Sunday, November 14, 2021 10:47 PM Local Time
Motoyoshi Okamura Wins Event #72: $1,500 Mixed No-Limit Hold’em/Pot-Limit Omaha for $209,716
After seven hours of play on Day 3, it was music producer Motoyoshi Okamura who outlasted the other eight players to bring home his first WSOP bracelet in Event #72: $1,500 Mixed No-Limit Hold'em/Pot-Limit Omaha. Prior to this event, Okamura had a career-best score of $122,000 after coming second in a $10,000 buy-in tournament at Aria earlier this month. Now with this score of $209,716, he moves up to 25th on Japan's all-time money list.
"Winning the bracelet has been a dream of mine," said Okamura after winning heads up against Rafael Mota. Okamura has only been playing poker for just over a year. "This is my first time playing the WSOP, and I will surely be back next time."
This is Japan's second bracelet of the series after Kazuki Ikeuchi won Event #5: $1,000 No-Limit Hold'em for an online bracelet, but it is Japan's first live bracelet of the series.
Tournament Recap
Day 1
The tournament field started with 846 entrants, creating a prize pool of $1,129,410, which quickly got whittled down to the money on the first day of play with 126 players remaining at the end of Day 1. Many famous notables tried to get into the money but fell short like Jake Schwartz, Phil Hellmuth, Chino Rheem, and Michael Wang.
It was the dual elimination of Peter Wirth and Matt Higgins by Chris Ball and eventual winner Motoyoshi Okamura that brought the end of play on Day 1.
Day 2
The first two levels of the day saw the original field of 126 quickly go down to 54, and the following levels of play saw eliminations at a quicker than normal pace. Players like Diogo Veiga (94th - $2,641), Robert Mizrachi (91st - $2,641), Manig Loeser (45st - $4,429), and current player of the year leader Josh Arieh (40th - $5,057) were all eliminated on Day 2 while collecting a cash.
It was eliminations of Jerry Wong (10th - $12,748) and the start of Day 2 chip leader Nohad Teliani (9th - $16,128) that ended the day with the final eight players set to come back the following day.
Day 3
Final Table Results
| Place | Player | Country | Prize |
|---|
| 1st | Motoyoshi Okamura | Japan | $209,716 |
| 2nd | Rafael Mota | Brazil | $129,621 |
| 3rd | Nick Yunis | Chile | $91,989 |
| 4th | Leonid Yanovski | Israel | $66,249 |
| 5th | Mike Takayama | Japan | $48,428 |
| 6th | Jordan Spurlin | United States | $35,942 |
| 7th | Marc Lange | Germany | $27,088 |
| 8th | Tim Grau | Austria | $20,737 |
The action kicked off very quickly at the beginning of the day with Tim Grau going all-in on the first hand for his last 360,000 in pot-limit omaha against chip leader Rafael Mota's raise. Mota called and saw he was behind with against , but a flopped two-pair for Mota saw Grau eliminated in eighth place for $20,737.
Shortly after in a hold'em round, Leonid Yanovski went all-in from the small blind, covering Marc Lange in the big blind who ended up calling him. Lange held ace-two suited, but it was well behind the ace-queen of Yanovski, and no sweat on the flop meant an exit for Lange, and he collected $27,088 for his seventh-place finish.
Jordan Spurlin was eliminated in sixth place for $35,942 in a hold'em round, when his king-queen couldn't find any improvement against Nick Yunis' pocket eights on a seven-high board.
Just before players went on their first break, Mike Takayama was out in a hold'em round when he jammed his ace-seven for 12 big blinds on the button, and Yunis called in the big blind with pocket nines. A queen high board brought no help to Takayama, and he was eliminated in fifth place for $48,428.
It would be another hour of playing four-handed before the next elimination came, and Yanovski was the fourth-place finisher. In an Omaha round, he got in a preflop raising war with Mota, who put him all in. Yanovski called with ace-ace-eight-two against queen-jack-ten-nine and flopped a set on an ace-high board. A turn flush would spell the end for him as he was unable to catch up on the river and collected $66,249 for his efforts.
