WSOP Player Profile: Jason Mercier Clinches 2nd Bracelet

Team PokerStars Pro Jason Mercier continues to cement his reputation as the world's finest young tournament player by claiming victory in Event #35, the $5,000 Six-Max Pot-Limit Omaha for $619,575. Let's find out more.

Jason Mercier at the WSOP

With his shaggy hair, rugged complexion, and baggy clothing, you would think Jason Mercier was a skateboarder. In his 3 years as a poker pro, Jason has enjoyed a meteoric rise to stardom. During that time, he has amassed over $6.9 million in live tournament earnings.

Mercier burst onto the scene with his maiden victory at the 2008 EPT San Remo for $1,372,893. He continued to establish himself on the European scene, claiming 6th place at the EPT Barcelona in September and winning the £20,000 WSOPE High Roller Event for $944,847 a month later.

2009 was an even more memorable year for Mercier, as he clinched his first WSOP bracelet in the $1.5k Pot-Limit Omaha for $237,462. He added 3 further WSOP cashes, and then finished 4th in the WSOPE Main Event for $440,620. He was rewarded with Bluff Magazine Player of the Year for his efforts.

2010 continued in a similar vein for Mercier, as he made a host of cashes in WPT, NAPT, EPT and WSOP events.

Don't let Mercier's calm, laid-back demeanour fool you - he is one of the game's most aggressive players. Mercier has also proved his mettle in high-stakes cash games, impressing on PokerStars "The Big Game" and Season 7 of High Stakes Poker. Alongside "ElkY", he is arguably the most talented young tournament player on the circuit.

Bracelet Win Number Two, Still a Win Away From the Triple Crown

Mercier cashed 3 times for a combined total of $50k at this year's WSOP before securing his 2nd bracelet. Jason had anticipated something special in Event #35, tweeting "Been really excited all series to play this event" at the end of Day 1.

Mercier rode his luck on the way to the final table, prompting eccentric British veteran Dave "The Devilfish" Ulliot to launch a foul-mouthed tirade: "You are the luckiest f****** motherf***** alive." Mercier had overcome Ulliot's flopped set by turning a straight to scoop a 3-way pot.

Mercier overcame the challenge of David Chiu at the final table and defeated Hans Winzeler in heads-up play to scoop the bracelet. He needs only a WPT title to complete the elusive "Triple Crown" - a WPT, EPT, and WSOP victory.

Jason Mercier Facts:

• Born: November 12, 1986 (age 24) in Davie, Florida
• Hometown: Hollywood, Florida
• Turned pro: 2008
• Biggest cash: $1,372,893 (2008 EPT San Remo)
• Total winnings: $6,943,735
• Rank on Poker All Time Money List: 34
• WSOP cashes: 18
• WPT cashes: 3
• EPT cashes: 4
• 1 WCOOP title
• Keen basketball player
• Had aspirations of being a maths tutor
• Team PokerStars Pro
• 2009 Bluff Magazine Player of the Year
• Ranked as the 3rd best player in the world by ESPN (April 2011)