The WPT bestbet Scramble Championship in Jacksonville has seen the exit of major names including Brian Altman and Kharlin Sued as the field narrows and the prize pool surpasses $1.3 million
Two WPT Champions Club members—Brian Altman and Kharlin Sued—have been knocked out of the WPT bestbet Scramble Championship, abruptly shifting the competitive landscape of one of Florida’s most prominent live poker events. Their eliminations, confirmed midday on September 7, 2026, leave the remaining field scrambling for position as the tournament enters its decisive stages at bestbet Jacksonville.
Key Players Eliminated
Altman and Sued were not the only high-profile departures. Ahmad Raza, Thad McNulty, Carlos Vizoso, Jonathan Wang, Denavol Wilson, and Ernest Bush also exited during Level 14, with blinds at 3,000-5,000 (5,000). The loss of these experienced players has opened the door for lesser-known entrants to make a deep run, intensifying the unpredictability of the event’s outcome.
Prize Pool and Tournament Structure
With 294 total entries and only 16 players left in contention, the prize pool has reached $1,337,700. Each remaining hand now carries significant financial weight, as the $5,000 buy-in event approaches its final table. Current blinds have escalated to 10,000/15,000/15,000, putting pressure on short stacks and forcing aggressive play from those hoping to capitalize on the thinning field.
Player Logistics and Event Details
Participants have been offered special hotel rates at the Hampton Inn in Jacksonville, with an additional beachside option available for those preferring proximity to the coast. Tournament organizers have provided a comprehensive player guide, outlining event logistics and accommodation details, to streamline the experience for both local and traveling players. For those tracking the broader poker circuit, a recent update on the RGPS Mississippi Poker Championship highlights the ongoing intensity of the U.S. live poker calendar.
As the WPT bestbet Scramble Championship narrows to its final contenders, the absence of established names like Brian Altman and Kharlin Sued signals a rare opportunity for new faces to claim a major title. The tournament’s structure, with its escalating blinds and substantial prize pool, rewards adaptability and risk management over reputation. In a field where past victories offer no protection from elimination, the remaining players face a test of both technical skill and tournament endurance that will define the next WPT champion.
Understanding the significance of a $1,337,700 prize pool in a live poker event requires context. Unlike guaranteed prize pools, which set a minimum payout regardless of entries, this figure reflects actual buy-ins collected from 294 entrants. The escalating blind structure is designed to accelerate play and force action as the field shrinks, ensuring that chip accumulation and survival become increasingly difficult. For players, every decision at this stage can mean the difference between a deep run and a costly exit.
