The world of high-stakes poker witnessed another incredible triumph as a Hungarian poker player secured a massive $1.4 million win in the prestigious Triton Poker Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO) tournament. The tournament, known for its elite participants and massive prize pools, showcased intense competition, strategic gameplay, and unforgettable moments.

High Stakes Triton Poker: The Ultimate Battleground for Poker Pros

Triton Poker has become synonymous with high-stakes action, attracting some of the best players from around the globe. With buy-ins reaching astronomical figures, these tournaments demand skill, patience, and mental fortitude. The Pot-Limit Omaha format adds another layer of complexity, making it a favorite among seasoned professionals who thrive on strategic maneuvering and calculated risks.

The Road to the $1.4 Million Payday

The Hungarian poker star entered the Triton Poker event with confidence, having built a reputation for excelling in high-stakes scenarios. Throughout the tournament, he showcased exceptional skill, navigating through a tough field of elite players, including well-known names in the poker industry. His journey to the top was marked by aggressive plays, well-timed bluffs, and an unparalleled understanding of Pot-Limit Omaha dynamics.

The final table featured a lineup of formidable opponents, each vying for the coveted title. With millions on the line, every decision carried immense weight. The Hungarian player displayed nerves of steel, executing precise moves that ultimately led him to the championship hand. His victory not only earned him the staggering $1.4 million prize but also solidified his status as one of the top PLO players in the world.

Game Results

The final hand saw the Hungarian player facing off against a strong opponent in a dramatic showdown. Holding A♥ K♠ Q♦ J♣, he managed to hit a straight on the river, overcoming his opponent’s K♦ K♣ 10♠ 9♠, which had flopped a set. The board ran out 10♥ 8♠ 6♦ J♦ Q♠, securing the Hungarian player’s victory with a straight to the queen. This thrilling hand sealed his triumph and cemented his place among poker’s elite.

Final Table Results

Why High Stakes Triton Poker is a Poker Fan’s Dream

Triton Poker tournaments have gained a reputation for their exclusivity, high buy-ins, and jaw-dropping prize pools. These events are not just about winning money; they are about prestige, legacy, and proving one’s skills against the best in the game. High Stakes Triton Poker tournaments are broadcast globally, drawing millions of viewers who marvel at the intense action and high-level play.

Pot-Limit Omaha, in particular, has been growing in popularity due to its strategic depth and unpredictability. Unlike No-Limit Hold’em, where players can push all-in at any time, PLO requires a more nuanced approach since bets are limited to the size of the pot. This format rewards skill and punishes recklessness, making it an ideal battleground for poker’s elite.

The Impact of This Monumental Win

Winning a Triton Poker event is a career-defining achievement for any player. For this Hungarian champion, the $1.4 million payday is more than just a financial boost—it is a validation of years of dedication and strategic brilliance. This victory will likely open doors to even bigger opportunities, sponsorship deals, and invitations to exclusive high-stakes cash games around the world.

Furthermore, the win highlights the continued dominance of European players in the international poker scene. With poker talent emerging from various parts of the continent, European players have been making their mark in prestigious tournaments, further elevating the game’s global appeal.

The Future of High Stakes Triton Poker

As Triton Poker continues to expand its influence, the stakes are only expected to get higher. More players, both seasoned pros and ambitious newcomers, will be drawn to these high-profile events in hopes of claiming their share of the enormous prize pools. The increasing popularity of Pot-Limit Omaha also suggests that we may see even more thrilling tournaments in the future.

For poker enthusiasts, High Stakes Triton Poker remains a must-watch spectacle. Whether it’s the mind-blowing bluffs, intense rivalries, or life-changing wins, these tournaments continue to captivate audiences and reinforce poker as a game of skill, strategy, and determination.

