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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

The 2025 European Poker Tour (EPT) Malta festival delivered one of its most exciting moments yet when Greek poker star Alexandros Theologis captured the €100,000 No-Limit Hold’em Super High Roller title. Overcoming a short but elite 16-entry field, Theologis secured the $908,154 top prize and a golden spade trophy—his first major EPT title.

Already a dominant force online, Theologis now adds a significant live win to his growing list of accomplishments, pushing his career earnings past $8 million.

A Career Milestone for Alexandros Theologis

Theologis is best known in online poker circles for his 2021 World Series of Poker Online triumph, where he claimed the $25,000 High Roller event and a WSOP gold bracelet worth over $1.2 million.
However, this latest success on the European Poker Tour is particularly meaningful for the Greek pro.

“It feels very good, especially because I haven’t actually won any high-stakes live tournaments before, especially with a trophy,”
— Alexandros Theologis told PokerNews.

Before this victory, Theologis’ only live win came in a modest $2,000 side event at the 2019 ARIA Summer Championship. The EPT Malta title, therefore, marks a career-defining moment for the 2021 online champion.

Action-Packed Day 2 at the EPT Malta High Roller

Though the €100,000 buy-in event drew a compact field, the level of talent was world-class. The prize pool exceeded $1.8 million, rewarding only the top three finishers and leaving no room for error.

The money bubble burst when Spanish high-stakes regular Juan Pardo was eliminated in fourth place. Pardo called all-in with A♦J♥ against Orpen Kisacikoglu’s K♦5♣, but the K♣10♠5♦8♠8♣ board gave Kisacikoglu two pair, sending Pardo home empty-handed.

Moments later, Ben Heath was eliminated in third place for $363,191. Heath three-bet shoved with 8♠8♦, running into Theologis’ K♦Q♠ after Kisacikoglu cold four-bet shoved. The board ran K♥7♣5♦4♠Q♥, giving Theologis two pair and the knockout.
Heath’s podium finish pushed his total live earnings to nearly $35.8 million.

Heads-Up Duel: Theologis vs. Kisacikoglu

The final showdown between Alexandros Theologis and Orpen Kisacikoglu began with the Greek holding a narrow chip lead, 2,250,000 to 1,770,000. As play continued, Theologis extended his advantage through disciplined aggression and precise value betting.

The decisive hand came when Kisacikoglu limped the button with K♠3♥, and Theologis raised to 175,000 holding A♣J♣. The flop fell K♣6♣2♠, giving Theologis the nut flush draw. He bet 75,000, got a call, and when the 3♦ hit the turn, Kisacikoglu improved to two pair.

After a 200,000 bet from Kisacikoglu, Theologis check-shoved all-in. Kisacikoglu called instantly, only to watch the 8♣ fall on the river—completing Theologis’ flush and crowning him champion of the European Poker Tour Malta High Roller.

Kisacikoglu collected $544,869 as runner-up, increasing his career live earnings to over $22.2 million.

Final Table Results – EPT Malta €100,000 High Roller

European Poker Tour Continues Its Legacy

The European Poker Tour remains one of the most prestigious poker circuits in the world, with stops that combine luxurious destinations and elite-level poker competition. The 2025 EPT Malta stop once again showcased top-tier talent, intense high-stakes drama, and a new name among live poker champions.

With more EPT stops ahead in Monte Carlo, Barcelona, and Prague, fans can expect more unforgettable stories and historic victories in one of poker’s longest-running live series.

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Alex Foxen continues to dominate the live tournament scene in 2025. The 34-year-old poker pro secured his fourth title of 2025, winning Poker Masters Event #6 for $272,000. This latest victory not only pushed his career earnings past $55.2 million but also placed him at the top of the PokerGO Tour (PGT) leaderboard with 2,404 points.

A Career Defined by Consistency

Foxen has finished inside the top 20 for eight straight years, with his last seven results all inside the top 10. Few players in poker history can claim such sustained excellence across high roller and major open events.

