Aaron Mermelstein Eliminated in 3rd Place ($75,545)

Badugi

Nick Pupillo opened on the button with Aaron Mermelstein calling off for less out of the small blind. Ryan Moriarty also called in the big blind to generate three-way action heading to the first draw.

All three players took one card on the first draw after which Moriarty check-called a bet from Pupillo.

The second draw saw Mermelstein and Moriarty each take one more while Pupillo opted to stand pat. Moriarty then checked for a second time before calling another bet from Pupillo.

The same drawing pattern was repeated on the final draw. Action then went check-check with Pupillo tabling J♦3♥2♣A♠, a hand that Moriarty could not beat. Mermelstein, meanwhile, held 10♠7♣3♦2♠, bringing his tournament to an end in 3rd place and setting the stage for a heads-up match between Moriarty and Pupillo.