June 18, 2024 Jon Sofen Senior Editor U.S.

Koray Aldemir is off to a strong start at the 2024 World Series ♣ of Poker, a rare occurrence for reigning world champions.

Seven months ago, the German poker pro who resides in Austria won ♣ the WSOP Main Event forR$8 million, life-changing money even for a player who was already an accomplished grinder.

At the 2024 ♣ WSOP, he's already racked up six cashes, reached two final tables, and entered Friday ranked sixth in the Player of ♣ the Year standings.

On the surface, what Aldemir's accomplished this summer might not seem so incredible or worth mentioning. But when ♣ you consider the past history of Main Event champs and how they performed at the WSOP the following year, you'll ♣ realize how rare his performance has been.