We’re barely two weeks into the WSOP, but already the endless stream of bracelets is becoming overwhelming for poker fans. The players must have felt the same way in the pro-heavy field in the $10,000 Omaha Hi-Lo World Championship. Ever major poker discipline has a high buy-in World Championship event at the WSOP, the Texas Hold’em version of which is more commonly known as the Main Event.

The 8s-or-better title goes to Russia this year, after Vlacheslav Zhukov became only the fourth representative of his nation to ever win a WSOP bracelet. After his victory, Zhukov was snapped celebrating with his family and friends, including double bracelet holder Vitaly Lunkin.

The 22-year-old Zhukov no doubt took a few tips from his experienced countryman and will have needed every bit of guile to fight back from a terrible opening. Players at Event #11 began Day 1 with 30,000 chips, but after only a few levels Vlacheslav was down to 2,000. “I lost about 14 pots in a row,” he reminisced after the tournament. “I was ready to go out. Nothing went my way. But I was patient and I started to get chips.”

Nevertheless, he fought back and eventually found himself up against George Lind. The online maestro was making his 9th WSOP cash and 1st final table. Along the way, both players had to dodge a minefield of exceptionally competitive opposition. Among the notable names who made it into the money were: Jason Mercier (27th), Amnon Filippi (24th), Freddy Deeb (20th), Shaun Deeb (18th), Mike Sexton (15th), and Alessio Isaia (12th). The final table alone included players like Josh Arieh, Guillaume Rivet, Richard Ashby, and Steve Billirakis.

Eventually, over three hours of high level heads-up Omaha, play came to an end in classic fashion. With two pots to play for every time, separating players can be tough. The only way you’re going to win the whole thing is with a scoop and when both players committed their chips for the final time, Vlacheslav had the best hand he could have hoped for. George could only stare at his opponents wheel (a straight A-5) and bow out in second place.

Zhukov was obviously delighted with his victory and gave some cheeky comments to press after as he celebrated. “This is my first time at the World Series, but I have good experience playing online and I have good experience in Omaha Hi-Lo, so I think I can compete with the world’s greatest and well, I’m first now.” We’ll see if his confidence is repaid with more bracelets in the years to come.

1. Viacheslav Zhukov ($465,216)
2. George Lind ($287,554)
3. Steve Billirakis ($214,697)
4. Richard Ashby ($161,379)
5. Mack Lee ($122,054)
6. Guillaume Rivet ($92,908)
7. Jason Steinberg ($71,148)
8. Mikael Thuritz ($54,837)
9. Josh Arieh ($42,514)