We have a winner! Martin Jacobson (pictured) has won the 2014 World Series of Poker Main Event, defeating Felix Stephensen heads-up after starting with nearly a 3:1 chip lead. Jacobson received a bundle of praise for playing a near-perfect game from many in the poker community throughout the night. The final tabled last 328 hands.

—

PocketFives’ WSOP coverage is brought to you by William Hill Poker, one of the largest skins on the iPoker Network. The poker room offers a generous welcome package including a 200% deposit bonus up to $2,000 and a superb VIP program. Visit William Hill today!

—

After several shoves and would-be all-in confrontations heads-up, Stephensen opened for 3.5 million and Jacobson pushed, putting his opponent all-in. Stephensen called for about 25 million more and flipped over A-9 of hearts, while Jacobson showed 10-10. ESPN commentator Norman Chad noted that the cards basically played themselves. Stephensen’s coach, Scott Seiver, continued to coach his student throughout the hand.

WSOP’s coverage detailed the rowdy scene, which appeared on ESPN on a half-hour delay: “With Stephensen at the disadvantage, each player’s rail took to their feet and began chanting excessively. ‘Ten for ten! Ten for ten!’ shouted Jacobson’s rail. ‘Ace! Ace! Ace!’ responded Stephensen’s rail.”

Jacobson hit the flop hard, nailing a set, and Stephensen was drawing dead by the river. Jacobson’s rail burst into cheers and included the likes of PocketFivers Jason JAKoon1985Koon, Mark AceSpadesRadoja, JC PrtyPSuxAlvarado, Connor blanconegroDrinan, and Mohsin chicagocards1 Charania. That’s a lot of brainpower. Stephensen and Jacobson watched the final card from the stage together.

Since Joe Cada in 2009, no player had gone from beginning chip leader of the event to champion, but Jacobson did so after finishing on top of the counts way back on Day 1A, according to WSOP officials. Additionally, Jacobson, at 27, is the oldest player to win the Main Event since Jerry Yang in 2007.

Among those saluting Jacobson’s performance in the 2014 WSOP Main Event was Mike Matusow, who said on social media, “Martin Jacobson has played mistake-free poker for 2 days, truly awesome to watch as a professional poker player.”

David “ODB” Baker gave his take: “Seriously impressed by everything about Jacobson. Great demeanor. Seems to have healthy confidence but not arrogance. Respect for opponents.” Jean-Robert Bellande praised, “This Jacobson is such an amazing decision maker.”

Jacobson was down to a measly seven big blinds at one point during the final table, but stayed patient and chose his spots wisely. He knocked out November Nine chip leader Jorryt Van Hoofin third place after seemingly setting Van Hoof up with A-10. Read the hand.

Stephensen raked in $5.1 million for second place and Jacobson captured the coveted WSOP Main Event bracelet and $10 million. 2014 marked the 14th time that a WSOP Main Event’s winning hand had been a pocket pair; it has still never been aces. Jacobson was the second shortest stack entering the November Nine.

We’ll have more for you on Wednesday right here on PocketFives. Congrats to Martin Jacobson on making poker history!

Want the latest poker headlines and interviews? Follow PocketFives on Twitterand Like PocketFives on Facebook. You can also subscribe to our RSS feed.