Sunday, June 4, 2023 1:24 AM Local Time
Vadim Shlez Wins Event #7: Limit Hold’em ($146,835)
A total of 17 players began Day 3 of Event #7: Limit Hold'em at the 2023 World Series of Poker at the Horseshoe and Paris Las Vegas. Only one was left standing when it mattered the most.
In a heads-up showdown featuring an all-Ukrainian flavor, Vadim Shlez outlasted the field and his fellow countryman Rostyslav Sabishchenko ($90,753) to win. With the victory, Shlez secured his first WSOP bracelet.
Final Table Results
| Place | Player | Country | Prize |
|---|
| 1 | Vadim Shlez | Ukraine | $146,835 |
| 2 | Rostyslav Sabishchenko | Ukraine | $90,753 |
| 3 | Kerry Welsh | United States | $63,577 |
| 4 | Raul Celaya | United States | $45,301 |
| 5 | John Armbrust | United States | $32,840 |
| 6 | Chairud Vangchailued | United States | $24,228 |
| 7 | Jason Duong | Canada | $18,196 |
| 8 | David "ODB" Baker | United States | $13,917 |
Path to the final table
Shlez's path came with plenty of obstacles, as he entered Day 3 with the 13th-most chips in play. Then he picked a good time to go on a run.
He conquered a formidable group of players. The field included multiple WSOP bracelet winners, including Adam Friedman, David "ODB" Baker, Joe McKeehen, Jason Gola, Mike Leah, Nick Schulman, Yueqi Zhu, Patrick Leonard, Justin Pechie, Ryan Leng, Tom Schneider, Richard Alsup, Erick Lindgren, Jim Collopy, Ryan Hansen, Humberto Brenes, Nick Guagenti, and Kevin Song.
Vadim Shlez and Rostyslav Sabishchenko face off over the heads-up table.
Baker, who made the final table, finished in eighth place for $13,917.
Shlez also had to contend with notable WPT winners Scott Eskenazi, who busted in tenth place, and Lee Markholt.
A total of 527 entries turned out and generated a prize pool of $703,545.
Kerry Welsh finished in third for $63,577, while Raul Celaya took fourth for $45,301.
Winner's Reaction
Shlez has been playing poker for more than 20 years, so he knows the significance of winning a WSOP bracelet.
Perhaps that's why he was almost overcome with emotion when he discussed his journey.
"I've been working on it for pretty much my whole life," Shlez told PokerNews with a wide smile. "I started poker pretty much with the World Series of Poker. … I didn't expect to win in this discipline, even though it was my favorite game when I started."
Shlez, who sported a Ukrainian flag lapel pin and draped himself in the flag after winning, said playing against Sabishchenko proved special.
"It was unbelievable," Shlez said. "We thought it would be cool yesterday [Friday] when it went down to three tables. We hoped it was going to happen, but nobody expected this to happen. I mean, even making the final table together was great. It was unbelievable. To win it, it was unbelievable."
Shlez and Sabishchenko embrace.
Shlez acknowledged the stout competition he faced en route to his first WSOP bracelet, and he never got overconfident, even though he rode a hot streak to the final table. To him, victory arrived on the table.
"Not until the last cards hit," he said.
Schlez isn't going anywhere anytime soon after securing his first WSOP bracelet. He plans to continue playing other WSOP events with his wife and has his eyes on another bracelet.
"Hopefully," Shlez said. "Hopefully for her, too"
This concludes coverage of Event #7 of the 2023 WSOP, but make sure to stay tuned to PokerNews for live updates of your favorite events throughout the summer.
Sunday, June 4, 2023 1:15 AM Local Time
Rostyslav Sabishchenko Eliminated in 2nd Place ($90,753)
Rostyslav Sabishchenko raised the button holding the , prompting a call from Vadim Shlez in the big blind holding the to see a flop of .
Shlez check-called a bet from Sabishchenko and the two players headed to a turn card.
Sabishchenko continued with another bet only to face a raise from Shlez.
Sabishchenko thought for a brief moment before tossing out a raise of his own to put himself all-in and at risk with one card to come.
Shlez called and the cards were turned up revealing to Sabishchenko that he needed help.
The fell on the river, changing nothing and ending Sabishchenko's run in second place for $90,753.
| Vadim Shlez | 13,120,000 | 2,285,000  |
| Rostyslav Sabishchenko | 0 | -2,285,000  |
Sunday, June 4, 2023 1:10 AM Local Time
Sabishchenko Doubles with Ace-High
Rostyslav Sabishchenko raised from the button and got called by Vadim Shlez holding .
The dealer spread a flop of and Sabishchenko led out with a bet that was quickly met with a raise from Shlez. Sabishchenko called off the rest of his chips and the players were off to a runout.
The turn and river didn't improve Shlez's hand and secured the double up for Sabishchenko.
| Vadim Shlez | 10,835,000 | 1,750,000 |
| Rostyslav Sabishchenko | 2,285,000 | -1,740,000 |
Sunday, June 4, 2023 12:48 AM Local Time
Sabishchenko Doubles Up with Trips
Rostyslav Sabishchenko raised on the button with . Vadim Shlez looked down at and responded by re-raising.
