Chess champion Michael Casella defeated two poker pros to capture a WSOP title
A debut performance concluded at the 2026 World Series of Poker when chess master Michael Casella conquered Event #8, the $1,500 Badugi tournament. Casella navigated a highly competitive field and outlasted two iconic poker figures during three-handed play to secure his first gold bracelet and the top prize of $141,963. The newcomer reportedly demonstrated serious composure against elite opposition, successfully validating the growing trend of strategic minds crossing over from the chessboard to the poker felt.
The closing stages of the tournament presented a massive challenge as Casella faced off against 2024 Player of the Year Scott Seiver and recent Poker Hall of Fame inductee Nick Schulman. Schulman eliminated Seiver in third place for $62,920 to set up a tense heads-up duel, with Casella holding a commanding three-to-one chip advantage.
Although Schulman displayed signature resilience by surviving six consecutive all-in situations when facing elimination, Casella ultimately prevailed on the seventh attempt to relegate the veteran to a runner-up finish worth $94,607.
The triumph highlights a prominent modern trend of elite chess players successfully applying their deep analytical skills to high-stakes card games. Casella joins a respected group of strategic thinkers who have made waves in the poker community, following the footprints of prominent figures like Alexandra Botez and Jennifer Shahade.
After holding up his newly won championship bracelet, the regular Los Angeles mixed-game player celebrated the breakthrough performance and credited his local poker community for providing the vital support that helped him overcome extreme odds against legendary competition.
