The WPT World Championship has once again delivered elite-level drama, massive prize money, and a defining career moment, as the 2025 World Poker Tour season officially wrapped up at Wynn Las Vegas. The flagship event of the festival, the $10,400 buy-in WPT World Championship Main Event, drew a massive 1,865 entries, creating a staggering $18.27 million prize pool and reaffirming its place as one of the most prestigious tournaments in live poker.

After nine days of high-pressure competition, it was Schuyler Thornton who stood alone at the top, capturing his first WPT title and a career-best payday worth $2,258,856.Schuyler Thornton Shines on Poker’s Biggest Stage

The victory at the WPT World Championship marked a watershed moment for the 36-year-old pro from Corpus Christi, Texas. Prior to this event, Thornton was respected within poker circles but had never recorded a seven-figure live score. That changed dramatically in Las Vegas.

This multi-million-dollar win more than doubled Thornton’s lifetime tournament earnings, pushing his career total to nearly $4.3 million. Despite not being a regular on the live tournament circuit, Thornton’s background in online MTTs and high-stakes cash games proved invaluable on poker’s grandest stage.

“I ran hotter than anyone could ever dream of running,” Thornton said after the win. “You’re allowed to run good—it’s not against the rules.”

WPT World Championship Festival Delivers Another Record Performance

Running from December 13–21 at Wynn Las Vegas, the WPT World Championship festival once again attracted the game’s biggest names and deepest fields. A total of 233 players finished in the money, with numerous poker heavyweights making deep runs, including:

• Mohsin Charania (70th)
• Asher Conniff (60th)
• John Hennigan (46th)
• Eugene Katchalov (43rd)
• Jared Jaffee (11th)

The depth of talent on display reinforced the event’s reputation as one of the most challenging tournaments in the world.

Final Table Set as Thornton Builds Momentum

The final six players were determined on Friday, December 19, with play resuming after a scheduled day off. Entering the final session, Soheb Porbandarwala held the chip lead, while Thornton sat comfortably in second position.

From there, Thornton went on an elimination spree that defined the closing stages of the WPT World Championship.

Sixth Place – Maxx Coleman ($540,000)

Two-time bracelet winner Maxx Coleman was the first to fall, when his A♣10♥ couldn’t overcome Thornton’s A♠Q♦. Both players made trip aces, but Thornton’s superior kicker sealed the knockout.

Fifth Place – Jeremy Becker ($710,000)

Rising star Jeremy Becker got the rest of his stack in with A♦2♣, trailing Thornton’s A♥10♥. The board offered no help, ending Becker’s run and pushing his career earnings past $4.1 million.

Four-Handed Play: Thornton Takes Control

Thornton continued his dominant stretch by eliminating Chad Lipton in fourth place. Lipton check-shoved the turn with J♣10♠ on a Q♥J♥4♦2♠ board, only to be called by Thornton holding A♥Q♦. The river changed nothing, sending Lipton home with $940,000, the largest score of his career.

Key Hand Sends Jeremy Brown to the Rail

Three-handed play saw Jeremy Brown as the short stack, but he survived for several orbits before tangling with Thornton in a massive pot. After flopping top pair against Thornton’s set of fours, Brown fired three streets, only to be snap-called on the river when the board paired.

Thornton’s full house ended Brown’s incredible run in third place for $1,250,000, a career-best result.

A Fast and Furious Heads-Up Battle

Heads-up play at the WPT World Championship began with Thornton holding 111.1 million chips, compared to Porbandarwala’s 75.1 million. Before cards were dealt, the two agreed to a deal that locked up $2,098,456 for Thornton and $1,969,344 for Porbandarwala, leaving the title, extra cash, and a seat in the 2026 event to play for.

From there, it was all Thornton.

He won 11 consecutive hands, ballooning his stack to nearly a 12:1 chip advantage. The final hand saw Thornton’s A♦K♠ defeat Porbandarwala’s A♥6♥, as the board paired kings to seal the championship.

WPT World Championship Final Table Results

Why the WPT World Championship Remains Poker’s Crown Jewel

Year after year, the WPT World Championship continues to set the gold standard for live tournament poker. Massive fields, elite competition, life-changing money, and unforgettable storylines make it one of the most sought-after titles in the game.

