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)

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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.

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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.”

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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.

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.

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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