Yunis found himself getting shorter during three-handed play and eventually found himself moving all-in during a hold'em round from the big blind, only to get snapped off by Okamura, who had pocket kings. Yunis' pocket threes could not make a set, and he was eliminated in third place for $91,989.
Heads Up Play
Heads up play began close to even with Okamura only slightly ahead of Mota. This was not for long as Mota pulled ahead rather quickly and after only 40-minutes of play, created a 4:1 chip lead for himself versus Okamura.
In another 40-minutes, Okamura would find himself going from on the ropes into the driver seat when he check-raised the river in a hold'em round, when Mota had raised the turn. He gained the chip lead at that point and did not relinquish it for the remainder of the match.
The match came to an end when during an omaha round, Mota got in his stack on a board with an overpair and the nut flush draw. Okamura called with top pair, which turned into two pair on the turn, then into a full house on the river. Rafael Mota shook hands with his opponent and collected $129,716 for his second-place finish.
Congratulations to Motoyoshi Okamura on winning his first bracelet in Event #72: $1,500 Mixed No-Limit Hold'em/Pot-Limit Omaha!
Stay tuned for more updates on the 52nd World Series Of Poker at The Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino.
Sunday, November 14, 2021 9:18 PM Local Time
Rafael Mota Eliminated in 2nd Place ($129,621)
Pot-Limit Omaha
Rafael Mota limped on the button and Motoyoshi Okamura checked his option.
The dealer spread a flop of and Okamura checked to Mota, who put in a pot-sized bet of 720,000. Okamura instantly said "pot" and before he could put the chips in, Mota piled his stack of just over 3 million into the middle and both hands were tabled.
Rafael Mota:
Motoyoshi Okamura:
Mota was ahead with a pair of kings and a flush draw but fell behind on the turn, as Okamura made two pair. The completed the board on the river and Okamura made a full house to win the tournament and eliminate Mota in second place.
| Motoyoshi Okamura | 21,150,000 | 4,530,000  |
| Rafael Mota | 0 | -4,530,000  |
Sunday, November 14, 2021 9:13 PM Local Time
PokerNews Podcast: Best Stories from 2021 WSOP Main Event; Guest Michael Graydon
PokerNews Podcast
On the latest episode of the PokerNews Podcast, Jesse Fullen and Chad Holloway come to you from the 2021 World Series of Poker (WSOP)!
Registration on the 2021 WSOP $10,000 Main Event closed with 6,550 players! Find out how things stacked up during Day 4 play including a deep run by Chris Moneymaker. They also talk about Pennsylvania math teacher John Coyle, who qualified for the WSOP Main Event for just $5, as well as a pair of big hands — quads-over-quads on the live stream and the cracked aces money bubble hand suffered by Kevin Campbell.
They also welcome special guest Michael Graydon from Birmingham, Alabama, who was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer seven months ago. The poker community stepped up to support the 40-year-old husband & father of two. A number of players came together to fund Graydon's trip to the WSOP this year including an entry to the Main Event. Lára Neacy met with him just before he took his seat for Day 1D to hear his story & new perspective on life.
Finally, get an update on the current Player of the Year standings as the WSOP enters its home stretch.
Click here to listen to the new PN Podcast!
Sunday, November 14, 2021 9:11 PM Local Time
Mota Doubles
No-Limit Hold'em
Motoyoshi Okamura raised to 600,000 and from the big blind Rafael Mota went all-in for 2,145,000 which Okamura called.
Rafael Mota:
Motoyoshi Okamura:
The board ran out and Mota was awarded the full double.
| Motoyoshi Okamura | 16,620,000 | -1,030,000 |
| Rafael Mota | 4,530,000 | 1,030,000 |
Sunday, November 14, 2021 9:05 PM Local Time
Okamura's River Bet Gets Through
No-Limit Hold'em
Rafael Mota raised to 420,000 on the button and Motoyoshi Okamura made the call.