For Schuyler Thornton, the 2025 edition will forever stand as the moment his career reached new heights.

Play High-Quality Poker Beyond the Big Stage

If you’re looking to experience serious poker action outside of major tournaments, NYC Poker Clubs offer some of the best private, verified poker games in New York City.

♠ Trusted players
♠ Safe environments
♠ Consistent action

👉 Visit: mysocialpoker.com
Join the NYC poker community and take your game to the next level.

The World Poker Tour World Championship festival at Wynn Las Vegas continues to deliver elite-level poker action, and one of the game’s most accomplished tournament professionals has added another prestigious title to his résumé. Darren Elias, a BetMGM ambassador and four-time World Poker Tour champion, captured the $25,000 buy-in High Roller, earning $631,800 and the coveted Wynn replica trophy.

With the victory, Elias further cemented his legacy as one of the most consistent performers in modern tournament poker, pushing his career live earnings to over $15 million, according to The Hendon Mob.

Another Major Title for a World Poker Tour Legend

Elias is one of only two players in history to win four World Poker Tour titles, tied with Brian Altman, and his latest triumph came against a stacked field filled with some of the best high-stakes players in the world. He sealed the win by defeating Neil Warren in heads-up play, closing out the tournament by winning a crucial race to end the match.

While Warren fell just short of the title, his deep run was rewarded with a $398,275 payday.

Stacked High Roller Field at Wynn Las Vegas

The $25K no-limit hold’em High Roller drew a formidable lineup, featuring top-tier talent from across the global poker circuit. The final table was particularly brutal, including:

• Jason Koon (PokerStars ambassador)
• Brock Wilson
• Ben Tollerene
• Punnat Punsri, the current 2025 GPI Player of the Year points leader

Even by high-roller standards, the level of competition was exceptional, making Elias’ run to the title all the more impressive.

Key Eliminations at the Final Table

The path to victory was anything but easy. Brock Wilson exited in ninth place for $63,400, followed shortly by Jason Koon in eighth for $75,650, slightly easing the pressure but leaving plenty of danger still in play.

The remaining eliminations played out as follows:

• 7th – Dinesh Alt ($92,800)
• 6th – Ben Tollerene ($116,800)
• 5th – David Chen ($153,000)
• 4th – Connor Rash ($203,000)
• 3rd – Punnat Punsri ($277,125)

With Punsri’s elimination, the stage was set for a heads-up showdown between Elias and Warren, which ultimately went Elias’ way.

Closing a Breakthrough Year for Darren Elias

The win caps off an already memorable year for Elias. Earlier this summer, he finally captured his first WSOP bracelet, shedding the long-standing label of being among the best players without one. That milestone, combined with this High Roller victory at the WPT World Championship festival, underscores the veteran pro’s continued dominance across poker’s biggest stages.

World Poker Tour World Championship Festival Nears Its Climax

The WPT World Championship festival at Wynn Las Vegas is set to conclude on Sunday, but not before its two marquee events—the WPT World Championship and the WPT Prime Championship—crown their respective champions.

With elite fields, massive prize pools, and historic implications still to come, the festival continues to reaffirm its status as one of the premier destinations on the global poker calendar.

Final Table Results

Bernhard Binder has officially arrived on poker’s biggest stage. The 27-year-old Austrian phenom delivered a career-defining performance by winning the 2025 WSOP Paradise Super Main Event, earning a staggering $10,000,000 and his first World Series of Poker bracelet.

Just weeks earlier, high-stakes regular Mario Mosböck predicted that Binder would emerge as one of poker’s breakout stars in 2026. Binder accelerated that timeline dramatically by conquering Event #11: $25,000 WSOP Paradise Super Main Event, the richest tournament ever held.

From Online Crusher to WSOP Paradise Super Champion

Primarily known as an elite online player, Binder had already made headlines earlier in the year after winning the GGMillion$ Main Event for $1.8 million. However, his victory in the WSOP Paradise Super Main Event dwarfed that achievement, multiplying his biggest prior score nearly tenfold.

