by Mario Alfonsi | Published on Nov 24, 2021 | Updated on Nov 24, 2021
- Negreanu’s lone win at the Rio took place in 2008
- The GGPoker ambassador believes luck has something to do with his long bracelet drought
- A change of location could enable Negreanu to win 7th WSOP bracelet
Daniel Negreanu last won a bracelet at the 2013 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Europe. He’s been a top performer at the WSOP each year at the Rio in Las Vegas, cashing in multiple events, but a first-place finish has remained elusive for the 47-year-old.
In fact, Negreanu was only able to win one bracelet at the Caesars-owned casino within 17 long years. That victory took place in 2008 when he won a $2,000 Limit Hold’em event.
Negreanu’s WSOP Performance at the Rio
Since 2008, Negreanu hasn’t won a bracelet at the Rio despite multiple deep runs. For some reason, he seems to always fall short of winning an event. In 2019, he settled for second place in two tournaments – the first was in a $10,000 seven-card stud event where he lost heads-up to John Hennigan; he also came close to winning a bracelet in a $100K high roller event which was ultimately taken down by Keith Tilston.
But despite winning just a single bracelet at the Rio, Negreanu has been a consistent performer. Since 2005, he has reached 26 final tables, which is quite an impressive record. He was crowned Player of the Year in 2013 and has remained among the frontrunners for the title for several years, including 2021 where he’s likely to finish in 3rd place just behind Phil Hellmuth.
Game of Poker Involves Luck
What could be the reason for Negreanu’s 13-year bracelet drought at the Rio? The Canadian poker pro thinks it all boils down to luck. The former all-time money leader said losing is simply part of the game. He said everyone must realize that poker involves an element of luck. He shared that when he was just starting his career, he won in his first eight final tables, and that’s probably because luck was on his side.
This year, Negreanu once again chased for a seventh bracelet but has remained quite unlucky. Nevertheless, he is still among the strong performers at the 2021 WSOP, cashing in 18 events. He finished third twice throughout the series – in the $50K Pot Limit Omaha and the $50K No-Limit Hold’em.
The WSOP will move to Bally’s next year – will a change of venue result in a change of luck for Negreanu? We will wait and see.
