Yousef Saleh secured the biggest victory of his poker career by capturing the World Series of Poker Circuit (WSOP Circuit) New Orleans Main Event title on Labor Day. The Mississippi native outlasted a competitive field of 510 entries in the $1,700 buy-in championship at Caesars New Orleans, taking home $149,268, his second career WSOP Circuit ring, and a seat at the upcoming WSOP Paradise series in the Bahamas this December.
Breakthrough Victory
The Main Event generated a $772,650 prize pool, with Saleh claiming the top share. Before this triumph, his live tournament record included $437,000 in career cashes, with his previous best being $61,261. His last WSOP Circuit win came in December 2019 at a $400 No-Limit Hold’em event in Biloxi, where he earned $34,004.
Six players returned for the final day of action at the newly renovated Caesars property, located near New Orleans’ French Quarter. Saleh steadily worked his way through the competition, eliminating Andrew Dykeman in third place for $67,291 to set up the decisive heads-up battle.
Heads-Up Showdown
In the final duel, Saleh faced Louisiana’s Kane Keller, who entered the event with modest live tournament experience totaling around $35,000. Keller put up a spirited fight but eventually had to settle for second place and a career-best $99,135 payout. Saleh sealed the victory and celebrated his long-awaited return to the WSOP Circuit winner’s circle.
Final Table Results
| Place | Player | Prize |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yousef Saleh | $149,268 |
| 2 | Kane Keller | $99,135 |
| 3 | Andrew Dykeman | $67,291 |
| 4 | Alexander Jones | $46,704 |
| 5 | Samuel Rosen | $33,161 |
| 6 | Andrew Yurchak | $24,100 |
| 7 | Josh Pridgen | $17,938 |
| 8 | Luke Martin | $13,681 |
| 9 | Brandon Butler | $10,699 |
Series Conclusion
The 18-event series wrapped up with James Morris winning the $400 Double Stack Closer for $14,348. Another highlight came from Maurice Hawkins, the all-time WSOP Circuit ring leader with 21 titles, who narrowly missed securing another victory in Event #16, finishing runner-up to Heath Pender in the $400 Grand Master 40/40/40.
Saleh’s triumph in New Orleans not only marks a career milestone but also positions him as a strong contender heading into WSOP Paradise later this year.