Binder sealed the title after an intense, nearly four-hour heads-up battle against France’s Jean-Noel Thorel, one of the most respected and experienced players on the high-stakes circuit.

“He’s a special opponent,” Binder said afterward. “Playing heads-up against him is challenging because unexpected things happen more often than against most players.”

Record-Breaking WSOP Paradise Super Main Event Field

The WSOP Paradise Super Main Event featured a historic $60 million guaranteed prize pool, the largest guarantee ever offered in poker tournament history. A massive 2,891 total entries, including multiple re-entries by several players, pushed the final prize pool to $72,275,000.

The final table showcased a remarkable mix of youth, experience, and diverse poker backgrounds, making it one of the most compelling WSOP finales ever.

WSOP Paradise Super Main Event Final Table Results

1. Bernhard Binder (Austria) – $10,000,000
2. Jean-Noel Thorel (France) – $6,000,000
3. Belarmino De Souza (Brazil) – $4,000,000
4. Terrance Reid (United States) – $3,000,000
5. Eric Wasserson (United States) – $2,350,000
6. Natasha Mercier (United States) – $1,800,000
7. Peter Chien (Canada) – $1,400,000
8. Franco Spitale (Argentina) – $1,100,000

Battle of Generations at the WSOP Paradise Super Final Table

One of the defining storylines of the WSOP Paradise Super Main Event was the striking 51-year age gap between the finalists. Binder was the youngest player at the table, while Thorel was the oldest, symbolizing the evolving landscape of modern poker.

Natasha Mercier was also chasing history, hoping to surpass Liv Boeree’s record-setting $2.8 million cash from the previous year. Meanwhile, poker journalist Terrance Reid made an improbable deep run after trading his press credentials for a tournament seat.

Eric Wasserson added further intrigue, playing the role of tournament antagonist after a controversial slow roll earlier in the event. Despite the drama, his deep run ended in fifth place after falling to Binder’s relentless pressure.

Defining Hands and Key Eliminations

Binder’s path to the title was marked by flawless execution and timely aggression. He eliminated multiple opponents at the final table, including Peter Chien, Eric Wasserson, and Terrance Reid, often holding strong made hands against dominated or drawing opponents.

Belarmino De Souza’s elimination in third place set the stage for the highly anticipated heads-up duel between Binder and Thorel—an online solver expert versus a seasoned live tournament veteran.

Heads-Up Drama in the WSOP Paradise Super Main Event

Despite the enormous stakes, the heads-up match was surprisingly cautious, with very few all-ins until the decisive hand. With stacks dwindling, Thorel moved all in holding king-queen, but Binder’s ace-eight held firm to end the tournament.

The victory marked one of the most significant triumphs by an online-first player in WSOP history.

“It’s Amazing to Have Such Good Friends”

Binder’s emotional celebration was amplified by a raucous rail filled with Austrian poker professionals wearing matching “Team Binder” shirts. Chants echoed through the tournament area as Binder embraced friends who had supported him throughout his career.

“If I was here alone and won this, it wouldn’t mean nearly as much,” Binder said. “Celebrating with friends—especially those who also had a piece—is everything.”

Among them was Samuel Mullur, a close friend and fellow WSOP bracelet winner, underscoring the tight-knit nature of Austria’s elite poker community.

A Defining Moment in WSOP Paradise Super History

With his victory in the WSOP Paradise Super Main Event, Bernhard Binder has not only secured financial freedom but also etched his name into poker history. The combination of a record-breaking prize pool, generational clashes, and elite-level play makes this event a landmark moment for the World Series of Poker.

If this performance is any indication, Binder’s reign at the top of high-stakes poker may only be beginning.

The World Series of Poker stands as the most prestigious and iconic poker festival on the planet. Since its humble launch in 1970 at Binion’s Horseshoe in Las Vegas, the WSOP has grown into a global phenomenon, celebrating elite skills, unforgettable personalities, and legendary performances. Over the decades, hundreds of champions have earned bracelets, but only a select few have cemented themselves as true WSOP greats.

In this long-phrase, SEO-optimized breakdown, we uncover the Top 10 Greatest Performers in World Series of Poker history, judging players by bracelets, longevity, influence, and domination on poker’s biggest stage.

