The NAPT Las Vegas Mystery Bounty event delivered an exciting start to the 2025 NAPT Las Vegas series, hosted at Resorts World Las Vegas. The series kicked off on Monday, November 3, featuring a stacked lineup of PGT-qualifying poker tournaments with millions in prize pools and the coveted opportunity to win a Dream Seat into the PGT $1,000,000 Championship.

Cherish Andrews Dominates the Field to Win Her First PGT Title

Professional poker player Cherish Andrews emerged as the standout performer early in the series after capturing her first-ever PGT title in Event #5: $10,300 No-Limit Hold’em Mystery Bounty. Facing a competitive field of 84 entries, Andrews showcased elite poker strategy to claim the title, taking home $111,300 in prize money, a massive $220,000 in bounties, 111 PGT points, and the NAPT Las Vegas Spade trophy.

This remarkable victory pushes Andrews’ career tournament earnings past $4,066,000, according to The Hendon Mob, marking her 10th career title. The win also cements her as a frontrunner in the NAPT Las Vegas Dream Seat Leaderboard, putting her in strong contention for a spot in the PGT $1,000,000 Championship.

♣ Where Poker Thrives Beyond Las Vegas — NYC Poker Clubs

While Las Vegas remains the heart of global poker, New York City is quickly becoming a hub for private poker clubs and exclusive cash games. For players who love the thrill of live action but prefer a more intimate atmosphere, NYC poker clubs offer nightly No-Limit Hold’em games, ranging from low-stakes to high-roller action.

If you’re visiting or living in New York, check out NYC Poker Clubs — a trusted community for private poker games in NYC. Players enjoy secure environments, professional dealing, and generous buy-in bonuses, including 10% added chips on first entry. Whether you’re sharpening your skills before your next big tournament or just playing for fun, NYC’s private poker rooms are the perfect blend of comfort and competition.

A Breakout Year for Cherish Andrews

The 2025 season has been a breakout year for Andrews. With over $1.38 million in live earnings—surpassing her 2024 total by more than $550,000—she continues to prove herself as one of the most consistent players on the circuit. Her results so far place her 149th on the PGT leaderboard, with 364 PGT points and seven cashes totaling $385,729 in PGT earnings.

While Andrews remains over 100 positions away from the Top 40 on the PGT leaderboard, her performance in Las Vegas gives her a strategic advantage. Leading the NAPT Dream Seat Leaderboard means she can automatically qualify for the PGT $1,000,000 Championship, set to take place on January 12–13, 2026. The prestigious season-ending event will award $500,000 to the eventual champion.

Tough Competition and Key Leaderboard Movements

The $10,300 Mystery Bounty event was packed with high-caliber professionals, and the 84-entrant field paid out to the top 11 finishers. With more than half the total prize pool allocated to mystery bounties, every elimination on Day 2 carried significant excitement.

Notable leaderboard shifts:

• Chino Rheem was the first player eliminated in the money, adding another cash to his 2025 record and closing in on Sam Soverel, who sits second overall on the PGT leaderboard with a season-leading 29 cashes.
• Landon Tice finished ninth, climbing to 75th place.
• Cary Katz, finishing eighth, improved to 96th on the PGT leaderboard.
• Clemen Deng took fifth, advancing to 174th, while Sam Laskowitz, the overnight chip leader, fell in fourth and now sits 76th.
• David Coleman’s strong third-place run lifted him to 69th, and Nick Petrangelo claimed the runner-up position, moving up to 246th overall.

A Pivotal Event in the NAPT Las Vegas Series

The NAPT Las Vegas Mystery Bounty event not only delivered a thrilling poker spectacle but also reshaped the PGT leaderboard as the series progresses. With seven more PGT-qualifying events remaining at Resorts World Las Vegas, players are battling for leaderboard points, prize money, and coveted Dream Seats into the PGT Championship.

If Cherish Andrews can maintain her momentum through the final stages of the series, she may very well secure a chance to compete for the $500,000 top prize at the 2025 PGT $1,000,000 Championship—a fitting finale for one of poker’s brightest stars.

Final Table Results

Photo credit: Rational Intellectual Holdings Ltd. / Matthew Berglund.

