Tyler Patterson etched his name into World Series of Poker history once again, capturing his second WSOP bracelet after a commanding run in Event #49: $3,000 6-Handed No-Limit Hold’em at the 2025 WSOP in Las Vegas.

The longtime tournament pro from Everett, Washington, was unstoppable at the final table, eliminating each of the last five players in just over two hours en route to victory. For his efforts, Patterson banked $574,223, earned 1,440 Card Player Player of the Year points, and secured the most significant live tournament score of his two-decade-long poker career.

Patterson Adds Second WSOP Bracelet in Style

A familiar face in high-stakes tournament circles, Tyler Patterson already had a WSOP bracelet and a World Poker Tour title on his résumé. But this win — achieved through a blitzkrieg of knockouts at the final table — stands apart.

The final day began with 69 players still chasing gold. Among them were elite names like Brian Altman, Brian Hastings, Davidi Kitai, and Chris Moorman, but none could withstand the pace. Patterson and Matthew Wantman entered Day 2 among the chip leaders and seemed destined to clash.

By 8:30 p.m. local time, the final six were set, and the WSOP bracelet was within grasp.

Final Table Recap: All Patterson, All the Way

Patterson wasted no time asserting dominance. Holding red kings against Jakub Michalak‘s queens, he secured the first knockout in sixth place. From there, the momentum was unrelenting:

• Yohwan Lim was next. Despite holding A♦10♦ in a blind-vs-blind clash, Patterson’s A♥8♥ hit an 8 on the flop and held to send the Korean pro out in fifth.

• Andy Wilson fell in fourth when Patterson’s pocket jacks held strong against sevens.

• Then came a dramatic hand against Michael Walsh, who jammed with K♥J♥. Patterson called with Q♠7♣ and spiked a queen on the flop to reduce the field to two.

Patterson entered heads-up play against Matthew Wantman with a monstrous lead — more than 10-to-1 in chips. Moments later, it was all over.

In the final hand, Wantman moved all-in with J♥7♣, and Patterson called with A♣9♦. The board ran out A♦4♠3♠9♣6♦, securing Patterson’s second WSOP bracelet and one of the most efficient final table runs in recent memory.

A Missed Bracelet for Wantman

While Patterson celebrated, Matthew Wantman — a WPT champion with over $9 million in live earnings — came painfully close to his first WSOP bracelet. Despite a valiant effort, this marked only his fifth WSOP final table and second in a live event.

Final Table Payouts – Event #49: $3,000 6-Handed No-Limit Hold’em

Two-Time WSOP Bracelet Winner Club Welcomes Patterson

Patterson’s second WSOP bracelet isn’t just another trophy — it cements his legacy as one of the most consistent and respected tournament grinders of his generation. With over $4 million in career earnings and now two pieces of WSOP gold, his place in poker history is secured.

Stay tuned to PokerNews for more 2025 WSOP bracelet winner coverage and daily event recaps from Las Vegas.

Veteran pro Ian Johns has done it again. The Seattle native etched his name deeper into poker history after taking down the prestigious $10,000 Limit Hold’em Championship at the 2025 World Series of Poker, earning his fourth career WSOP bracelet and the top prize of $282,455.

Johns topped a stacked field of 118 entries to win what is widely considered the crown jewel of limit hold’em events. It marks his second victory in this championship, having first claimed the title in 2016. That same summer, he also bagged the $1,500 H.O.R.S.E. bracelet just 10 days earlier. His first bracelet came all the way back in 2006 when he shipped a $3,000 limit hold’em event—making three of his four WSOP titles in fixed-limit formats.

Another Loaded Final Table

The road to Johns’ fourth bracelet wasn’t easy, as he had to navigate a final table stacked with elite talent. Among those falling short were Daniel Negreanu (8th – $31,316), Ryan Bambrick (5th – $67,782), Pedro Neves (4th – $92,774), Anthony Zinno (3rd – $130,447), and high-stakes icon Viktor “Isildur1” Blom, who finished runner-up for $188,295.