1. Phil Hellmuth – The “Poker Brat” King of the WSOP

When discussing the World Series of Poker, no name appears more often than Phil Hellmuth. With a record-breaking number of bracelets, Hellmuth has led the WSOP rankings for decades. His emotional table talk, unmatched consistency, and ability to outplay massive fields make him the tournament series’ most decorated performer. From Main Event glory in 1989 to modern-era bracelet wins, Hellmuth’s dominance remains a pillar of WSOP history.

2. Doyle Brunson – The Godfather of Poker

The late Doyle Brunson, also known as “Texas Dolly,” helped shape the World Series of Poker in its earliest days. With multiple Main Event titles and a storied career spanning more than 50 years, Brunson’s impact reaches far beyond bracelets. His fearless style, charisma, and influence on poker strategy cement his place as an all-time WSOP legend.

3. Phil Ivey – The Most Feared Man in Poker

Often considered the best all-around player to ever live, Phil Ivey has collected an impressive array of WSOP bracelets across many variants. His calm demeanor and ultra-sharp instincts make him deadly in mixed games and high-stake events. Ivey’s reputation alone forces opponents to tread lightly in any World Series of Poker event he enters.

4. Johnny Chan – Back-to-Back Main Event Dominance

Johnny Chan achieved a historic feat when he won back-to-back Main Events in 1987 and 1988, nearly capturing a third in 1989. His iconic appearance in the movie Rounders immortalized his brilliance. Chan’s tournament execution and consistent WSOP performance place him firmly among poker’s elite.

5. Daniel Negreanu – The People’s Champion

Known for his table presence and uncanny ability to read opponents, Daniel Negreanu has remained a powerhouse at the World Series of Poker for over two decades. With multiple bracelets and several Player of the Year titles, “Kid Poker” is one of the most influential and beloved figures in WSOP history.

6. Johnny Moss – The First Poker Champion

As the inaugural World Series of Poker champion, Johnny Moss is a historic icon. He won the early Main Events based not on tournaments, but on votes from peers who recognized him as the best player. Moss helped shape the competitive spirit of the WSOP and became one of its earliest superstars.

7. Stu Ungar – The Greatest Natural Talent

The late Stu Ungar is widely considered the most naturally gifted poker player ever. A three-time WSOP Main Event champion, Ungar possessed an unmatched ability to read players and control pots. His victories across decades showcased brilliance that still echoes through poker culture today.

8. Erik Seidel – Quiet, Powerful, and Consistent

With a long career filled with deep runs, final tables, and bracelets, Erik Seidel stands as one of the most consistent performers in WSOP history. His strategic approach, adaptability, and longevity make him a fixture in high-roller events and a respected figure in every World Series of Poker season.

9. Chris Ferguson – A Mixed-Game Specialist

Despite controversy surrounding his career, Chris “Jesus” Ferguson posts some of the strongest statistical records in WSOP history. His multiple bracelets and Player of the Year title highlight his technical mastery in various poker formats, especially mixed games.

10. Brian Rast – Modern-Era Tournament Powerhouse

Brian Rast has become one of the most dominant modern performers in World Series of Poker high-stakes events. With multiple wins in the prestigious Poker Players Championship—a true test of all-around skill—Rast has earned respect as one of the best of the new generation.

Final Thoughts: The Legacy of the World Series of Poker

The World Series of Poker is more than a tournament series—it’s a celebration of skill, nerve, passion, and poker culture. The ten players above have shaped the WSOP’s identity through iconic victories, unforgettable moments, and elite consistency. As poker evolves, new stars will emerge, but these legends will forever remain benchmarks of greatness.

If you’re a poker fan or aspiring champion, studying the careers of these WSOP icons can offer invaluable insight into the mindset, strategy, and dedication it takes to become one of the greatest performers in World Series of Poker history.

In a career-defining moment, Kevin Nee Wins World Poker Tour honors by taking down the 2025 WPT Seminole Rock ’N’ Roll Poker Open Main Event. Nee topped a massive field of 1,224 entries to claim the trophy, the $605,100 first-place prize, and a coveted seat in the WPT World Championship at Wynn Las Vegas.