Sabishchenko reraised, and Shlez called to bring the flop.
The dealer placed on the board, giving Sabishchenko middle set and Shlez a gutshot straight draw. Sabishchenko promptly bet and was immediately called by Shlez.
The turn saw on the board, and it got interesting when Sabishchenko bet and Shlez came over the top with an all-in bet, which Sabishchenko quickly called, putting his tournament at stake.
Shlez was behind and needed any queen to hit the straight, but the dealer put on the board and pushed the 4,030,000 to Sabishchenko.
| Vadim Shlez | 9,085,000 | 135,000 |
| Rostyslav Sabishchenko | 4,025,000 | -115,000 |
Sunday, June 4, 2023 12:43 AM Local Time
Ace-High Good for Shlez
Vadim Shlez raised while holding on the button and Rostyslav Sabishchenko called from the big blind with the to see a flop of .
Sabishchenko check-called a bet from Shlez, prompting the dealer to burn and turn the .
The players checked through to a river before checking through to showdown.
The players turned up their cards and Shlez took the pot with ace-high.
| Vadim Shlez | 8,950,000 | 1,875,000 |
| Rostyslav Sabishchenko | 4,140,000 | -1,875,000 |
Sunday, June 4, 2023 12:27 AM Local Time
Sabishchenko Pulls Back Within Striking Distance of Shlez
In heads-up action, Vadim Shlez raised the button with then faced a three-bet from Rostyslav Sabishchenko holding . Shlez called to see a flop of .
Sabishchenko bet out and got a two-bet back from Shlez. Sabishchenko tossed in a call before seeing the hit the turn.
Both players checked through to the river. Sabishchenko led with a bet which prompted a fold from Shlez as the pot was pushed in Sabishchenko's direction.
| Vadim Shlez | 7,075,000 | -1,375,000 |
| Rostyslav Sabishchenko | 6,015,000 | 1,375,000 |
Sunday, June 4, 2023 12:22 AM Local Time
Shlez’s Two Pair Secures Pot
Vadim Shlez raised on the button holding and was quickly called by Rostyslav Sabishchenko, who held .
Both players saw hit the flop, giving each top pair. Sabishchenko held the edge with the kicker which he checked. Shlez bet, and Sabishchenko called.
However, the turn gave Shlez the lead when came on the board. Sabishchenko checked once again. Shlez bet and was called.
The hit the river, putting a four-card straight on the board. Sabishchenko checked and Shlez bet, putting pressure on his opponent. Sabischenko decided to call and saw the bad news, as the 3,500,000 pot was pushed to Shlez.
| Vadim Shlez | 8,450,000 | 1,550,000 |
| Rostyslav Sabishchenko | 4,640,000 | -1,550,000 |
Sunday, June 4, 2023 12:04 AM Local Time
Play Resumes!
The players are back and heads up play will commence with blinds of 125,000-250,000 and betting limits of 250,000-500,000.
Sunday, June 4, 2023 12:03 AM Local Time
Level 34 started
Level: 34
Blinds: 250,000/500,000
Ante: 0
Saturday, June 3, 2023 11:47 PM Local Time
Break Time!
The final two players are headed to a 15-minute break as heads up play is prepared.
Saturday, June 3, 2023 11:42 PM Local Time
Kerry Welsh Eliminated in 3rd Place ($63,577)
Kerry Welsh raised the last of his chips from the small blind holding and Rostyslav Sabishchenko quickly called from the big blind holding , putting Welsh at risk and headed to a run out.
The flop came , keeping Welsh in the lead, but when the hit the turn, Welsh needed help going to the river to survive.
The didn't offer any improvement as Welsh finishes in 3rd place for $63,577 and sends the match into heads up play.
| Rostyslav Sabishchenko | 6,190,000 | 360,000 |
| Kerry Welsh | 0 | -360,000 |
Saturday, June 3, 2023 11:37 PM Local Time
Sabishchenko Takes Down Pot with Aces
Rostyslav Sabishchenko raised from the button with , and was called by Vadim Shlez, who held in the small blind, and Kerry Welsh, who had in the big blind.
The flop brought , which saw Shlez bet, Welsh call and Sabishchenko call.
The turn saw , which Shlez bet, Welsh flat, and Sabishchenko raise. Shlez opted to call, while Welsh folded.
The river showed , and Shlez slowed down by checking. Sabishchenko, though, didn't slow down and bet. Shlez called to see the winning hand and a 4,600,000 pot pushed to Sabishchenko.
| Vadim Shlez | 6,900,000 | -100,000 |
| Rostyslav Sabishchenko | 5,830,000 | 2,070,000 |
| Kerry Welsh | 360,000 | -470,000 |
Saturday, June 3, 2023 11:33 PM Local Time
Sabishchenko Puts Welsh on the Short Stack Again
Rostyslav Sabishchenko raised from the button holding the , prompting a call from Kerry Welsh in the big blind holding the with both players heading to a flop of .
