David Prociak Wins Second WSOP Bracelet in Event #11: $1,500 Badugi

David Prociak, from Orlando, Florida, secured his second World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet by winning the $1,500 Badugi event. This victory earned him $129,676 and marked his first bracelet since his win in the 2016 $1,500 seven-card stud eight-or-better event.

Prociak’s journey to this win has been impressive. Between 2017 and 2023, he reached the final four six times, finishing third twice and second twice. His perseverance paid off just a week into the 2024 WSOP, where he triumphed at the Badugi final table.

“It feels great; winning one could be a fluke. Winning two, you just can’t be a fluke. Coming in second twice last year [ed. Event 62 & Event 83]  sucked,” Prociak told WSOP reporters. “Now I feel like I can actually take in some compliments.”

The bracelet winner added:

 “Poker is poker; figuring out the game is just figuring out the game. Yes, all the games are unique, but they are similar. ‘Is it value, is it a bluff?’ Then just figuring out what’s in between. That’s the hardest part of the game and I think that I have a good gauge of where I am in between with most players.

This event was only the second stand-alone Badugi bracelet event hosted by the WSOP, with the inaugural tournament held in 2023. Last year’s winner was Portugal’s Michael Rodrigues, and Prociak had finished 39th.

With over $2.3 million in recorded tournament earnings, Prociak has more than half of this amount from his 44 in-the-money finishes in bracelet events. This event saw 487 entries, with 74 players making the money and sharing the $650,145 prize pool.

The final day began with ten players, including Tobias Leknes in the lead and Prociak close behind. Prociak faced Matt Grapenthien heads-up, holding a significant chip lead. Although Grapenthien made some early gains, Prociak regained control just in time for the final hand. After the first draw, Grapenthien drew one card against Prociak’s two, continuing this pattern in the second draw. Grapenthien drew one last card while Prociak stayed pat with Q J 4 2. Grapenthien revealed 7 7 3 A, giving him a three-card seven, but it wasn’t enough. Grapenthien finished second, earning $84,650, adding to his $976,000 in recorded tournament earnings.

Final Table Results 2024 WSOP Event #11: $1,500 Badugi

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