Conclusion

The Hungarian player’s $1.4 million victory in the Triton Poker Pot-Limit Omaha tournament is a testament to the ever-evolving world of high-stakes poker. With skill, strategy, and a bit of luck, he outlasted some of the best players in the game to claim a career-defining triumph. As Triton Poker grows, we can only expect more epic battles, unforgettable moments, and record-breaking wins in the realm of high-stakes poker.

The poker pro from Funchal, Portugal, emerged victorious in the $150,000 buy-in high roller at the 2025 Triton Poker Jeju festival, overcoming a field of 128 entries to claim the coveted trident trophy and the top prize of $4,610,000. This victory set a new career-high payday for the three-time World Series of Poker bracelet winner, surpassing the $2.6 million he earned as the runner-up in the $100,000 Triton main event at last year’s WSOP Paradise.

“When I left home, my dad told me, ‘There’s only one place to improve’,” Vieira shared with Triton reporters after securing the win. “So I just listened to what he said and tried to go for the victory.”

With this latest triumph, Vieira’s recorded tournament earnings now exceed $19.8 million, further cementing his position as Portugal’s all-time leading money winner. His closest competitor, Pedro Marques, has accumulated $5.9 million in total earnings.

This marked Vieira’s first title and final-table finish of 2025. The 1,320 Card Player Player of the Year (POY) points he earned propelled him up the POY leaderboard to 42nd place.

The tournament’s prize pool swelled to $19,200,000, with the top 20 finishers sharing in the massive payout. All six final-table participants secured seven-figure prizes, with multi-million-dollar payouts awarded to the top three.

Several high-profile players made deep runs, including Poker Hall of Famer Patrik Antonius (17th), two-time Super High Roller Bowl champion Isaac Haxton (15th), two-time Triton titleholder Daniel Dvoress (14th), five-time Triton winner Danny Tang (11th), and 11-time WSOP bracelet winner Phil Ivey (10th). Both Tang and Ivey now boast five victories on the Triton circuit.

Vieira entered the final table as the chip leader. Four-time Triton champion Fedor Holz was the first to fall, finishing in eighth place ($595,000) after his pocket eights lost a preflop race to A-Q. With this result, the German’s career earnings soared past $51.1 million.

Ding Biao followed in seventh place, earning $807,000 when his pocket tens ran into the pocket queens of two-time bracelet winner Aleksejs Ponakovs. Ding’s career cashes now exceed $13.1 million.

Alex Foxen, who defeated Vieira heads-up in the Triton main event at WSOP Paradise just months ago, exited in sixth place ($1,076,000). His A-K fell to Ponakovs’ pocket tens, which improved to a full house. This latest cash pushed Foxen’s lifetime earnings past $46 million.

Kiat Lee’s run ended in fifth place ($1,372,000), his A-K failing to overcome Ponakovs’ pocket sevens. This marked a career-best score for the Malaysian.

Dan Smith’s fourth-place finish earned him $1,708,000, bringing his lifetime tournament cashes past $62 million. He was eliminated when his A♥4♥ led against Wang Ye’s 4♦3♦, but Wang spiked a straight on the turn to seal Smith’s fate.

Wang was the next to fall. He called an all-in shove from Ponakovs with A-J suited but lost to Ponakovs’ Q-10 when the board delivered a pair. Wang took home a career-best $2,047,000.

The heads-up match was decided in the first hand. Ponakovs raised with A♠Q♠, then four-bet shoved over Vieira’s three-bet. Vieira called with A♦J♦ and hit jacks full on a A♥J♠6♣7♣J♥ board, seizing a commanding lead.

In the final hand, Ponakovs moved all-in after a K♦7♣5♦2♥ board with J♠7♠, only to be called by Vieira’s 9♥9♣. The river brought the 10♦, securing the title for Vieira. Ponakovs earned $3,139,000, marking a career-best finish and bringing his total earnings to over $28.5 million.

2025 Triton Poker Jeju – $150,000 High Roller Final Table Results

The tournament featured 128 entries and a total prize pool of $19,200,000, with the top 20 players cashing. Let me know if you need additional details!