Why Kevin Nee Wins World Poker Tour Recognition With This Breakout Victory

Before this incredible win, Nee’s largest live cash was only $15,500. Now, after this massive performance, he boosts his lifetime earnings to more than $646,000.

Prize Pool Surpasses Expectations as Kevin Nee Wins World Poker Tour Prestige

The $3 million guarantee ballooned to $3,916,800, paying the top 153 finishers. Elite players running deep included:

• Nenad Medic (7th)
• Rob Wazwaz (8th)
• Stoyan Madanzhiev (14th)
• Shannon Shorr (19th)

For more tournament updates, visit our internal coverage here:
👉 /latest-poker-news (Internal link)

How Kevin Nee Wins World Poker Tour Glory

The final day began with Joel Gola leading the table. The early knockouts came quickly:

• Hyndi Khomutetsky – 6th ($127,000)
• Anthony Merlo – 5th ($166,000)
• Chad Eveslage – 4th ($220,000)

The moment everything shifted was a critical hero call by Nee that flipped the momentum. This single pot propelled Kevin Nee into the chip lead and ultimately explains how Kevin Nee Wins World Poker Tour triumph on this stage.

Heads-Up: The Final Hand Where Kevin Nee Wins World Poker Tour Title

Nee started heads-up with a 2:1 lead over Joel Gola. One hand later—it was all over.

• Nee: A♠2♠
• Gola: K♣J♣

The flop delivered Q♠7♠5♠, giving Nee the nut flush.
And just like that, Kevin Nee Wins World Poker Tour championship honors in spectacular fashion.

Final Table Results

The final stop of the SunBet Poker Tour for the year wrapped up in dramatic fashion at the GrandWest Casino by Sun International in Cape Town. A marathon final day stretched well past the 16-hour mark before French contender Alexandre Blanc emerged victorious in the Joe-Boy Rahme MonsterStaK Main Event. The ZAR 15,000 ($850) buy-in tournament attracted 344 entries, creating a robust ZAR 4,334,400 ($251,395) prize pool and delivering one of the most memorable finales in the tour’s history.

This event, a highlight of the SunBet Poker Tour, was played in honour of South African poker pioneer Joe Rahme, who participated in this same event last year. Rahme’s recent passing was acknowledged with a heartfelt tribute video that played throughout the tournament, adding emotional weight to an already competitive festival.

A Marathon Battle Ends with a Comeback Victory

With an unusually deep average of more than 50 big blinds at the start of the final day, the table dynamics were complex and strategic. Blanc, who at one point slipped to just five big blinds, showcased incredible patience and resilience. His disciplined approach and well-timed aggression fueled a remarkable comeback—culminating in a winning hand featuring a premium pocket pair.

For his perseverance, Blanc claimed the top prize of ZAR 908,900 ($52,716), while runner-up Edgar Antezana, a respected veteran on the South African scene, secured ZAR 600,000 ($34,800). Antezana had joined the field late on Day 2 after back-to-back deep runs in the High Roller events earlier in the festival.

Outside of the local contingent, only Norway’s Jon Persent and the United Kingdom’s Alexander Rizvi represented international players at the final table.

Action-Packed Final Day on the SunBet Poker Tour

The last day began with 43 players already in the money, but despite the comfortable stacks, eliminations were initially slow. The action ignited during the final four tables when Mike Cupido hit a miraculous runner-runner to crack Ariel Mazabow’s flopped set. This hand triggered a chaotic series of large pots featuring Cupido, Rayhaan Adam, and Marko Nortje—the latter beginning the day as chip leader.

Nortje experienced a roller-coaster session before busting shy of the final two tables, while Cupido surged ahead, eliminating Sascha Manns and 2024 Cape Town Million champion Muaaz Gani to secure the final table chip lead.

Meanwhile, Blanc quietly doubled up multiple times, staying afloat and gradually rebuilding his stack.

Momentum Shifts Define the MonsterStaK Final Table

Once the final nine players took their seats, the momentum shifted again. Cupido’s early dominance stalled, and short stacks like Zulch and Franco Da Matta quickly hit the rail. Alexander Rizvi, who had played expertly with a short stack throughout the tournament, finally bowed out in 7th.

