Hans Winzeler Eliminated in 2nd Place ($383,075); Jason Mercier Wins!

It almost seemed like we were in for a long night, but Jason Mercier has just defeated Hans Winzeler heads-up in stunning fashion to claim his second WSOP bracelet!

Earlier, Winzeler raised to 160,000 before the flop from the button and Mercier called before both players checked the flop of {10-Spades} {2-Hearts} {J-Spades} . Mercier then led out for 165,000 on the turn of the {4-Spades} and Winzeler called before Mercier bet 390,000 on the river of the {2-Clubs} . Winzeler folded his hand.

Down to less than 2.8 million, the final hand of the night came after two sets of blinds were passed between them. Mercier raised to 160,000 from the button, only to see Winzeler re-raise to 480,000. Mercier called and then the dealer spread the flop of {9-Diamonds} {4-Spades} {3-Diamonds} .

Mercier bet 960,000, Winzeler potted all-in and Mercier snap-called.

Winzeler: {A-Clubs} {K-Diamonds} {K-Clubs} {J-Spades}
Mercier: {Q-Clubs} {6-Clubs} {5-Diamonds} {3-Spades}

Winzeler was in front with the overpair, and he kept the lead when the {10-Clubs} came down on the turn. Needing any deuce, trey, five, six or seven, the audience went bananas when the {7-Hearts} spiked on the river and Mercier's supporters jumped the rail in droves to kick off the celebrations!

It was a truly impressive display from Winzeler, who held his own against 505 other superstars in what can only be considered the greatest field ever assembled in modern WSOP history. Unfortunately, he was pipped at the post, but there is no shame in taking second place tonight (and of course, there's 383,075 reasons for him to smile). We're sure that we'll see him back even more determined to snare gold.

But to the victor go the spoils - ladies and gentlemen, we present to you Jason Mercier, the 2011 WSOP Event #35 champion!