James “Archibald” Seaton clinched the title in the Lodge Winter Championship Series Main Event, hosted by the Lodge Card Club in Austin on March 3. The British poker pro took home the championship trophy and the top prize of $250,706, boosting his career live earnings past $571,000.

The $3,000 buy-in no-limit hold’em tournament attracted 418 entries across seven starting flights, surpassing the $1 million guarantee to generate a final prize pool of $1,139,050. The top 45 finishers locked in a minimum payday of $6,265, with the money bubble bursting on Day 2. By the end of the day, only nine players remained.

Seaton entered the final table as the chip leader and held his ground as eliminations unfolded. WSOP bracelet winner Alex Keating was the first to exit in 9th place ($25,523), followed by Joshua Yoon (8th – $32,646) and Peter Park (7th – $42,082). Jason Hickey (6th – $54,831) and Anze Smajd (5th – $72,509) hit the rail next. Seaton then claimed his first knockout, eliminating WPT champion Darryll Fish (4th – $97,275) when his A-K overcame Fish’s pocket jacks.

With three players left, Seaton maintained his momentum. He knocked out Chun Kit (3rd – $131,896) after Kit’s Q-J lost to Seaton’s K-2 suited, which improved to a nut flush. That set up a heads-up battle against Jake White, with Seaton holding a commanding 7:1 chip lead.

The final hand saw Seaton raise with K♦10♣, while White defended with 9♣8♣. The board ran A♦K♥9♥ K♣3♠, giving Seaton trip kings. White check-called Seaton’s bets before finally calling his all-in shove on the river, only to see the bad news. White finished runner-up for $160,606, pushing his career earnings past $386,000.

Final Table Results:

1. James Seaton – $250,706
2. Jake White – $160,606
3. Chun Kit – $131,896
4. Darryll Fish – $97,275
5. Anze Smajd – $72,509

With this career-best win, Seaton adds another major victory to his resume and cements his place as a rising force on the live tournament circuit.

The European Poker Tour (EPT), one of the most prestigious poker series in the world, is set to make a highly anticipated return to Malta and Prague in 2025. Poker enthusiasts and professional players alike are eagerly awaiting the announcement, as these two iconic destinations have long been fan favorites on the EPT circuit. With a rich history of hosting unforgettable tournaments, Malta and Prague are poised to deliver yet another thrilling chapter in the EPT legacy.

The European Poker Tour: A Brief Overview

The European Poker Tour (EPT) was established in 2004 and has since become a cornerstone of the global poker scene. Known for its high-stakes tournaments, luxurious venues, and international player base, the EPT has consistently attracted some of the biggest names in the game. Over the years, the tour has visited some of Europe’s most glamorous cities, including Monte Carlo, Barcelona, and London, solidifying its reputation as a must-attend event for poker professionals and amateurs alike.

Malta: A Mediterranean Poker Paradise

Malta, often referred to as the “Island of Poker,” has become synonymous with the European Poker Tour. Its stunning Mediterranean backdrop, vibrant nightlife, and world-class poker facilities make it an ideal destination for players and fans. The 2025 EPT Malta stop promises to be no exception, with a schedule packed with high-octane tournaments, including the flagship €5,300 Main Event. The Portomaso Casino in St. Julian’s, a regular host of EPT events, is expected to once again serve as the venue for the Malta leg of the tour. Known for its luxurious setting and top-notch service, the casino provides the perfect atmosphere for players to compete at the highest level. Beyond the felt, players can explore Malta’s rich history, picturesque beaches, and vibrant culinary scene, making it a well-rounded destination for both poker and leisure.

