David “ODB” Baker Scores First No Limit WSOP Win in Seniors High Roller

David “ODB” Baker has long been one of the World Series of Poker’s most respected mixed-game veterans. With previous bracelets in 8-Game, Limit Hold’em, and Razz, his résumé was already full of variety. But one title had always eluded him — a win in No Limit Hold’em. That changed in Event #40: $5,000 Seniors High Roller.

Good to know

• Baker outlasted 801 entries to win $646,845 and his fourth WSOP bracelet.
• The Seniors High Roller had a prize pool of $3.68 million.
• Baker defeated Chuanshu Chen heads-up in a back-and-forth battle.

Baker’s latest WSOP win is not just another bracelet — it is the one he had chased for years. “It’s hard to put into words. I’ve always wanted to win a No-Limit bracelet,” he said, visibly emotional as he celebrated with his wife and mother in Las Vegas.

Each of Baker’s previous bracelets holds its own meaning, but this one stands out not only for the prestige, but also the payday. “It’s still about the bracelet because I love the World Series, but it’s also about the money. I mean, $650,000 is a lot of money,” he said.

Though best known for mixed games, Baker has consistently played No Limit events throughout his career. He recalled a third-place finish in a WSOP No Limit event in 2010 and a 17th-place showing in the Main Event that same year. “I’ve always really wanted a No-Limit bracelet,” he said. “I think my strength as a poker player is situational analysis.”

Dramatic Final Day

The final four players returned for an unscheduled Day 4 to settle the outcome. Chuanshu Chen picked up pocket aces on the first hand, but only won a modest pot when his opponent folded kings after an ace appeared on the flop.

Ron West ended up finishing in fourth place for $215,095 after his hand was undone by Chen’s straight on the river. Carmino Argiero had a rollercoaster run — twice close to elimination, he managed to double up before eventually running into Chen’s aces. Argiero took home $114,399 for third.

One key moment came when Baker shoved preflop and was called by Argiero’s pocket kings. Baker hit quads, stunning the table and vaulting back into contention.

Closing the Deal

Heads-up play began with Chen slightly ahead, but Baker quickly shifted momentum. By the first break, he had claimed three-fourths of the chips. In the final hand, Baker’s ace-three held strong against king-ten, sealing the victory and bringing him the bracelet he had waited years to win.

Chen earned $431,173 as runner-up — a strong showing from the player representing China — but the night belonged to “ODB.”

The post David “ODB” Baker Scores First No Limit WSOP Win in Seniors High Roller appeared first on iGaming.org.