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The 2026 NOIR Poker Series has crowned its champion, with Selahaddin Bedir winning the $5,500 Merit Poker Main Event after a grueling 12-hour final day at the Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa. The event attracted 769 entrants, creating a $3,608,148 prize pool and a $525,000 top prize.
Bedir began the final day among 13 remaining players before a nine-handed final table played out over roughly ten hours. A heads-up duel against Konstantin Voronin then stretched close to two hours before Bedir sealed the victory.
Reflecting on the demanding schedule, Bedir noted the difficulty of maintaining focus across multiple days, saying he relied on patience while feeling good throughout. He described poker as both his business and his hobby, insisting that enjoyment, not money, motivates him to play.
This win marks a step up from April, when Bedir finished runner-up in the High Roller event at the same venue. He said this victory felt especially satisfying compared to his previous near-miss.
Bedir also credited his background as a skilled Bridge player for sharpening decision-making abilities that translate well to poker, calling Bridge a “brain sport.”
The final table saw several notable eliminations, including Manuel Fritz and Fabian Gumz, before Bedir and Voronin battled heads-up. Despite Voronin doubling up twice, Bedir steadily rebuilt his stack until a decisive all-in ended the contest in his favor.