The biggest threat at the final table became Norway’s Jon Persent, who went on a blistering streak—knocking out Jedd Kossew, Cupido, and Naven Naicker in succession. But his attempt to maintain pressure resulted in a costly five-bet shove straight into Blanc’s waiting hand. That pivotal moment gave Blanc a massive chip lead.

Heads-up play between Blanc and Antezana lasted only a short time. Antezana, struggling to regain momentum, couldn’t shift the tide as Blanc closed out the SunBet Poker Tour finale with authority.

A Fitting End to the SunBet Poker Tour Season

Blanc’s victory provides a storybook ending to an emotional and action-filled stop on the SunBet Poker Tour. The event delivered everything poker fans hope for—deep stacks, dramatic comebacks, international competition, and a legacy tribute to a respected figure in South African poker.

As the tour prepares for its next season, this MonsterStaK finale will be remembered as one of its most intense and inspiring battles.

Final Table Results – SunBet Poker Tour MonsterStaK

The global poker community was treated to a breakout performance as Zdenek Zizka carved his name into the history books with a dominant victory in the Brazilian Series of Poker (BSOP) Super High Roller Series R$500,000 ($100,000 USD) Main Event. While fellow Czech star Martin Kabrhel generated his usual table-wide buzz, it was Zizka’s silent, disciplined approach that ultimately stole the spotlight and brought him the R$6,000,000 (US$1,200,000) top prize — the largest score of his career.

“To be honest, I completely don’t know what it means yet,” Zizka said after defeating Brazilian superstar and $50K champ Felipe Boianovsky heads-up, still taking in the enormity of the moment. “It just means like another great piece from another new country, and it will definitely mean a lot.”

Long before Zizka entered the Brazilian Series of Poker, he was already known as a strategy prodigy — but in the world of backgammon, not poker.

A certified grandmaster, Zizka had achieved international recognition as one of the top minds in the game. He finished runner-up at the 2022 Backgammon World Championship and later published a popular strategy guide titled “The Zizka Method.” His brain for calculation and risk assessment made him a feared competitor — even before he ever bought into a poker tournament.

Poker, however, is still a fairly new chapter for him. His first recorded cash came roughly two years ago, and for most of that time, his scores hovered below $20,000. But everything changed in 2024 and 2025. Zizka’s rise has been meteoric:

• Won a WSOP bracelet, defeating Shaun Deeb in a $1,000 NLHE event
• Three final tables at WSOP Europe
• More than $1 million in early-2025 cashes
• Now the BSOP Super High Roller champion

With his BSOP score nearly matching his entire prior live earnings combined, Zizka has officially arrived as a legitimate global contender.

Looking for Poker Games Closer to New York?

While the Brazilian Series of Poker captures the world’s attention, players in New York don’t have to travel far for high-quality action.

If you’re in NYC and want safe, reliable, professionally run private games, check out:

NYCPokerClubs.com — trusted, long-running private poker action in New York
Text 347-471-1813 for screening and game details.
This is the top spot for private NLH games, bonuses, and consistent action for serious players.

Final Table Breakdown

The final table was a dynamic mix of escalating tensions, big moments, and dramatic swings — yet Zizka remained unshaken.

Early Eliminations

• Gabriel Tavares became the first casualty after running queens into Kabrhel’s kings.
• Ottomar Ladva followed shortly after when Zizka’s flopped set of threes crushed his pocket jacks.

Four-Handed Dominance

Zizka and Boianovsky controlled the pace as Renan Bruschi and Kabrhel searched for opportunities. Zizka’s momentum surged thanks to two crucial hands:

• A brave river call with third pair
• Another pot secured by flopping bottom set

The Loudest Moment: Kabrhel’s Rollercoaster Exit

Kabrhel found himself all-in with pocket nines vs. Bruschi’s jacks. The flop delivered Kabrhel a set, prompting full celebration — only for the turn to bring a jack, ending his run in 4th place and triggering a wave of reactions across the room.