This latest victory pushes Johns’ lifetime tournament earnings past $2.2 million, with the majority coming from his impressive WSOP résumé. The 40-year-old also picked up 600 Card Player Player of the Year (POY) points and 282 PokerGO Tour (PGT) points for the win.

It’s been a strong series for Johns so far, with this result marking his second cash of the summer. He previously finished ninth in the $1,500 Limit Hold’em event just days earlier.

Big Names Fall Short

Of the 118 entries, the top 18 players made the money in this year’s championship, splitting a $1,097,400 prize pool. Among the notables who cashed but missed the final table were Patrick Leonard (16th), John Hennigan (15th), Jeremy Ausmus (12th), Dzmitry Urbanovich (10th), and Scott Bohlman (9th), who was the first casualty on Day 3 after his aces were cracked.

Negreanu was next out the door after his ace-ten was outdrawn by David Lieberman’s queen-nine. Lieberman bowed out in seventh ($39,349) after a costly clash with Zinno and a final confrontation against Max Hoffman’s pocket nines.

From Three Players to One Champion

Once the action was three-handed, Johns, Zinno, and Blom traded blows in a prolonged battle. Eventually, Zinno found himself short and committed with K♠10♦ against Johns’ A♠9♥. A seven-high board offered no help, and Zinno was eliminated in third place for $130,447—bringing his career earnings to just shy of $12.7 million.

Heads-up play began with Johns holding a slight lead over Blom and quickly expanded after Johns scooped a big pot with a full house. The final hand saw Johns raise the button with A♣10♦ and call a three-bet from Blom, who held Q♠9♠. On a 6♠5♣3♠ flop, Blom led out with his flush draw, but Johns called. The 10♥ on the turn gave Johns top pair, prompting a raise over Blom’s bet. Blom moved all-in, and Johns made the call. The K♥ on the river was a brick, sealing the win for Johns.

Blom’s Deep Series Continues

Despite falling just short, Viktor Blom added another big score to his impressive 2025 WSOP run. This marked his third final-table appearance and fourth cash of the series. His biggest result remains a sixth-place finish in the $50,000 High Roller, which netted him $349,068. With this runner-up result, Blom’s live tournament earnings now exceed $8.4 million.

Final Table Results – 2025 WSOP $10,000 Limit Hold’em Championship

With the win, Johns joins a growing list of 2025 bracelet winners who are adding to their existing collections—22 of the first 39 bracelets awarded this summer have now gone to past champions.

Once the dominant format in live poker—particularly in cash games—Limit Hold’em may have taken a backseat in recent years, but the 2025 World Series of Poker showed that the classic variant still commands a dedicated following. A total of 491 players entered this year’s $1,500 Limit Hold’em event, generating a prize pool of $651,802. That marks an impressive 10.8% increase from the 443 entries seen in 2024.

Emerging victorious was Canada’s Jason Duong, who claimed his first WSOP gold bracelet and a top prize of $130,061. Duong outlasted Adam Tyburski in a grueling heads-up duel that stretched nearly three hours, with Tyburski ultimately settling for the $86,673 runner-up payout.

This win marked Duong’s second recorded cash in this specific event; he previously finished 33rd in 2022.

The tournament paid out the top 74 spots, with several notable names making deep runs. These included seven-time bracelet winner Scott Seiver (34th), three-time winners Daniel Idema (32nd), David “Bakes” Baker (26th), and Ian Johns (9th), five-time champion John Monnette (25th), and high-stakes pro Chris Hunichen (8th).

Final Table Results:

Jason Koon has done it again. The high-stakes crusher converted a final table chip lead into victory at the 2025 World Series of Poker (WSOP), taking down Event #31: $50,000 No-Limit Hold’em High Roller for $1,968,927 and his second career gold bracelet.