Prague: The Heart of European Poker

Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, has long been a favorite stop on the European Poker Tour. Known for its stunning architecture, historic charm, and lively poker community, Prague offers a unique blend of culture and competition. The 2025 EPT Prague is expected to draw a massive field of players, with the €5,300 Main Event taking center stage. The Kings Casino in Prague, a venue renowned for its exceptional poker facilities, will likely host the tournament. With its spacious poker rooms and state-of-the-art amenities, the casino ensures a seamless experience for players and spectators alike. Beyond the tournament, Prague’s enchanting Old Town, iconic Charles Bridge, and bustling nightlife provide plenty of opportunities for players to unwind and explore.

What to Expect in 2025

The 2025 European Poker Tour stops in Malta and Prague are expected to feature a diverse range of events catering to players of all skill levels. In addition to the Main Event, the schedule will include high roller tournaments, side events, and satellite qualifiers, offering something for everyone. The EPT’s commitment to innovation and player satisfaction ensures that each tournament will be a memorable experience. For poker fans unable to attend in person, the EPT’s comprehensive live streaming coverage will bring all the action straight to their screens. With expert commentary, behind-the-scenes access, and real-time updates, viewers can stay connected to the excitement no matter where they are.

A Boost for Local Economies

The return of the European Poker Tour to Malta and Prague is not only a win for poker players but also for the local economies. The influx of international visitors is expected to boost tourism, hospitality, and retail sectors, providing a significant economic boost to both destinations. Hotels, restaurants, and local businesses are gearing up to welcome the poker community with open arms.

The European Poker Tour’s return to Malta and Prague in 2025 is a testament to the enduring appeal of these two iconic destinations. With world-class venues, thrilling tournaments, and unforgettable experiences, the EPT continues to set the standard for poker excellence. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a casual player, the 2025 EPT stops in Malta and Prague are not to be missed. Mark your calendars and get ready for an unforgettable poker adventure!

Justin Zaki emerged victorious in the $25,000 buy-in finale at the 2025 PokerGO Cup, claiming the title and a $417,000 payday. This marks the third-largest cash of the Florida poker pro’s career, bringing his lifetime earnings to over $6.5 million.

Zaki secured the win after defeating PokerGO Cup series champion Joey Weissman in a heads-up battle. The victory was his fifth recorded tournament title, achieved across 270 in-the-money finishes.

With this win, Zaki earned 420 Card Player Player of the Year (POY) points. It was his second final-table appearance of 2025, having previously finished third in a $10,000 event at the Lucky Hearts Poker Open for $94,700 and 280 POY points. He now sits inside the top 100 in the POY rankings, presented by Global Poker.

Key Eliminations

The day’s first elimination saw short-stacked Jesse Lonis move all-in with K-7, trailing Clemen Deng’s A-4 in a blind-vs-blind battle. Deng paired his ace to send Lonis out in seventh place ($59,000), pushing his career earnings past $14.8 million.

Next, Michael Berk called off his last 11 big blinds with A-Q against Christian Roberts’ K-3. Roberts flopped top pair and held, eliminating Berk in sixth place for $81,125. This was already Berk’s fourth final-table finish of the year, placing him 11th in the overall POY standings with 1,450 points.

Five-handed play lasted about 90 minutes before Roberts found himself at risk with A♥ Q♥ against Zaki’s J♠ 10♥. Zaki, after raising from the small blind, four-bet shoved over Roberts’ three-bet. The board ran out A♠ J♥ 7♣ 5♦ 10♣, giving Zaki two pair and sending Roberts out in fifth place ($110,625). It was Roberts’ second final-table appearance of the series, pushing his career earnings past $1.9 million.

On the very next hand, Sam Soverel moved all-in with Q♥ Q♣ for his last four blinds, only to run into Weissman’s A♠ A♣. The board provided no help, eliminating Soverel in fourth place ($147,500). The two-time bracelet winner is now nearing the $25 million mark in lifetime cashes.

Deng followed in third place ($206,500) after calling off his last nine big blinds with K♠ 5♥ against Weissman’s A♦ K♣. Weissman flopped an ace, sealing Deng’s fate and awarding him the fourth-largest cash of his career.