The WSOP Circuit has witnessed countless champions over the years, but very few have ever managed to defend a Main Event title. In 2025, Evan Sandberg joined that elite group by winning back-to-back WSOP Circuit Lake Tahoe Main Events, cementing his place among the most consistent players in the poker world. The $1,700 no-limit hold’em main event at Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe drew 436 entries, each chasing the gold ring and a $125,269 payday. Along with his second Circuit ring, Sandberg also earned a $5,000 “Ticket to Paradise” package, including entry into December’s $5 million guaranteed WSOP Paradise Championship Mystery Bounty event.

“It’s crazy,” Sandberg told Poker.org. “Even when I wasn’t winning, I loved this event. You can step outside, breathe in fresh air — it’s beautiful here. The positivity really fuels my game.”

This victory added another chapter to Sandberg’s growing legacy. With over $2.3 million in career earnings, two WSOP Online bracelets, and now two WSOP Circuit Main Event titles, he’s proven himself a force on both live and online poker fronts.

The Road to Victory

Defending a title on the WSOP Circuit takes a perfect mix of timing, discipline, and luck. Sandberg battled through a talented final table featuring Eric Afriat, Casey Sandretto, Ryan Awwad, Melanie Pittard, and Bradley Hinson.

A key moment came when Sandberg’s A♦Q♦ cracked Dustin Fox’s pocket queens, turning a near elimination into a stack-building momentum shift. From that point on, Sandberg’s focus was unshakable.

As eliminations continued, Sandretto bowed out in fifth, Pittard followed in fourth, and Thorp fell in third after losing to Sandberg’s spade flush. In the heads-up battle, Francisco Trujillo doubled up three times but couldn’t overcome Sandberg’s edge. The final hand—pocket nines versus A♦K♠—secured Sandberg’s second straight Lake Tahoe title and one of the biggest stories of the 2025 WSOP Circuit season.

WSOP Circuit Final Table Results

The WSOP Circuit may span dozens of U.S. stops, but its influence extends far beyond the tournament floor. In cities like New York, poker’s underground and private club culture continues to thrive.

Many NYC poker clubs have evolved into semi-professional hubs where local players prepare for live tournaments, study game theory, and even qualify for WSOP satellite events. Whether it’s a $1/3 cash game in Queens or a structured home tournament in Manhattan, the passion mirrors what we see at official WSOP Circuit events.

For aspiring players in the New York poker scene, Sandberg’s success is a powerful reminder: great poker isn’t just about luck—it’s about preparation, composure, and consistency. The next WSOP Circuit champion could easily come from one of the many private poker rooms in New York City.

A Lesson from the WSOP Circuit Champion

Sandberg’s performance exemplifies what it takes to succeed in tournament poker:

• Patience: He avoided high-risk spots early and capitalized on momentum later.
• Adaptability: Switching gears against different opponents made him unpredictable.
• Mental resilience: He recovered quickly from setbacks and maintained focus throughout.

These same qualities are what aspiring players in New York poker clubs can practice every night — transforming regular games into stepping stones for WSOP Circuit success.

The Bigger Picture — What’s Next for the WSOP Circuit

The WSOP Circuit 2025 season is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in years, with major stops in Las Vegas, Cherokee, Hammond, and New Orleans. Lake Tahoe’s scenic event may have belonged to Sandberg, but the next champion could emerge from anywhere — maybe even from the New York poker community.

As more players enter the live poker arena post-pandemic, events like the WSOP Circuit are drawing record turnouts. And with online qualification paths and regional satellites, participation is easier than ever.

For those in New York City, the journey can start right at home — in your local NYC poker club, at the kitchen table, or in a private room filled with friends chasing the same dream.

WSOP Circuit Glory Starts with the Right Mindset

Evan Sandberg’s repeat win on the WSOP Circuit isn’t just about cards—it’s about consistency, mental toughness, and love for the game. From Lake Tahoe to New York City, the story of poker remains the same: work hard, stay disciplined, and believe in your edge.

So whether you’re grinding a local NYC poker club game or preparing for your first major event, remember — every great run starts somewhere, and the next WSOP Circuit spotlight could be shining on you.

The Super High Roller Series #1: $15,100 Pot-Limit Omaha kicked off an exciting start to the 2025 high-stakes poker season at the luxurious PokerGO Studio inside ARIA Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. Some of the world’s top professionals battled it out in the four-card format, but it was Stephen Chidwick who once again proved why he’s among poker’s elite, securing the PGT Gold Cup, $136,500, and 109 PGT points for his dominant victory.