Koon topped a field of 171 entries to secure the win, defeating fellow bracelet winner Andrew “LuckyChewy” Lichtenberger heads-up after a dramatic final day of play. While it’s Koon’s largest WSOP score to date, it doesn’t even crack his top five all-time cashes—further proof of just how dominant the West Virginia native has been on the high roller circuit.

A Dominant Run Continues

The win adds to an already massive 2025 for Koon, who has cashed for more than $6.5 million since the start of May, including two victories at Triton Montenegro. One of those wins—a $150K buy-in—earned him nearly $3.4 million and pushed his career earnings to nearly $66 million, good for third on poker’s all-time money list.

“I just play when I want to now,” Koon said after the win. “My family’s with me when I travel, so I travel less. But when I do show up, I’m locked in.”

Although he’s shifted away from chasing bracelets full-time, Koon still holds the WSOP close to his heart.

“It’s nostalgia for me,” he said. “Back in college, I watched the WSOP on ESPN. I remember that buzz the first time I came here, and I still feel that energy when I see younger players come in excited to play.”

Final Table Action

Ten players returned for the final day, with Koon leading the way. His chip stack swelled early when he won a massive preflop confrontation, his pocket aces holding against the pocket kings of Sean Winter, who exited in 11th place ($130,082).

From there, the bustouts came quickly:

• 10th: Dominykas Mikolaitis – $130,082
• 9th: Chongxian Yang – $161,048
• 8th: Aliaksei Boika – $203,919
• Boika fell in brutal fashion, with his aces cracked by Andrew Lichtenberger’s K-J suited, which completed a straight on the turn.

Reagan Silber was the next to go in 7th place ($263,944) after running A♦K♦ into Sergey Lebedev’s suited K♠Q♠. Lebedev made a flush on the turn, sending Silber to the rail.

Swedish online legend Viktor “Isildur1” Blom bowed out in sixth place ($349,068) after getting short and running A♦6♦ into Koon’s A♠10♠. The American flopped top pair and held, adding to his chip advantage.

The Cooler That Changed Everything

Koon maintained a large chip lead as the final five played down to the televised portion of the event. Andrew Lichtenberger then went on a short tear, eliminating both Sergey Lebedev (5th – $471,473) and Brock Wilson (4th – $650,074), who recorded a career-best score.

Then came the hand of the tournament. With three players left, Ben Tollerene opened with K♣7♣, Koon three-bet with A♠A♥, and Lichtenberger cold four-bet with K♥K♦. After Koon five-bet, Lichtenberger shoved for over 19 million, and Koon snap-called.

The board ran out A♦J♥3♣10♥10♦, giving Koon aces full and a pot worth more than 75% of the chips in play. Lichtenberger was crippled, and Tollerene would bust the next hand in 3rd place ($914,634).

Heads-Up Battle: Koon vs. Lichtenberger

Koon entered heads-up play with a more than 2:1 chip lead over Lichtenberger, and despite the latter briefly pulling ahead after rivering nut flushes in back-to-back pots, Koon steadily rebuilt his advantage.

In the final hand, Lichtenberger jammed A♠10♦ and Koon called with K♦Q♠. The board ran out K♥J♥2♠8♦7♣, and Koon’s top pair sealed the victory.

Lichtenberger earned $1,312,610 for his runner-up finish, moving his career tournament earnings to nearly $23.5 million.

Final Table Results

In yet another career-defining moment, Jason Koon Triton Poker dominance reached new heights as the 39-year-old American poker pro clinched his record-extending 11th Triton Poker title. Koon took down the $150,000 No-Limit Hold’em event at the 2025 Triton Poker Montenegro series, topping a competitive field of 108 entries to earn $3,393,656, the second-largest payout of his storied career.

This latest win pushes Koon’s lifetime tournament earnings past $65 million and vaults him into fifth place on the all-time money list.

“I’m just at a point in my life now where I’m very comfortable in myself,” said Koon after his victory. “I have an incredible life outside poker, and that allows me to sit down, feel free, and play my best.”