The flop came and Okamura check-called a bet of 300,000 from Rafael Mota.
On the turn, both players checked to the river. Okamura led out for 700,000 and Mota quickly mucked.
| Motoyoshi Okamura | 17,650,000 | 1,550,000 |
| Rafael Mota | 3,500,000 | -1,550,000 |
Sunday, November 14, 2021 8:58 PM Local Time
Okamura Straightens Out
Pot-Limit Omaha
Rafael Mota called in the small blind and Motoyoshi Okamura checked his option in the big blind.
The flop was checked to the turn of where Okamura bet 500,000 when checked to, which Mota called.
The river came a and Mota led for 1,100,000 and Okamura quickly called. Mota showed for a pair of threes and Okamura showed for a six-high straight which was good for the pot.
| Motoyoshi Okamura | 16,100,000 | 3,150,000 |
| Rafael Mota | 5,050,000 | -3,150,000 |
Sunday, November 14, 2021 8:49 PM Local Time
Daily Live Streams of the 2021 WSOP Main Event Exclusively On PokerGO
PokerGO Main Event
The 2021 World Series of Poker Main Event will be broadcast live on PokerGO each and everyday now through November 17. The daily live stream coverage of the 2021 WSOP Main Event will conclude with a world champion being crowned on Wednesday, November 17.
"The World Series of Poker Main Event is the greatest poker tournament in the world, and that is why we are so very proud to deliver start-to-finish live coverage of the WSOP Main Event on PokerGO for the first time ever," said Mori Eskandani, President of PokerGO. "PokerGO looks forward to broadcasting another outstanding chapter in poker history through our live coverage of the 2021 WSOP Main Event. The 2021 WSOP bracelet events have truly been ones to remember, and more history will be made with the crowning of a new world champion."
WSOP Main Event Poker Go
Remember, poker fans can catch live updates from every single bracelet event from start to finish right here on PokerNews. Make sure to bookmark the 2021 World Series of Poker Hub, with all the reporting, news, interviews, and more from Las Vegas.
If you're not currently subscribed to PokerGo, you can get a monthly subscription for $14.99, a three-month plan for $29.99, and an annual subscription for $99.99. You can also save $10 off an annual subscription by using promo code "PokerNews" at checkout. Click here to subscribe.
Sunday, November 14, 2021 8:45 PM Local Time
Level 32 started
Level: 32
Blinds: 120,000/240,000
Ante: 240,000
Sunday, November 14, 2021 8:44 PM Local Time
Updated Counts After Break
| Motoyoshi Okamura | 12,950,000 | 1,150,000 |
| Rafael Mota | 8,200,000 | -1,150,000 |
Sunday, November 14, 2021 8:33 PM Local Time
Break Time
The two remaining players are on another 15-minute break.
Sunday, November 14, 2021 8:33 PM Local Time
River Check-Raise by Okamura
No-LImit Hold'em
Rafael Mota raised to 500,000 and Motoyoshi Okamura called in the big blind.
On the flop both players checked to see the on the turn. Okamura led out for 400,000 and Mota raised to 1,300,000 and Okamura called.
The on the river completed the board and Okamura check-raised the 1,200,000 bet to 3,800,000 and Mota quickly folded.
| Motoyoshi Okamura | 11,800,000 | 4,700,000 |
| Rafael Mota | 9,350,000 | -4,700,000 |
Sunday, November 14, 2021 8:23 PM Local Time
No Pots At Showdown
Lots of taking of pots preflop, no pots have gone to showdown. Okamura has taken the last few.
| Rafael Mota | 14,050,000 | 130,000 |
| Motoyoshi Okamura | 7,100,000 | -130,000 |
Sunday, November 14, 2021 8:14 PM Local Time
Two Pair for Okamura
No-Limit Hold'em
Rafael Mota raised to 400,000 and Motoyoshi Okamura called.