This win marks Chidwick’s 11th career PGT title and his first of the 2025 season. With this performance, the British poker superstar moved up to 25th on the current PGT leaderboard with 1,168 points, inching closer to an incredible milestone of 10,000 lifetime PGT points—a feat achieved by only one player in history.

A Star-Studded Field in the Super High Roller Series #1

The $15,100 Pot-Limit Omahaevent attracted a 13-entry field, building a prize pool of $195,000. The action was fierce from start to finish as high-stakes regulars like Ben Tollerene, Brian Batt, and Alex Foxen joined the field, each looking to kick off 2025 with a statement win.

The final table began with deep stacks and elite competition, but eliminations came fast once the blinds started to climb. Ben Tollerene and Brian Batt were the first two players to fall, leaving Chidwick in a pivotal hand against Alex Foxen that would shape the tournament.

On a dynamic flop, all the chips went in with Chidwick’s top two pair facing Foxen’s flush draw. The turn completed Foxen’s flush, but the river brought Chidwick a full house — propelling him to a commanding chip lead and sending Foxen to the rail in fifth place.

Dominant British Display at the Final Table

With Sean Rafael exiting in fourth place, the final three competitors — Stephen Chidwick, Talal Shakerchi, and Gruffudd Pugh-Jones — set up an all-British battle for the Super High Roller Series title.

Chidwick, known for his calculated aggression, used his big stack to apply constant pressure. He relentlessly raised preflop, stealing blinds and forcing his shorter-stacked opponents into tough spots. Though he briefly doubled up both of his countrymen, Chidwick quickly reasserted control and began chipping away at their stacks again.

Heads-Up Duel: Shakerchi vs. Chidwick

When Pugh-Jones finally moved all-in and lost a flip against Chidwick’s two pair, the heads-up stage was set between Talal Shakerchi and Stephen Chidwick.

It didn’t take long for fireworks. On the very first hand of heads-up play, Shakerchi got his chips in with pocket kings against Chidwick’s drawing hand. The turn brought Chidwick a straight, sealing the victory and eliminating Shakerchi in second place for $58,500.

With that, Stephen Chidwick claimed yet another major title — his 11th on the PGT circuit — and started the 2025 Super High Roller Series in style.

Super High Roller Series #1: $15,100 Pot-Limit Omaha Results

Why the Super High Roller Series Matters

The Super High Roller Series represents the pinnacle of professional poker competition — where elite players face off for massive stakes, prestige, and PGT leaderboard points. For fans and players alike, events like this showcase the best of strategic depth, mental endurance, and fearless aggression that define modern high-stakes poker.

For poker enthusiasts in New York City, this level of intensity and excitement can be found locally through NYC Poker Clubs, New York City Poker Tour, and My Social Poker — platforms dedicated to connecting players with private poker games, tournaments, and exclusive poker experiences in a secure and vibrant community.

Stephen Chidwick’s win at the Super High Roller Series #1: $15,100 Pot-Limit Omaha cements his place among poker’s modern legends. His consistency, adaptability, and relentless aggression continue to define excellence in the high-stakes arena. As the 2025 poker season unfolds, all eyes will be on Chidwick — and the next chapter of the Super High Roller Series promises even more unforgettable moments.

NYC Poker Clubs – The Best Private Poker Room in New York

If you’re searching for a premium poker experience in the heart of New York City, NYC Poker Clubs is your ultimate destination. We connect players to the most trusted, secure, and exciting private poker rooms in New York, offering a combination of comfort, professionalism, and nonstop action.

From friendly neighborhood cash games to exclusive high-stakes tournaments, NYC Poker Clubs is where the city’s real poker players meet, play, and win.

Why Choose NYC Poker Clubs?

Unlike crowded casinos or risky underground rooms, NYC Poker Clubs offers a curated list of trusted and safe poker venues where fairness, integrity, and enjoyment come first. Every poker room in New York featured on our platform is handpicked for its atmosphere, service, and player experience.

Whether you’re new to poker or a seasoned regular, you’ll find games suited to your style and skill level:

• Cash games starting from $1/$2 NLH and $2/$5 PLO
• Nightly tournaments with deep structures and real prizes
• Private VIP poker events for invited members
• ☕ Complimentary drinks and food for guests
• Professional dealers and hosts ensuring top-quality games

Every club listed at nycpokerclubs.com provides a safe and discreet environment so you can focus on what matters most—playing great poker.

