final table featured a collection of accomplished professionals from several countries. Among the most notable contenders were Santhosh Suvarna, Yuri Dzivielevski, Naoya Kihara, Robert Cowen, Venkat Chivukula, Carlo van Ravenswoud, and Veselin Karakitukov.

Simao entered the final day among the leaders and maintained steady momentum throughout the session. He carefully picked his spots while avoiding costly confrontations during the early stages of the final table.

As eliminations unfolded, the field gradually narrowed. Karakitukov exited in eighth place, while Kihara followed in seventh. Fellow Brazilian Yuri Dzivielevski saw his run end in sixth place. Van Ravenswoud and Chivukula also fell short of the title, leaving only three players remaining.

Eventually, Robert Cowen's elimination in third place set up a championship showdown between Simao and Suvarna. The two high-stakes stars then battled for the bracelet and the seven-figure top prize.

Simao Rallies Past Suvarna in Dramatic Heads-Up Battle

Suvarna entered heads-up play with the chip lead and quickly extended his advantage. At one point, he controlled roughly a 4:1 lead over Simao.

Nevertheless, Simao refused to back down. A crucial double-up shifted momentum back in his favor. Simao's A♠A♥A♦K♥ held up on a board of 5♠2♣5♥7♥5♦, using his pocket aces to make a full house and climb right back into contention.

Shortly afterward, Suvarna briefly regained the lead. However, Simao captured one of the tournament's most important pots to swing the match permanently.

In that hand, Simao flopped a set of sevens and managed to get maximum value. A massive river bet and call created a huge pot, giving Simao more than a 2.5:1 chip advantage.

From there, Simao maintained control.

The final hand arrived soon after. More than half of the chips in play entered the middle before the flop. Suvarna opened the action, Simao responded with a three-bet, and Suvarna moved all-in.

Simao quickly called and revealed A♠A♣J♥9♣. Suvarna tabled 10♥10♣8♣6♠ and needed help to survive.

The A♦8♥7♥ flop immediately favored Simao, giving him top set. The 5♣ turn added several straight possibilities for Suvarna. However, the K♥ river completed the board and officially secured the title for Simao.

Suvarna earned $912,420 as the runner-up. Despite the loss, India's all-time money leader increased his career earnings to more than $23.6 million.

Final Table Results

Place Player Payout POY Points PGT Points
1 Joao Simao $1,368,700 1,020 500
2 Santhosh Suvarna $912,420 850 365
3 Robert Cowen $628,510 680 251
4 Venkat Chivukula $445,440 510 178
5 Carlo van Ravenswoud $325,080 420 130
6 Yuri Dzivielevski $244,510 340 98
7 Naoya Kihara $189,720 255 76
8 Veselin Karakitukov $152,020 170 61

Fourth Bracelet Carries Special Meaning for Simao

The victory represented far more than another tournament title. Simao's fourth bracelet holds unique cultural significance in Brazil.

Following the win, Simao spoke about the importance of reaching four major championships. In Brazilian sports culture, achieving a fourth title is known as "tetra." The term became iconic when Brazil's national football team captured its fourth FIFA World Cup.

As a result, the bracelet carries emotional value beyond the financial reward. Simao described the accomplishment as especially meaningful for himself and the fans supporting him back home.

The triumph also elevated his already impressive poker résumé. With four bracelets and more than $20.5 million in lifetime live earnings, Simao continues to strengthen his legacy as one of Brazil's greatest poker ambassadors.

Furthermore, his latest victory demonstrates that he remains a force in the toughest high-stakes tournaments. Given his recent success, few would be surprised to see him contend for additional bracelets before the 2026 WSOP concludes.

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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