Heads-Up Showdown

Zaki entered heads-up play with a chip lead of 5,100,000 to Weissman’s 3,745,000. After an intense battle, the two struck a deal, locking up at least $350,000 each, with $417,000 and the trophy still on the line.

A pivotal hand saw Weissman limp in with 10♥ 10♣, prompting Zaki to raise to 400,000 with A♥ 10♦. Weissman three-bet to 1,000,000, and Zaki responded with a four-bet shove for 3,925,000. Weissman called, covering Zaki by just 900,000. The board ran out K♦ J♣ 8♥ Q♦ 4♥, giving Zaki an ace-high straight and a commanding lead.

Shortly after, Weissman moved all-in for his last seven big blinds with K♠ 2♦, and Zaki called with 10♦ 7♥. The flop came 10♠ 10♣ A♥, all but securing the win for Zaki. The 6♠ turn and 6♣ river completed the board, giving Zaki a full house and the title. Weissman, making his fourth final table of the series, settled for second place.

Weissman Dominates the Series

Despite finishing as runner-up, Weissman’s consistent deep runs made him the clear PokerGO Cup series champion. He ended with 758 points and $930,600 in total earnings, moving into first place in the season-long PokerGO Tour (PGT) standings with 907 points.

Weissman also jumped to the top of the POY rankings, having reached seven final tables and secured one title in 2025. With 2,477 POY points and over $1 million in POY earnings, he continues to add to his impressive career total of nearly $8.8 million in lifetime cashes.

2025 PokerGO Cup Event #8 Final Table Results

The World Series of Poker (WSOP) unveiled its summer schedule on Monday, but on Tuesday, Phil Hellmuth made headlines of his own. The 17-time bracelet winner announced that he will not be competing in the $10,000 Main Event this year.

Hellmuth, who won the Main Event in 1989 at just 24 years old—becoming the youngest champion at the time—cited the tournament’s grueling structure as his reason for stepping away. Now 60, he believes the event has turned into an “endurance contest” that favors younger players.

“I truly believe that 80% of players want changes made to the World Series of Poker Main Event,” Hellmuth wrote on Twitter. “Twelve-hour days, or longer, for six to seven days in a row is brutal and disproportionately affects older players.”

The 2024 Main Event, won by 38-year-old Jonathan Tamayo, lasted 15 days, including four starting flights, two Day 2 sessions, and a day off before the final table.

A Test of Stamina

Having played every Main Event since 1988, Hellmuth explained his decision in a video, calling the schedule “too tough.”

“People at home say, ‘Phil, you can play seven days in a row.’ Yeah? Try it. Try playing from noon until midnight every day for a week,” he said.

He pointed out that some days stretch past 2 or 3 a.m., making the schedule even more exhausting.

“I think that really hurts older players disproportionately,” he said. “A lot of great players have told me they busted out simply because they were too tired—whether with 100 left, 50 left, or even 30 left. It’s turned into an endurance test, not a measure of skill.”

Hellmuth still calls the Main Event his “favorite tournament in the world” but acknowledges that it has become too demanding for him.

“I don’t want to miss it, but I know I can’t do it. I’m 60. Honestly, I don’t think I could have done it at 50.”

He advocates for scheduled rest days, arguing that the tournament shouldn’t be about “who gets too tired and spews their chips.”

“I hope that in 2026, some changes are made to bring back more skill and less endurance,” he said.

A Changing Game

Hellmuth’s last Main Event cash came in 2009, when he finished 436th. He also narrowly missed cashing in the World Series of Poker Paradise Main Event this year, busting on the money bubble.

No player in their 60s has won the Main Event since 61-year-old Noel Furlong claimed the title in 1999, when the field was just 393 players. In modern times, the oldest champions include 55-year-old Hossein Ensan (2019) and 45-year-old Damian Salas (2020).