The Real NYC Poker Experience

Playing at NYC poker clubs means stepping into a world of sophistication and excitement. Our clubs combine modern luxury with the authentic thrill of live poker. Picture plush seating, perfectly lit tables, and a friendly atmosphere filled with players who share your passion for the game.

You’ll find regulars from all backgrounds—entrepreneurs, finance professionals, artists, and travelers—gathering to enjoy their favorite pastime in an inviting setting.

Each poker room in New York featured on our platform runs nightly games with excellent structures, great table action, and a genuine sense of community.

Verified and Trusted Private Poker Rooms

When you play through nycpokerclubs.com, you’re not gambling on safety. Every location is verified by our team for:

• Professional management and hosting
• Secure, discreet environments
• Trained dealers and fair game oversight
• Top-tier equipment and tables

We value transparency and player satisfaction. That’s why our members consistently choose us as their go-to source for NYC poker clubs that deliver an unbeatable experience.

Join Exclusive Poker Games in New York City

Whether you prefer No-Limit Hold’em or Pot-Limit Omaha, our partner venues run daily games across Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn. For high rollers, private invitation-only sessions are available in select clubs.

Games are designed for both casual and competitive players, so you can always find your perfect table.

How to Join NYC Poker Clubs

Getting started is simple:

1. Visit nycpokerclubs.com
2. Browse the list of trusted NYC poker rooms
3. Contact our verified hosts for entry details
4. Join a live game or tournament near you

Once you play with NYC Poker Clubs, you’ll see why so many players are choosing this network for their preferred poker room in New York.

Where the Real NYC Poker Lives

The poker scene in New York is thriving again, and NYC Poker Clubs stands at the center of it all. Whether you’re looking to play for fun, test your skills, or meet like-minded players, our network delivers the best private poker experiences in the city.

If you’ve been searching for a secure, well-managed, and exciting poker room in New York, your search ends here.

NYC Poker Clubs is where the cards, the action, and the community come together. Visit nycpokerclubs.com today and find your seat at the table.

Charles Furey Wins Inaugural PokerStars Open Maryland Main Event

The PokerStars Open Maryland Main Event concluded in thrilling fashion as Charles Furey captured the title and a first-place prize of $111,976. The event, held at Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland, marked the first-ever PokerStars Open stop in the state and continued PokerStars’ exciting return to live tournaments across North America.

A Record-Breaking Debut in Maryland

The $1,100 buy-in main event drew a strong field of 599 entries across five starting flights. After five days of competitive poker action, only one player remained — Furey, a poker regular from Bridgewater, New Jersey.

This win marks Furey’s career-best live result and his first six-figure cash. His previous top finish came during the 2009 World Series of Poker, where he placed fifth in a $1,500 Six-Max No-Limit Hold’em event.

Live Poker Booms on the East Coast — NYC Poker Clubs Rising

With PokerStars reviving live series in places like Philadelphia and Maryland, East Coast poker is buzzing again — and New York City has become a central hub for players looking for regular action beyond the casino floor.

Private NYC poker clubs offer a comfortable, safe, and professional setting for No-Limit Hold’em and PLO cash games — attracting both recreational players and seasoned pros. Many clubs host daily and weekend tournaments, mirroring the excitement of major events like the PokerStars Open.

If you’re looking for exclusive private poker games in NYC, check out trusted venues through platforms like MySocialPoker.com — where players can find verified poker clubs, game schedules, and local community updates.

Furey’s Road to Victory

Entering the final table second in chips, Furey played a patient and tactical game. As Melanie Hennigan took an early lead, Furey waited for key spots to apply pressure. His pivotal moment came when he eliminated Frankie Zeta, winning a classic coin flip with A♦Q♦ against pocket tens.

During heads-up play, Hennigan began with a 2:1 chip advantage, but Furey steadily closed the gap. The decisive hand saw Hennigan shove with K♦9♦ over Furey’s raise, only to run into A♣Q♣. The board ran clean, sealing the win for Furey after one final hand.

PokerStars’ Growing U.S. Live Presence

The PokerStars Open Maryland was the second PokerStars Open event in North America this year, following the successful PokerStars Open Philadelphia festival in April. The online poker giant continues to expand its live footprint, with the next major stop being the NAPT Las Vegas, taking place November 3–12, 2025, at Resorts World Las Vegas.