Heads-Up Against Mentor Ben Tollerene: A Full-Circle Moment

The final table came down to an emotional duel between Koon and longtime friend and mentor Ben Tollerene. Koon reflected on their journey, saying:

“Twelve years ago, when I first saw what it took to be an elite poker player, it was through Ben. I never thought I’d be standing here like this.”

The duo struck a heads-up deal before playing for the trophy and $130,000 in leftover prize money. Koon ultimately prevailed when his pocket sixes held against Tollerene’s ace-nine.

Jason Koon Widens Lead on Triton Title Leaderboard

Already the Triton tour’s all-time leader, Jason Koon’s Triton Poker title count now sits at 11, six ahead of second-place holders Phil Ivey, Mikita Badziakouski, Bryn Kenney, and Danny Tang, each with five.

This marked Koon’s first Triton win since November 2023, when he won a $25K PLO event in Monte Carlo. His 11th title adds to an astonishing record that includes:

• 60 cashes on the Triton tour

• Over $33 million in Triton earnings

• Five of his top six cashes coming in Triton events

Star-Studded Field Creates $16.2M Prize Pool

The $150K buy-in event generated a massive $16,200,000 prize pool, with 17 players making the money. Notable deep runs included:

• Joao Simao – 15th

• Patrik Antonius – 13th

• Daniel Dvoress – 12th

• Santhosh Suvarna – 11th

Final Table Recap: Jason Koon Leads, Tollerene Surges

9th–5th Place Eliminations

Koon began the final table as chip leader, while Tollerene climbed by eliminating elite competition:

• 9th: Isaac Haxton – $405,000

• 8th: Christoph Vogelsang – $543,000

• 7th: Wiktor Malinowski – $721,000

• 6th: Eelis Parssinen – $943,000

• 5th: Matthias Eibinger – $1,195,000

Eibinger’s recent hot streak continued, boosting his career earnings past $26 million.

Phil Ivey’s Deep Run Ends in 4th

Phil Ivey, poker legend and 11-time WSOP bracelet winner, laddered his way to fourth place before running into Koon’s full house. He exited with $1,482,000, pushing his career earnings past the $50 million milestone.

Wayne Heung’s Best Career Finish

Wayne Heung scored a career-best $1,790,000 for his third-place finish. His 10♦9♦ was cracked by Tollerene’s A♠10♣ after a dramatic turn card completed a straight.

Heads-Up Deal and Final Hand

Heads-up began with Tollerene holding a slight chip lead. The two agreed to the following deal:

• Tollerene: $3,437,344

• Koon: $3,263,656

• Trophy + $130,000 left to play

Koon quickly regained momentum with a double-up and sealed the win when his 6♠6♦ held against A♥9♠ on a clean runout.

Tollerene Scores Second-Biggest Career Cash

Despite the loss, Ben Tollerene walked away with $3,437,344, the second-largest score of his tournament career, behind only his $3.5 million finish in the 2024 WSOP $250K Super High Roller. His total career earnings now exceed $26 million.

Jason Koon Triton Poker Legacy Grows Stronger

With each Triton event, Jason Koon continues to cement his status as one of the greatest high-stakes tournament players in the world. His Triton Poker success now accounts for half of his career earnings, and his dominance shows no signs of slowing.

Jesse Lonis is rewriting the narrative of the 2025 poker season. The 29-year-old American poker pro added another massive trophy to his collection after taking down the $100,000 buy-in Triton Poker Montenegro Main Event, scoring a career-best $3,446,298. This victory is his third Triton Poker title and highlights a spring stretch that’s seen him dominate the international poker tournament scene.

Since March, Jesse Lonis has cashed for more than $7.3 million across 14 in-the-money finishes, including five titles and 12 final tables. Over $6.3 million of that came in May alone during his extended European tour, with the bulk coming from Triton Poker tournaments.