Mixed Reactions from the Poker Community

Hellmuth’s stance sparked debate. Some agreed with him, including poker ambassador Jen Shahade, who noted the demanding schedule is especially tough on pregnant players and those with disabilities.

Others, however, argued that adding days off would only make the event longer, making travel logistics harder.

“The Main Event structure is great,” said 888poker ambassador Ian Simpson. “What we really need is for them to stop increasing the rake and other travel expenses.”

Many doubted whether Hellmuth could resist playing. Kevin Martin likened it to Michael Jordan skipping the NBA Finals.

Skipping the event would also mean no over-the-top entrances from Hellmuth, who in past years has arrived dressed as a racecar driver, Roman emperor, war general, ringmaster, Gandalf, Poseidon, and even Darth Vader.

Television writer and poker player Matt Salsberg was skeptical. “No chance you skip the Main. Your FOMO will kick in by Day 2 when you can still late-reg and play three levels,” he joked. “And if you survive a day and a half, you’re in the money. Adrenaline kicks in, plus you can nap during dinner breaks and get massages. Man up!”

Three-time bracelet winner David Baker echoed the sentiment. “I miss the 72-hour sessions at Commerce, when we’d laugh at people quitting after two straight days. Now, if you don’t get your gym, tan, mani/pedi, and 12 hours of beauty sleep, you can’t play?”

Perhaps if Hellmuth doesn’t enter, his son Phillip will. The two recently played high-roller events at the PokerGO studio, and Hellmuth says his son is developing into a strong player.

Meanwhile, Hellmuth continues making headlines—most recently by signing a deal as an online poker ambassador for Rush Street Interactive.

The 2025 Grosvenor UK Poker Tour (GUKPT) Manchester festival concluded with a thrilling £1,250 Main Event, where Junxian Du outlasted a competitive field of 437 entrants to claim his first recorded live tournament victory and a career-best payday of £84,700.

Du’s Breakthrough Victory in a Stacked Field

With a total prize pool of £455,160, only 56 players secured a payout. Notable names making deep runs included Timothy Chung, Antoine Labat, Robert Douras, David Gee, and former WSOP Main Event finalist Antoine Saout, who narrowly missed the final table in 11th place.

The official final table was set when Vanessa Kade exited in 10th place. The 2021 Sunday Million 15th Anniversary champion was in contention to become the first female GUKPT Main Event winner but fell short when her ace-eight lost to Andrew Bak’s queen-nine suited.

Final Table Results and Key Hands

The final table saw several dramatic eliminations:

• 9th Place – Jake Stone (£7,250): His pocket eights couldn’t hold against Andrew “Stato_1” Hulme’s pocket kings.
• 8th Place – Jewel Miah (£10,420): Lost a crucial all-in with pocket sevens against Du’s ace-five, with an ace hitting the river.
• 7th Place – Brendan McManus (£13,580): Fell to David Ledden, whose trip nines crushed McManus’ jack-ten.
• 6th Place – Andrew Bak (£18,610): His ace-ten couldn’t outdraw Ravi Sheth’s ace-jack.
• 5th Place – Andreas Olympios (£25,180): The former WPT500 champ ran pocket fours into Sheth’s ace-deuce and lost when an ace landed on the flop.
• 4th Place – Andrew Hulme (£33,810): His pocket kings were cracked by Du’s ace-eight, which improved to a ten-high straight.
• 3rd Place – David Ledden (£45,910): Lost a flip with pocket eights against Du’s king-queen when Du made Broadway.

Du Secures Title with a Dramatic Heads-Up Win

The heads-up battle between Junxian Du and Ravi Sheth was short but intense. Sheth moved all-in with ace-ten, only to see Du call with king-queen. A queen on the turn sealed Sheth’s fate, and Du was crowned the 2025 GUKPT Manchester champion, pocketing £84,700 for his incredible run.

This landmark victory not only marks Du’s first live tournament cash but also establishes him as a rising force in the UK poker scene.