Final Table Results — PokerStars Open Maryland Main Event

Photo credit: Rational Intellectual Holdings Ltd. / Rachel Kay Winter

Bryce Yockey Dominates the PGT PLO Series Once Again

California poker pro Bryce Yockey added another major title to his already impressive résumé by winning the $10,000 buy-in Pot-Limit Omaha event on October 21, 2025, at PokerGO Studio inside ARIA Resort & Casino Las Vegas. The victory marks Yockey’s second PGT PLO Series title of the year, further solidifying his reputation as one of the best Omaha specialists in the game.

Earlier in 2025, Yockey captured a $15,000 PLO event during the spring edition of the same festival, earning $218,400. His most recent triumph netted him $237,600, pushing his lifetime live tournament earnings to over $7.3 million.

With this win, Yockey also collected 283 PokerGO Tour (PGT) points, moving him into fourth place on the season-long leaderboard. It was his second cash of the festival after finishing 12th in Event #2.

A Fierce Field of Elite Poker Pros

The event drew 88 entries, building an impressive $880,000 prize pool. Only the top 13 players made the money, and the payout list was stacked with poker stars.

Among the notables who cashed were:

• Jeremy Ausmus – six-time WSOP bracelet winner (11th)
• Alex Foxen – three-time bracelet winner (10th)
• Joao Simao – two-time bracelet winner (8th)
• Andjelko Andrejevic – bracelet winner (7th)
• Christopher Frank – 2024 Triton Montenegro PLO champion (6th)

As the final day began, Frederic Normand of Canada led the final four, with Bryce Yockey, Matthew Wantman, and Brevin Andreadis chasing closely behind.

Yockey’s Road to Victory

Andreadis was the first to bust after losing a key all-in against Normand’s pocket aces, exiting in fourth place for $79,200.

Both Wantman and Yockey managed to double through Normand early in three-handed play. A massive pot between Yockey and Normand changed the dynamics — Yockey made quads, seizing the chip lead.

Normand soon found himself short-stacked, eventually all-in with K♥K♦6♥5♦ against Yockey’s Q♠Q♣7♠7♣. The board ran out J♠10♥3♠7♦9♠, giving Yockey a flush to eliminate Normand in third place for $110,000.

The Canadian pro, who previously won the 2023 WPT bestbet Scramble Main Event, now boasts more than $2.5 million in career earnings.

Heads-Up Showdown: Yockey vs. Wantman

The final battle saw Bryce Yockey holding a 3:1 chip advantage over Matthew Wantman, a WPT champion and WSOP bracelet winner.

Although Wantman scored a few double-ups to stay alive, Yockey’s steady aggression and timely reads kept him in control. In the final hand, Yockey raised the button with K♠K♥Q♠8♦, and Wantman shoved with Q♣J♥10♦7♣.

The board ran J♦4♠3♠7♦3♦, giving Yockey kings up to seal the victory and his second PGT PLO Series title of 2025.

Wantman finished runner-up for $154,000, increasing his career tournament earnings to more than $11 million.

Final Table Results

Bryce Yockey’s Legacy in Omaha Poker

Bryce Yockey continues to be one of the most consistent and feared players in Pot-Limit Omaha. With two PGT titles in 2025 and a history of deep runs across the WSOP and high-stakes cash circuits, Yockey has firmly established himself among the modern PLO elite.

For poker enthusiasts inspired by Yockey’s success and looking to play Omaha games themselves, NYCPokerClubs.com offers private PLO and NLH cash games in New York City, giving players a chance to experience real competitive poker in a professional environment.

Poker legend Erik Seidel has done it again. The 65-year-old champion earned his 35th career poker title by winning the Erik Seidel PGT PLO Series II event on October 17, 2025. Facing a tough field of 143 skilled players, Seidel emerged victorious in Event #3 of the PGT PLO Series II, capturing $171,500 in prize money and reaffirming his place among the greatest poker players in history.

This victory further solidifies Erik Seidel’s dominance in the game — nearly four decades after his unforgettable runner-up finish in the 1988 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event. From that historic debut to his most recent PGT PLO Series II triumph, Seidel’s poker story continues to inspire generations.

The Road to Erik Seidel’s PGT PLO Series II Victory

The final day of the Erik Seidel PGT PLO Series II event began with five players left, and Seidel holding a commanding chip lead. His strategic precision and calm demeanor set the tone early as he eliminated multiple opponents to cruise toward the title.