Both players checked through to the turn card. Welsh decided to bet and was met with just a call from Sabishchenko holding the nut flush.
On the river, Welsh check-called a bet from Sabishchenko, who quickly turned his cards over and won the pot.
| Rostyslav Sabishchenko | 3,760,000 | 1,100,000 |
| Kerry Welsh | 830,000 | -1,000,000 |
Saturday, June 3, 2023 11:24 PM Local Time
Sabishchenko Makes Good Fold on River
Rostyslav Sabishchenko limped from the small blind with , but quickly faced a raise from chip leader Vadim Shlez, who held . Sabishchenko called.
The flop produced , giving Sabishchenko top pair and Shlez a flush draw. Sabishchenko checked, Shlez bet, and Sabishchenko called.
The dealer placed on the turn, to which Sabishchenko checked. Shlez bet, having picked up a gut-shot straight draw to go along with a flush draw and bet. Sabishchenko called again.
The came on the river, giving Shlez the flush. Sabishchenko checked with just top pair, but promptly faced another bet from Shlez.
Sabishchenko intently studied the board for a few moments, then he mucked his hand.
| Vadim Shlez | 7,000,000 | -1,100,000 |
| Rostyslav Sabishchenko | 2,660,000 | -220,000 |
Saturday, June 3, 2023 11:05 PM Local Time
Welsh Doubles Through Shlez
Vadim Shlez raised from the small blind holding before seeing Kerry Welsh make it three bets in the small blind with . Shlez made it four bets, prompting Welsh to quickly go all in with the fifth bet which was met with a quick call from Shlez and the players headed to a runout with Welsh at risk.
The board came , giving Welsh queens full and securing him a full double.
| Vadim Shlez | 8,100,000 | -1,315,000 |
| Kerry Welsh | 1,830,000 | 1,035,000 |
Saturday, June 3, 2023 11:00 PM Local Time
Welsh, Shlez Chop Pot
Vadim Shlez raised on the button with , and was called by Kerry Welsh, who held , and Rostyslav Sabishchenko, who held .
The flop produced , and action as two players held top pair.
Welsh bet, Sabishchenko called, and then Shlez raised. Welsh moved all in, Sabishchenko folded, and Shlez called.
The turn brought to pair the board, and then on the river meant a chopped pot.
| Vadim Shlez | 9,415,000 | -440,000 |
| Rostyslav Sabishchenko | 2,880,000 | -120,000 |
| Kerry Welsh | 795,000 | 360,000 |
Saturday, June 3, 2023 11:00 PM Local Time
Level 33 started
Level: 33
Blinds: 200,000/400,000
Ante: 0
Saturday, June 3, 2023 10:35 PM Local Time
Shlez Finds the Nuts on the River
Vadim Shlez raised from the button holding before facing a three-bet from Kerry Welsh in the small blind. Shlez called as the players headed to a flop.
Welsh decided to bet into Shlez and was met with a quick call before the dealer put out the on the turn.
Welsh opted to lead with a bet again and again, Shlez tossed in a call to see the hit the river.
Welsh checked to Shlez who tossed out a bet. Welsh called as Shlez quickly turned his cards up, revealing the nuts.
Upon seeing the bad news, Welsh dejectedly said, "Jesus Christ!" as Shlez dragged yet another pot as Welsh is left with just over one big bet.
| Vadim Shlez | 9,855,000 | 1,350,000 |
| Kerry Welsh | 435,000 | -2,550,000 |
Saturday, June 3, 2023 10:28 PM Local Time
Shlez Running Hot and Running Away with the Chips
Rostyslav Sabishchenko raised from the button holding and faced a quick three-bet from Vadim Shlez in the small blind. Sabishchenko stuck in the call to see a flop of .
Shlez decided to lead into and forced a fold from Sabishchenko.
Shlez is starting to distance himself from the remaining two players with 65% of the chips in play sitting in his stack.
| Vadim Shlez | 8,505,000 | 1,570,000 |
| Rostyslav Sabishchenko | 3,000,000 | -930,000 |
Saturday, June 3, 2023 10:20 PM Local Time
Raul Celaya Eliminated in 4th Place ($45,301)
Raul Celaya raised in early position with , and was called by Vadim Shlez, who held in the small blind. The big blind folded, putting Celaya and Shlez heads up to the flop.
The dealer placed on the board, and Shlez checked bottom set. Celaya bet, but was promptly check-raised by Shlez.
"I don't think you have the queen," said Celaya, who made the call.
The turn produced , which Shlez bet.
Celaya went into deep thought, counting out his remaining chips and cracking jokes with the players at the table, before making the call. He saw the bad news knowing he was down to two outs when Shlez tabled his hand.
The river brought out , which sent Celaya to the rail in fourth place for $45,301.
| Vadim Shlez | 6,935,000 | 1,730,000 |
| Raul Celaya | 0 | -1,640,000 |