Three-Handed Chaos

Momentum shifted repeatedly:

• Bruschi doubled through both players
• Boianovsky hit a straight on Zizka
• Zizka won a dramatic three-way all-in, his pocket sevens cracking Boianovsky’s nines while Bruschi busted in third

Heads-Up for the Title

Boianovsky entered heads-up with the slightest of leads, but Zizka immediately seized control with a perfectly timed bluff-catch. The final hand saw Boianovsky shove with ace-nine into Zizka’s pocket tens — and the board offered no salvation.

Zdenek Zizka officially became the newest champion of the Brazilian Series of Poker, earning respect, recognition, and a life-changing payday.

A New Force in Global Poker

With a WSOP bracelet, multiple final tables, and now a major victory at the Brazilian Series of Poker, Zdenek Zizka’s rapid ascent shows no signs of slowing. His background in elite strategy gaming, paired with his calm and analytical playing style, makes him one of the most intriguing rising stars in the poker world.

Whether he’s traveling through Europe, competing in Las Vegas, or now conquering South America, one thing is clear:

Brazilian Series of Poker $100,000 Super High Roller Main Event Final Table Results

The WPT bestbet Scramble Championship once again delivered unforgettable poker action as the World Poker Tour returned to bestbet Jacksonville for its highly anticipated 2025 edition. A total of 327 entries paid the $5,000 buy-in to chase the title, pushing the final prize pool to $1,487,850, far exceeding the $1 million guarantee. After five days of high-stakes competition, Connor Rash emerged victorious, earning $315,350 and securing a coveted seat into the WPT World Championship at Wynn Las Vegas.

This year’s WPT bestbet Scramble Championship continued the legacy established in 2012 when bestbet Jacksonville first joined the WPT lineup. Since then, it has become one of Florida’s most respected poker stops, drawing elite professionals, rising stars, and ambitious regional talent.

Rash’s Breakthrough Win Sets New Career Milestone

For Tallahassee native Connor Rash, this victory represents the biggest moment of his poker career. Prior to this, his highest live score had been an eighth-place finish in the 2024 WSOP $10,000 Six-Max Championship for $78,455.

With this win at the WPT bestbet Scramble Championship, Rash officially crosses $1 million in lifetime earnings, climbing to $1,007,637.

Final Table Drama: Huge Swings and High-Pressure Decisions

Six players returned for the final day, with Rash holding the chip lead. However, the road to victory was anything but smooth.

Early Setback

Rash quickly faced resistance when Byron Kaverman’s A-K suited beat Rash’s pocket tens. Soon after, Dylan Smith rivered a full house to take a large portion of Rash’s stack.

Dylan Smith Takes Early Command

Smith was the first to score a knockout, eliminating Jessica Dawley’s pocket sevens with pocket eights. He then eliminated Matthew Ahern with pocket queens, narrowing the field to four.

⚡ Momentum Shifts: Rash Reclaims Control

Rash regained momentum during four-handed play after winning a key pot against Smith with a wheel straight. As stacks grew shallow, both players exchanged double-ups, but Rash regained control with a massive flush-over-top-pair confrontation that surged his stack to 137 big blinds.

The next elimination came when Rash’s 7♣6♣ cracked Russell Dizer’s A♥8♥, giving Dizer a fourth-place finish worth $112,000.

Kaverman Falls in Third

Poker legend Byron Kaverman was eliminated next. His A♣K♦ lost to Rash’s K♣5♥ after Rash paired his five on the flop. Kaverman took home $150,000, pushing his career earnings to nearly $21.9 million.

Rash entered heads-up play with a massive 7:1 chip lead over Smith.

⚔️ Heads-Up Battle for the WPT bestbet Scramble Championship Title

Despite the huge deficit, Smith fought hard—doubling with pocket fours and then narrowing the gap further after a successful value bet with tens and sevens.

But the end arrived quickly.

Final Hand

• Rash: 9♠8♥
• Smith: 7♥5♣
• Flop: 10♠7♠5♥ → Smith makes two pair, Rash has open-ender
• Turn: J♥ → Rash completes his straight
• River: K♦ → sealing Smith’s fate

Smith was eliminated in second place for $200,000, and Rash officially claimed the 2025 WPT bestbet Scramble Championship title.