The first casualty of the day was James Chen, whose J♠J♥9♣7♥ couldn’t stand up to Seidel’s A♥Q♠Q♦3♠. The board brought queens full of tens, giving Erik Seidel his first elimination en route to the PGT PLO Series II crown. Chen earned $42,900 for his fifth-place finish.

Next up was Daniel Kim, who saw his 10♦9♦5♠4♥ lose to Sean Winter’s pocket kings. The board ran out Q♠Q♦2♦8♣Q♥, giving Winter a full house and sending Kim home with $57,200.

Winter’s run ended shortly after when his A♥J♣10♣8♥ clashed with Seidel’s A♠Q♠Q♥6♣. The board came 8♣7♠3♥6♠4♣, giving Seidel’s queens the winning hand. Winter finished third, taking $75,100 and adding to his $36.4 million in total career earnings.

Heads-Up for the PGT PLO Series II Title

The heads-up duel for the Erik Seidel PGT PLO Series II championship came down to Seidel and John Riordan, a talented two-time bracelet winner. Seidel started with 11 million chips to Riordan’s 6.8 million, but the battle saw plenty of back-and-forth action.

Riordan managed a huge double-up after turning a nine-high straight against Seidel’s seven-high straight, momentarily leveling the field. But Seidel, ever the master of adjustment, tightened his game, slowly rebuilding his stack and momentum.

The final hand saw Seidel holding A♣A♦K♣5♠, while Riordan had K♥Q♣J♥3♥. The board of 10♠4♥3♣6♦8♣ sealed Riordan’s fate. His lower pair failed to connect, giving Erik Seidel his well-deserved PGT PLO Series II victory.

Riordan finished second, earning $103,700, while Seidel claimed his 35th title — an incredible milestone for one of poker’s greatest icons.

Final Table Results – PGT PLO Series II Event #3

(Photo credit: PokerGO Tour / Antonio Abrego)

Erik Seidel’s Legacy in Poker History

With over $49.7 million in lifetime live earnings, Erik Seidel stands among the top five poker players in the world. His incredible run at the PGT PLO Series II further proves that experience, patience, and analytical precision still reign supreme in modern poker.

From his early WSOP success to consistent performances in high roller events, Seidel’s adaptability across different poker formats — No-Limit Hold’em, Pot-Limit Omaha, and mixed games — showcases his unmatched versatility.

The Erik Seidel PGT PLO Series II win adds another layer to his decorated legacy, inspiring players everywhere to sharpen their skills and play with discipline.

Play Poker in New York — Join NYC Poker Clubs

Inspired by Erik Seidel’s PGT PLO Series II victory? You can experience real poker excitement in New York’s top private games.

At NYC Poker Clubs, players enjoy exclusive, invite-only poker rooms with $1/$3 NLH cash games, generous bonuses, and professional-level action in a secure setting. Whether you’re a casual player or a serious grinder, NYC Poker Clubs offers the best private poker games in New York.

Join NYC Poker Clubs today and take your seat at the table where strategy, skill, and community meet.

Erik Seidel’s PGT PLO Series II Win Proves Poker Greatness Never Fades

The Erik Seidel PGT PLO Series II victory is another reminder that true poker greatness comes from adaptability and long-term mastery. With this win, Seidel inches closer to the $50 million career milestone and continues to influence the modern era of the game.

From Las Vegas to New York, poker thrives because of legends like Seidel — and because of passionate communities like those at NYC Poker Clubs, where the next great player might already be sitting at the table.

The WPT Prime Lodge Championship returned to Austin, Texas, this month for one of the biggest poker events of the year. The $1,100 buy-in tournament at The Lodge Poker Club & Card Club featured a $1 million guaranteed prize pool and drew an impressive 1,648 entries across six starting flights.

When the final card fell, Harvey Castro emerged victorious, securing $225,020, two WPT trophies, and a seat in the WPT World Championship in Las Vegas.

Star-Studded Final Table at The Lodge

The WPT Prime Lodge Championship final table featured poker pros and rising stars. Among them was Esther Taylor, who earlier this year finished third in the WSOP $50,000 Poker Players Championship, alongside Nicholas Scott, Steve Hwang, and Rafael Reis.