The dealer fanned a flop of and Okamura check-called a bet of 400,000.
The turn was checked through and when the hit the river Okamura led out for 1,200,000. Mota made the call and Okamura showed for two pair on the river which beat Mota's flopped pair and open-ended straight draw as he tabled .
| Rafael Mota | 13,920,000 | -2,280,000 |
| Motoyoshi Okamura | 7,230,000 | 2,280,000 |
Sunday, November 14, 2021 8:10 PM Local Time
Okamura Pots Twice
Pot-Limit Omaha
Rafael Mota called on the button and Motoyoshi Okamura bet the pot, 600,000, preflop which Mota called.
The flop came out and Mota checked to Okamura who bet pot to 1,400,000 which sent Mota into the tank. He ended up folding and Okamura's rail clapped enthusiastically.
| Rafael Mota | 16,200,000 | -720,000 |
| Motoyoshi Okamura | 4,950,000 | 720,000 |
Sunday, November 14, 2021 8:01 PM Local Time
Mota Showing No Mercy
No-Limit Hold'em
Rafael Mota raised to 500,000 and Motoyoshi Okamura made the call.
On the flop Okamura checked to Mota and he continued for 800,000. Okamura slapped down eight 100,000 chips to make the call.
The hit the turn and Okamura snap-called the 1,200,000 bet from Mota.
The on the river brought in the front door flush draw and once Okamura checked Mota jammed all-in, forcing Okamura out of the hand.
| Rafael Mota | 16,920,000 | 1,170,000 |
| Motoyoshi Okamura | 4,230,000 | -1,170,000 |
Sunday, November 14, 2021 7:50 PM Local Time
Mota Pulling Away
Pot-Limit Omaha
Motoyoshi Okamura raised to 500,000 preflop and Rafael Mota called in the big blind.
The flop came down and saw Mota check, Okamura bet 600,000 and Mota raise to 2,000,000. Okamura checked the count and called.
The turn came a and Mota led out for 4,000,000 which got Okamura to snap-fold and the Brazilian rail erupted in cheers.
| Rafael Mota | 15,750,000 | 3,350,000 |
| Motoyoshi Okamura | 5,400,000 | -3,350,000 |
Sunday, November 14, 2021 7:47 PM Local Time
Two Pair Good for Mota
Pot-Limit Omaha
Rafael Mota limped the button and Motoyoshi Okamura checked his option.
On the flop, Okamura check-called a bet of 600,000.
The turn and river both got checked down and Okamura turned over before Mota took down the pot with two pair as he showed .
| Rafael Mota | 12,400,000 | 2,700,000 |
| Motoyoshi Okamura | 8,750,000 | -2,700,000 |
Sunday, November 14, 2021 7:36 PM Local Time
One Winner; One Bluff
Pot-Limit Omaha
Rafael Mota called the small blind and Motoyoshi Okamura checked his option.
The flop of was checked to Okamura, who bet 300,000, and Mota called.
The turn was checked once more to Okamura, who bet 900,000, and Mota called.
The river was checked through and Mota showed down for three aces to take down the pot.
After that, Okamura raised to 400,000 and Mota called in the big blind.
The board ran out with action checking through every street until the river when Okamura bet 700,000, which Mota promptly raised to 2,000,000. Okamura thought about it for a little bit before tossing his hand into the muck and Mota showed for a pair of sixes.
| Motoyoshi Okamura | 11,450,000 | -3,900,000 |
| Rafael Mota | 9,700,000 | 3,900,000 |
Sunday, November 14, 2021 7:34 PM Local Time
WSOP 2021 | Week 7 - The Chainsaw Report! | Allen Kessler
Sunday, November 14, 2021 7:31 PM Local Time
Level 31 started
Level: 31
Blinds: 100,000/200,000
Ante: 200,000