While most of the poker community considers WSOP bracelets to be the main indicator of success, there are many who prefer to look at the WSOP Circuit sub-series rings. Unlike Phil Hellmuth's unsurpassed record for bracelet count, the ring races are much more exciting, and last year was proof of that.
The long-running battle for the top spot between Joshua Reichard and Maurice Hawkins was only cracked by Ari Engel, who won no fewer than 6 of these jewels over the course of last year, bringing his total to a halt at 16. Well, as we found out just a few days ago, Ari clearly isn't going to slow down this year, as he proved with his 17th ring in the $30,000 NLH BIG 500 8-Max online event. In a field of 76 players and a buy-in of $500, he was able to take down all of his opponents and take home a $9,778 bonus.
It was only 48 unique players and 76 entries total (I was 3 of them)- but I managed to run great and win ring #17 online on Wsop Michigan
- Ari Engel (@AriEngelPoker) February 25, 2024
The battle for the top spot is down to three players. The aforementioned duo of Reichard and Hawkins, who both have 15 rings apiece, were joined just a few days ago by Daniel Lowery, who won his 15th ring in the $400 Monster stack at Harrah's Cherokee Casino. Here he beat a respectable field of 3,577 entries to take home a $148,416 reward.
What's your take on this ring race? In your opinion, is it still prestige and an indicator of success, or are these rings given out for practically anything anymore? Let us know in the comments on our social media!
Source - Twitter (X), WSOP, Poker.org
