Shaun Deeb has revealed that there was "bad blood" between him and Joey Couden at the final table of the $3K Mixed Games: Nine-Game Mix last week.
Deeb started heads-up against Couden with a 2:1 chip lead, but couldn't close the tournament out. It was his third runner-up finish at the WSOP in 2026.
After the final hand, Deeb walked off without shaking Couden's hand – something he was also criticised for after finishing runner-up in the WSOPE Colossus to recreational player Gilles Silbernagel.
Shaun Deeb and Joey Couden battle heads-up in the Nine-Game Mix.Hayley Hochstetler
Deeb reveals 'bad blood' with Couden
Talking on the WSOP Countdown show on Sunday, Deeb said that he'd known Couden for a long time and they'd always been friendly. According to Deeb, things changed at the final table, with Couden calling him 'a villain' and telling him he was hated.
"The rails were extremely loud on both sides, and his adrenaline was pumping," Deeb said. "I know it’s a big spot for him – it’s his biggest ever tournament score. I think the moment got the best of him. He was just being an absolute d**k.
"He did a lot of things in the last hour or two that I wish were on camera. People would see my walk-off and it would make a lot more sense."
Looking back, Deeb said he regretted not shaking hands with Silbernagel but admitted there was now "bad blood" between him and Couden.
"I don’t think he’s good enough to get heads-up with me but if he does he’s not going to win," Deeb said.
Deeb has only cashed twice this summer, but both have been significant, with a fifth-place finish in the $10K 2-7 Lowball Championship adding more valuable Player of the Year points.
He's currently third on the POY leaderboard, just under 700 points behind leader Alex Foxen.
