Rafi Elharar, one of the most well-known figures in the Israeli poker community, secured one of the biggest online poker victories ever by an Israeli player on Tuesday night. Elharar, known in the community by his nickname "Rafi Vegas," triumphed in the WSOP Super Circuit Main Event, which attracted 23,249 entries, earning a staggering $1,230,227. The massive prize was especially remarkable given the tournament’s modest $525 buy-in.
After a grueling multi-day tournament, Elharar reached the heads-up stage (the final two players) at a significant chip disadvantage against his Canadian opponent. However, through measured and strategic play, he steadily closed the gap, eventually overtaking his rival to claim victory.
In the final hand, Elharar held a queen of clubs and an eight of diamonds on a board showing a queen of hearts, ten of clubs, three of clubs, five of clubs, and six of diamonds. He put his opponent to the test by going all in, and the Canadian called with an inferior hand—king of clubs and ten of diamonds—sealing Elharar’s win.
A bizarre and somewhat amusing moment occurred when the two finalists agreed to a deal for prize distribution. However, after the agreement was finalized and approved, the Canadian player appeared confused, using the chat to ask for clarification on the details—seemingly unaware of what he had signed off on.
In addition to the massive cash prize, Elharar was awarded the coveted championship ring, given to all winners of the World Series of Poker Circuit events.
"I'm on an insane adrenaline rush," Elharar said after his victory. "I've only slept four hours in the last two days, my heart is racing, and my whole body is still in a frenzy. I entered heads-up play at a chip disadvantage but with an edge in skill and experience. This is my first victory in a WSOP event of this scale, but anyone who knows me knows I’ve been working toward this for 15 years."
A veteran player with a long list of achievements, Elharar is known for his ability to navigate massive tournaments. In 2019, he finished third in the Big 50 event in Las Vegas, the largest live poker tournament in history, which drew 28,371 entries. That performance earned him $534,574.
His latest accomplishment comes shortly after he announced he was stepping away from full-time poker. "This decision wasn’t due to a lack of love for the game but rather a desire to find balance in life—focusing on personal projects, creating, teaching, and also finding love and starting a family," he said.
Elharar made it clear that his recent win wouldn’t change his plans: "This victory doesn’t alter my decision, but it does validate it. It’s as if the game itself told me, ‘You did it right.’ I’m not disappearing from poker—I’m just choosing when and how to play. That’s exactly where I wanted to be. I still have a dream of singing our national anthem in a Las Vegas poker room after winning a championship."
