Thiago Nishijima Wins 2015 WSOP $3,000 No-Limit Hold'em

Brazil is undoubtedly one of the most enthusiastic and vocal nations in poker fandom. Thiago Nishijima gave them a lot to cheer for today when he topped a field of 989 players to win the 2015 World Series of Poker $3,000 no-limit hold’em event for $546,843. As the rail exploded in chants of exultation for Nishijima it began to sink in that he had finally captured his first gold bracelet.

“This is the happiest day of my life, no doubt,” said Nishijima after the win. “Having all of them with me here and thousands back in Brazil who were watching on online was like having the whole country behind me. I have to thank all of the Brazilians….having them all here makes a big difference. With my confidence, with wanting to play good, and not wanting to let them down. I know they helped me to win today.”

The 36-year-old poker pro returned to day four of this tournament as the chip leader among the five remaining players after play was halted at 2:00 AM. Close on his heels was 2012 WSOP main event runner up Jesse Sylvia, while 2014 European Poker Tour Deauville champion Sotirios Koutoupas was bringing up the rear with only 14 big blinds as the short stack.

Koutoupas was able to survive to three-handed play and find a double up through Sylvia, who was taken out by Nishijima shortly after to set up the final showdown. The Brazilian took a nearly 2-to-1 lead into heads-up play. The two battled for over 40 hands, but in the end Koutoupas moved all-in with A5 and Nishijima called with the A9.

The board ran out 44264, which kept Nishijima’s nine kicker in play and secured him the pot and the title. Koutoupas earned $338,414 for his runner-up finish.

Here is a look at the payouts and POY points awarded at this final table:

For more coverage from the summer series, visit the 2015 WSOP landing page complete with a full schedule, news, player interviews and event recaps.

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