Defending WSOP Main Event champion remains active here in Level 7, his frequent, aggressive play contrasting sharply with his relaxed seeming pose as he leans forward to continue receiving a lengthy message.

Just now he was calling an opponent's raise to 1,500 with position, then calling another bet of 2,000 following an flop. The turn was the , and this time Merson's opponent checked and he fired a bet of 3,200 that earned a call.

Both players checked the river, and when Merson saw his opponent table for a set of fives, he mucked.

The very next hand Merson was raising to 1,500 from the cutoff seat and his neighbor on the left called from the button. Merson continued for 2,200 on the and his opponent stuck around. Then after both checked the turn, the river brought the and a bet of 3,500 from Merson, and his opponent folded.