In 2025 alone, Foxen has:

• Captured 4 tournament titles.
• Made 17 final tables that qualify for POY scoring.
• Accumulated 8,483 POY points, putting him in third place overall behind Jesse Lonis (9,249) and Punnat Punsri (8,604).

With several months left in the year, Foxen is well-positioned to challenge for another POY crown and extend his reputation as one of the most consistent performers in modern poker.

Poker Masters 2025 Event #6: The Breakdown

The Poker Masters is one of the most prestigious high-roller series of the year, featuring elite competition, televised coverage on PokerGO, and critical PGT leaderboard points.

Event #6 carried a $10,000 buy-in and drew 109 entries, creating a prize pool packed with poker’s top talents.

Foxen began the final day in the middle of the pack, trailing early chip leader Martin Zamani. But as is so often the case, Foxen navigated the swings with patience, aggression, and impeccable timing to reach heads-up play and ultimately capture the trophy.

Final Table Recap

Sixth Place – Bin Weng ($55,000)

Two-time WPT champion Bin Weng was the first casualty of the final table. Short on chips, Weng defended his big blind with 9♣7♣ against Doug Lee’s button raise holding K♥8♣. The flop brought 10♠9♦8♦, giving both players a piece. Weng check-called before jamming the turn with his pair and straight draw, but Lee’s trip eights held, sending Weng to the rail.

Fifth Place – RJ Sullivan ($71,000)

Florida pro RJ Sullivan lost a pivotal preflop flip when his A♠Q♣ couldn’t outrun Foxen’s J♦J♣. Reduced to just six big blinds, he was soon eliminated by Andrew Lichtenberger’s pocket aces. Despite the tough finish, Sullivan earned the second-largest score of his career.

Fourth Place – Andrew Lichtenberger ($98,000)

Andrew “LuckyChewy” Lichtenberger, a WSOP bracelet winner and respected high roller, shoved K♥J♥ into Doug Lee’s J♠J♦. Despite picking up a flush draw, Lichtenberger bricked the turn and river. He secured $98,000, along with his 14th PGT cash of the season, which moved him into eighth in the leaderboard race.

Third Place – Martin Zamani ($125,000)

Chip leader to start the day, Martin Zamani found himself short after losing a key all-in with 9♠8♠ against Doug Lee’s A♥K♠. His final hand came against Foxen, when Zamani’s pocket nines were crushed by queens. He departed with $125,000, raising his lifetime tournament haul to $7.9 million.

Runner-Up – Doug Lee ($180,000)

Canadian pro Doug Lee played fearless poker to reach heads-up with the chip lead. After trading doubles with Foxen, Lee found himself in a dramatic final hand:

• Lee held Q♣3♣ against Foxen’s J♣8♠.
• The flop fell 8♣6♦3♥, giving Foxen top pair and Lee bottom pair.
• The Q♥ turn gave Lee queens up, but the 8♥ river improved Foxen to trip eights.
• Lee paid off Foxen’s all-in shove, ending his run in second place.

Lee took home $180,000, the third-largest score of his career, pushing his lifetime earnings past $2.5 million.

Champion – Alex Foxen ($272,000)

Foxen’s road to victory was marked by key doubles, disciplined calls, and fearless river heroics. One of the defining hands saw Foxen correctly call Lee’s large river bluff with nothing more than queen high, demonstrating both his courage and sharp instincts.

In the end, Foxen lifted the Poker Masters trophy and added yet another milestone to his already remarkable 2025 campaign.

Final Table Payouts

Alex Foxen’s Legacy in Modern Poker

Since bursting onto the scene, Foxen has built a reputation as one of the toughest and most disciplined players in the game. His accomplishments include:

• Over $55 million in live tournament earnings.
• Multiple Poker Masters titles.
• Dozens of final tables in high-stakes buy-ins.
• A long-running streak of top-10 POY finishes.

