Koji Fujimoto Captures First WSOP Bracelet in Limit 2-7 Triple Draw Championship

Koji Fujimoto, a poker coach from Japan, has achieved his lifelong dream of winning a World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet. He emerged victorious in Event #67, the $10,000 Limit 2-7 Triple Draw Championship, defeating poker legend Nick Schulman in a dramatic heads-up match. For his triumph, Fujimoto secured $392,478 in prize money and etched his name into WSOP history.

Fujimoto’s win is particularly significant as it marks the 11th bracelet for a player from Japan, a country where mixed games are reportedly growing in popularity. His victory also denied Schulman, a four-time bracelet winner, the chance to capture his ninth WSOP title and move closer to a rare milestone.

Final Day Action

The final day of the $10,000 Limit 2-7 Triple Draw Championship saw 11 players return, with Fujimoto sitting in third place. The field included notable names like Billy Baxter, a six-time bracelet winner in draw games, and Todd Brunson. As the day progressed, players like Baxter and Brunson were eliminated, setting the stage for the final table.

Fujimoto navigated a tough final table, which included Schulman, who entered with a significant chip lead. Despite facing seasoned professionals, Fujimoto maintained his composure, focusing on each hand. He managed to overcome several accomplished players on his path to heads-up play.

Battling the Legend

The heads-up match pitted Fujimoto against Schulman, a player renowned for his expertise in mixed games. Schulman, with his extensive experience and a substantial chip advantage, was favored to win. However, Fujimoto remained unfazed by the reputation of his opponent.

“He’s a good player. I tried not to make any mistakes and just try to focus on every single hand,” Fujimoto stated about facing Schulman.

A turning point in the heads-up battle occurred when fellow Japanese bracelet winner Naoya Kihara brought Fujimoto energy drinks. Fujimoto credits this gesture with shifting the momentum in his favor. After a see-saw battle where the chip lead changed hands multiple times, Fujimoto eventually gained the upper hand.

The final hand saw Schulman drawing one to a 9-7, while Fujimoto held a 7-6. Fujimoto paired his hand on the final card, and while Schulman also improved, it wasn’t enough to overcome Fujimoto’s hand. The victory was sealed, and Fujimoto celebrated his hard-earned bracelet.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Beyond his personal achievement, Fujimoto sees his win as a catalyst for the growth of mixed games in Japan. He is a poker coach back home, and his students were present to support him at the final table.

“I was playing, not alone, but all the students. So that makes me play better and lead to winning,” Fujimoto explained. He hopes his success will inspire his students and other aspiring players in Japan to pursue mixed games, a path he himself has taken from Hold’em to more complex variants.

Key facts
| Detail | Information |
|—|—|
| Event | WSOP Event #67: $10,000 Limit 2-7 Triple Draw Championship |
| Winner | Koji Fujimoto |
| Runner-up | Nick Schulman |
| Prize Money | $392,478 |
| Significance | Fujimoto’s first WSOP bracelet; 11th for Japan |

Fujimoto’s journey from a poker coach to a WSOP bracelet winner highlights his dedication and skill. His victory in a prestigious mixed game event underscores the increasing global reach and talent within the poker community.

Source: PokerNews – Koji Fujimoto Beats the Legends on His Way to $10k Limit 2-7 Triple Draw Title (https://www.pokernews.com/news/2026/06/koji-fujimoto-wins-event-67-10k-limit-2-7-triple-draw-champs-51689.htm)

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