Despite entering the final table as a short stack, Reis laddered up to a solid sixth-place finish. Meanwhile, Taylor made another deep run, ultimately bowing out in fourth for $79,000.

Day 3: Cracked Kings and a Dramatic Finish

Day 3 action of the WPT Prime Lodge Championship was livestreamed on the WPT YouTube channel, starting with 17 players. The elimination of Javier Zarco in 10th set the stage for the final table fireworks.

• David Sollee’s queens lost to Taylor’s set of threes (8th place).
• Martin Torres and Hai Pham fell in 9th and 7th, respectively.
• Rafael Reis climbed to sixth.
• Steve Hwang, after cracking kings earlier in a three-way all-in, finished third.

In heads-up play, Harvey Castro faced Joshua Stewart. Stewart’s jack-ten flopped a straight draw, but Castro’s pocket nines turned into a full house, clinching the WPT Prime Lodge Championship title in style.

Harvey Castro: Texas Poker’s Rising Star

At only 23 years old, Harvey Castro continues to build an impressive poker résumé. His win at the WPT Prime Lodge Championship 2025 marks his second-biggest career score, following his 2023 WSOP Circuit Choctaw Main Event victory for $275,660.

Earlier this year, he also finished runner-up at the WPT Rolling Thunder Main Event, banking $193,600. With this latest title, Castro’s career momentum shows no signs of slowing down.

Notable Cashes and Community Highlights

Other well-known players who cashed in the WPT Prime Lodge Championship include:

• DJ MacKinnon – 22nd for $11,300
• Angelina Rich – 37th for $8,200
• Hayley Hanna (PokerNews Podcast Host) – 92nd for $2,920
• Nikki Limo – 184th for $1,940

Meanwhile, the festival’s Wildcard Mystery Bounty Chaos event created plenty of laughs when a chip leader was forced to swap stacks with the shortest player — a true highlight for fans and players alike.

Harvey Castro’s win at the WPT Prime Lodge Championship cements his place among poker’s rising stars. His consistent deep runs, cool composure, and knack for dominating large fields make him one of the most exciting young talents in the game.

With a WPT title, six-figure payout, and World Championship seat, Castro is well on his way to becoming a fixture on the international poker scene.

WPT Prime Lodge Championship Final Table Results

For Polish poker pro Tomasz Brzezinski, the 2025 poker season will go down as a career-defining chapter. Just weeks after placing fourth at EPT Barcelona, Brzezinski made a triumphant return to the felt in his adopted home of Malta — and this time, he sealed the deal. The 37-year-old took down the 2025 PokerStars European Poker Tour (EPT) Malta Main Event at Casino Malta, claiming a massive €631,632 top prize after a thrilling heads-up duel with Ukrainian newcomer Mykhailo Ostash.

Record-Breaking Field in Malta

The prestigious €5,300 buy-in tournament drew a record-breaking 898 entries, building a prize pool of €4,355,300 — the largest in the history of the EPT Malta Main Event. Brzezinski’s triumph, following a heads-up deal, was not only his biggest live cash to date but also earned him a place in the record books as the 11th player to reach consecutive EPT Main Event final tables.

Brzezinski expressed his emotions after the victory, reflecting on years of near misses:

“It felt surreal. I’ve finished second so many times — it almost felt like a curse. But this time, everything finally went my way.”

From Passion to Poker Glory

Despite his success, Brzezinski isn’t a full-time poker professional. For the past decade, he has worked in Malta’s thriving sports betting industry, treating poker as a lifelong passion rather than his main occupation.

“I used to play full-time years ago,” he said. “But now I have a regular job. Still, I love playing live poker — maybe even more than work. I’ve learned from amazing players here in Malta, and this win feels like the ultimate reward.”

2025 EPT Malta Main Event Final Table Results

Final Table Drama and Storylines

The final table featured top European talent and plenty of twists. Norwegian businessman Tom-Aksel Bedell, who dominated earlier stages, entered the last day short-stacked and was first to fall when his pocket deuces lost to Ostash’s pocket threes.

Aliaksei Boika, aiming to become a rare two-time EPT champion, exited in fourth place after his kings were cracked by Ostash’s pocket fives. Despite a brilliant ace-high hero call earlier, Boika’s deep run ended just shy of poker immortality.

Adria Calonge’s elimination in third place set the stage for a gripping heads-up battle that would go down as one of the most dramatic finales in EPT Malta history.