Final Results – WPT bestbet Scramble Championship 2025

The 2025 BSOP Super High Roller Series began with a thunderous start at the WTC Sheraton in São Paulo, setting the tone for one of the most exciting poker festivals in Brazil. The $10,000 Super High Roller Invitational wasn’t just another tournament—it felt more like a celebration of Brazilian poker culture. The typical high-stakes stereotypes—hoodies, silence, sunglasses—were replaced with conversation, laughter, and the unmistakable rhythm of Brazil.

The invite-only structure brought in 113 elite competitors, building an impressive $1,130,000 prize pool. At the end of a day filled with energy and elite poker strategy, it was Joao Simao who claimed the trophy and the $256,000 top prize, continuing his legacy as one of Brazil’s most decorated poker champions.

Simao Reacts to His Emotional BSOP Super High Roller Triumph

Fresh off the win, Simao reflected on what the trophy meant to him:

“I’m very happy to take home this trophy. Last year at the BSOP Millions, I made two or three final tables but didn’t win a trophy. I really wanted one to place on the shelf next to my computer.”

Since moving to the United States, Simao no longer keeps many of his earlier trophies, making this BSOP Super High Roller victory uniquely meaningful.

“Sometimes I look at the shelf and wish I had a BSOP trophy there. This one is very special.”

The electrifying atmosphere exceeded even his expectations:

“It’s hard to put into words without sounding repetitive, but it’s truly spectacular. What they’re building here is something very special.”

The win was even more emotional because family members were in São Paulo to join him:

“My mom is coming, my brother, my uncle… it’s amazing.”

⭐ NYC Poker Games Are Exploding — Exclusive Private Action for U.S. Players

As Brazil celebrates the BSOP Super High Roller Series, the New York poker scene is quietly experiencing its own surge in popularity. Private, invitation-only NYC poker games now offer some of the most reliable and action-packed cash games in the country.

Why NYC private poker games are gaining massive traction:

• Nightly $1/3 and $2/5 NLH games
• PLO, bomb pots, and mid-stakes action
• $100–$1,000+ buy-ins with smooth, guaranteed payouts
• Safe, private locations with curated players
• Vegas-style action with New York convenience

Whether you’re a casual grinder or a serious player seeking consistent competition, NYC poker games provide a premium experience without casino headaches. Seats fill fast—but new players are welcomed through referral.

BSOP Super High Roller Action Breakdown

The final table of the BSOP Super High Roller was stacked with top-tier Brazilian and international talent, delivering nonstop drama:

• Ivan Luca landed the first elimination, knocking out Gabriel Tavares when kings held against jacks.
• Vinicius Rezende busted next after losing a flip to Thiago Macedo.
• Luiz Ferreira, short-stacked, couldn’t climb back and exited soon after.
• Rising momentum for Rafael Mota ended abruptly when his pocket twos collided with queens.
• Eduardo Parra fell in fifth as Simao began asserting dominance.
• Quick eliminations of Dennys Ramos and Thiago Macedo set up the heads-up finale everyone was waiting for.

Heads-Up Battle: Joao Simao vs. Ivan Luca

Simao entered heads-up play with the chip lead but quickly found himself trailing after Luca captured a wave of small pots. With stacks nearly even, the pivotal moment arrived:

• Simao shoved with A-6
• Luca called with K-Q
• The ace-high held, flipping the momentum entirely.

Luca staged a brief comeback—winning three all-ins—but the fourth attempt ended the match:

• Simao’s Q-J defeated Luca’s pocket sixes to claim the BSOP Super High Roller trophy and secure his emotional homecoming victory.

A BSOP Super High Roller Win Filled with Heart

The BSOP Super High Roller $10K Invitational wasn’t just another title for Joao Simao—it was a meaningful moment that bridged his past in Brazil with his present life abroad. From the vibrant atmosphere to the reunion with family, and from elite competition to emotional triumph, this victory is one that will shine brightly in his decorated career.

The BSOP continues to elevate South American poker, proving once again why it’s one of the most beloved festival series in the world.