Foxen’s combination of physical fitness, mental discipline, and technical skill has often been cited as the gold standard for today’s generation of professionals. With his 2025 campaign still rolling, he may yet add more historic milestones before the year is over.

Conclusion

The 2025 Poker Masters has already delivered memorable storylines, but Alex Foxen’s fourth title of the year stands out as one of the most impressive. His $272,000 win in Event #6 not only showcased his resilience and skill but also reaffirmed his dominance on both the POY and PGT leaderboards.

As the high-stakes calendar continues with upcoming majors, all eyes will remain on Foxen to see whether he can close out another record-breaking year and further cement his legacy as one of poker’s all-time greats.

Andrew Moreno is proving once again that consistency and determination define a great poker career. The 42-year-old Texas-based poker pro captured his first PokerGO Tour (PGT) major title at the Poker Masters 2025 inside ARIA Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.

Moreno outlasted a stacked field of 101 entries in Event #3, the $10,000 buy-in no-limit hold’em tournament, and secured the $252,000 top prize along with the prestigious Poker Masters trophy. This victory marks Moreno’s third title of 2025 and adds to his already impressive run on the live circuit, with 10 final tables reached so far this year.

Career Milestone: $6.2 Million In Earnings

With this win, Moreno’s career tournament earnings now exceed $6.2 million. His biggest score still remains the $1.46 million victory at the 2021 Wynn Millions Main Event, but this Poker Masters triumph represents a breakthrough moment—his first major on the high-stakes PokerGO Tour.

In addition to the money, Moreno earned:

• 600 Card Player POY points – moving him into 27th place in the 2025 standings with 4,500 total points.
• 252 PGT points – giving him 760 total across eight cashes, good for 62nd place on the PGT leaderboard.

Earlier this year, Moreno won the Mission RunGood Million Dollar Main Event in August and took down a $1,000 event at The Lodge Winter Championship in February.

Big Names Exit Before The Final

The $1,010,000 prize pool paid the top 15 finishers. Some well-known players fell just short of the final table, including:

• Kristen Foxen (15th)
• Nguyen Le (14th)
• Brock Wilson (13th)
• Stephen Song (12th)
• Victoria Livschitz (10th)
• Aaron Messmer (9th)
• Nicholas Seward (8th)

Final Table Highlights

Sixth Place – John Riordan ($50,500)

Two-time bracelet winner John Riordan was the first to fall on Day 2 after running second pair into Jeremiah Williams’ top pair.

Fifth Place – Matthew Wantman ($65,600)

Bracelet winner Matthew Wantman was next out when his A♣10♠ couldn’t improve against Moreno’s pocket tens.

Fourth Place – Jeremiah Williams ($90,900)

Williams’ run ended in fourth when his A♦4♣ couldn’t hold against Laskowitz’s A♠10♥.

Third Place – Sam Laskowitz ($116,700)

Despite scoring big knockouts earlier in the event, Sam Laskowitz bowed out in third when his open-ended straight draw couldn’t overcome Moreno’s nut flush draw, which completed on the river.

Heads-Up Battle: Moreno vs. Brian Batt

Moreno entered heads-up play with nearly a 4:1 chip advantage over Brian Batt, holding 9,975,000 to Batt’s 2,650,000. He never looked back, quickly extending his lead.

The final hand saw Moreno shove with J♦8♦, and Batt called with J♥10♦. The board ran out 5♦4♦4♣K♦2♥, giving Moreno a flush and the championship title.

For Batt, the $171,700 runner-up finish marked the largest live tournament score of his career.

Final Table Results

What This Means For Moreno

This victory solidifies Andrew Moreno as a force in both mid-stakes and high-stakes events. Already a proven champion with major wins like the Wynn Millions, Moreno now adds a PokerGO Tour title to his resume—an achievement that elevates his standing among elite professionals.

As the Poker Masters 2025 continues, eyes will be on Moreno to see if he can build momentum and contend for the Purple Jacket, awarded to the festival’s overall champion.