A Legendary Heads-Up Battle

Both Brzezinski and Ostash agreed to a deal securing €603,058 each, with €28,574 and the EPT trophy left in play.

Brzezinski came out swinging, applying relentless pressure and extending his lead. But Ostash showcased incredible resilience, surviving nine all-ins, hitting miracle rivers, and even taking the lead at one point.

The turning point came when Brzezinski completed a runner-runner flush, reclaiming a 2:1 chip advantage. Eventually, his ace-jack held strong against Ostash’s ace-ten, sealing an emotional and hard-fought victory.

A Breakout Year for Brzezinski

The 2025 EPT Malta Main Event win marks a monumental moment for Tomasz Brzezinski, who has transformed from a part-time grinder into a European poker champion. His back-to-back final tables and landmark victory have made him one of the breakout stars of 2025, solidifying his reputation as one of Poland’s top poker talents.

The World Series of Poker (WSOP) Circuit made another thrilling stop at Thunder Valley Casino Resort in Lincoln, California, from September 25 to October 6, 2025. The stop featured 13 official ring events with buy-ins ranging from $400 to $3,250 and drew hundreds of hopefuls chasing poker glory.

When the cards were finally down, it was Germany’s Andreas Kniep — the eccentric, brightly dressed engineer-turned-poker-star — who captured his second WSOP Circuit ring and the $185,458 top prize.

Andreas Kniep’s Road to Victory

Kniep displayed composure and confidence throughout the Main Event. Facing Sacramento’s Benjamin Primus heads-up, Kniep demonstrated a masterclass in patience and aggression to seal the victory. Primus, who recently claimed his first Circuit title at the WSOPC Graton $400 H.O.R.S.E., added $123,603 to his bankroll with the runner-up finish.

This wasn’t Kniep’s first major appearance on the World Series of Poker stage. He finished 18th in the 2021 WSOP Main Event for $305,000 and fourth in the 2023 Millionaire Maker for a career-best $501,182. Off the tables, Kniep’s intellect shines — he’s a Google software engineer and former SpaceX engineer, merging analytical precision with poker intuition.

A Man of Many Talents

Off the felt, Kniep’s story is just as impressive. A Google software engineer and former SpaceX engineer, he’s the perfect blend of intellect and imagination — an analytical mind with a passion for high-level strategy and competition.

He captured his first WSOP Circuit ring at WSOP Graton in 2023, where he took down a $600 No-Limit Hold’em 6-Handed event for $15,907. This latest victory marks yet another milestone in his fast-rising poker career.

Final Table Results and Highlights

The final table at Thunder Valley was loaded with talent and WSOP veterans:

• Andreas Kniep (Germany) – $185,458
• Benjamin Primus (Sacramento) – $123,603
• Scott Stewart (California) – $23,696
• Anthony Swift (USA) – $13,962

Stewart, an eight-time WSOP Circuit winner, is still riding high after winning the 2024 WPT World Championship for $2.56 million and earning a Global Poker Award nomination for “Best Final Table Performance.”

Other event winners included Jarod Minghini, who captured his fifth ring in the $600 Pot-Limit Omaha, and Frankie O’Dell, who earned his sixth in the $600 H.O.R.S.E.

You can view full event details on the official WSOP Circuit results page .

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What’s Next for the World Series of Poker Circuit

The WSOP Circuit is showing no signs of slowing down. Following the Thunder Valley stop, the series moves to Deerfoot Inn & Casino in Calgary, Canada, and Horseshoe Baltimore in Maryland.

The next major U.S. stop will be Harrah’s Pompano Beach in Florida (October 9–20, 2025), featuring another $1,700 Main Event expected to draw a massive field of competitors. Each stop offers players the chance to earn coveted rings, big paydays, and potentially secure a seat in the 2025 WSOP Global Casino Championship.

A Rising Star in the World Series of Poker

Andreas Kniep’s victory at Thunder Valley reinforces what makes the World Series of Poker so special — a blend of talent, persistence, and personality. From his roots in engineering to his flair for the game, Kniep embodies the evolution of modern poker: smart, bold, and unafraid to stand out.

Whether you’re chasing your own poker dreams or looking for top-tier live action in NYC, one thing is clear — the cards are always in the air somewhere, and the next big story is just one shuffle away.

2025 World Series of Poker Circuit Main Event Final Table Results