“It’s emotional,” Lonis shared with Triton staff. “I’m away from my family for a long time, and I told them I was going to make it worthwhile.”

In addition to the main event, Lonis also secured a win in the $40,000 Mystery Bounty, collecting $619,000 in prize money and $800,000 in bounties. He’s cashed in five of ten Triton Poker Montenegro events, racking up $5.6 million at this stop alone.

Triton Poker Montenegro: A Star-Studded Poker Tournament Final Table

The $18 million prize pool attracted 180 entries to the Maestral Resort & Casino, with poker legends battling for one of the most prestigious titles on the Triton Poker calendar.

Final Table Results:

Notable deep runs came from Alex Foxen (10th), Leon Sturm (11th), and Espen Jorstad (12th), all of whom fell just shy of the final table.

Jesse Lonis Tops Poker Tournament Giants

With a chip lead entering the final table, Jesse Lonis faced a tough lineup that included two-time POY winner Stephen Chidwick, defending champion Mikalai Vaskaboinikau, and four-time Triton champion Fedor Holz.

Highlights included:

• Martirosian’s pocket kings cracked by Vaskaboinikau’s A-K

• Chidwick’s pocket queens beaten by a flopped set of deuces

• Vogelsang’s K-Q falling to A-K of Kiat Lee

• Kiat Lee ultimately bested by Lonis’ T-8 suited

Heads-up play came down to Lonis and Vaskaboinikau. After a short-lived battle and a deal, Lonis secured the win with K♦10♣ over Q♣J♣, sealing his Triton Poker main event title.

Jesse Lonis Leads 2025 Player of the Year Race After Triton Poker Dominance

Thanks to this massive spring heater and Triton Poker success, Jesse Lonis is now the clear frontrunner in the 2025 Card Player Player of the Year race, sponsored by CoinPoker. His poker tournament performance this year—featuring over a dozen final tables and five major titles—puts him on pace for a historic season.

Stay tuned to PokerNews for more updates on Triton Poker, major poker tournaments, and the unstoppable run of Jesse Lonis.

Are you ready to elevate your poker experience? If you’re looking for Private Poker Games in New York, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, the underground poker scene in New York offers a thrilling mix of skill, excitement, and exclusivity that you won’t find in a typical casino. With rising interest in secure, well-managed environments for serious poker enthusiasts, Poker Games in New York are seeing a surge in popularity—and for good reason.

Why Choose Private Poker Games in New York?

There’s a growing demand for Private Poker Games in New York due to their convenience, high-quality gameplay, and community-based settings. These games are hosted in controlled environments, providing safety, comfort, and discretion for all participants. Most games are invite-only, which keeps the quality high and ensures that everyone at the table is there to enjoy a fair and challenging game.

Unlike crowded casino floors, private poker rooms offer an intimate and focused atmosphere where you can truly refine your strategy. Many players also prefer these games because of flexible buy-ins, personalized service, and generous bonuses—like 10% extra chips when you buy in.

Benefits of Playing Poker Games in New York Privately

The best Poker Games in New York aren’t found in public casinos—they’re happening in private clubs and well-kept secret venues across the city. Here’s why players keep coming back:

• Privacy and Security: You’ll enjoy a safe and confidential setting where your information and winnings are protected.

• Tailored Experience: Games are customized based on skill levels, stakes, and player preferences.

• Community: Build relationships with like-minded players who share your passion.

• Flexible Schedules: Most private clubs offer games throughout the week, often until the early morning hours.

• Better Value: Lower rake and higher rewards mean more value for your money.

How to Join Private Poker Games in New York

Getting a seat at the table isn’t difficult—especially if you’re serious about the game. Most hosts or club organizers have a vetting process to ensure the integrity and safety of their games. A quick background check, a referral from an existing player, or a short conversation with the game manager may be all it takes to join.

Websites like MySocialPoker.com are great resources for players looking to join Private Poker Games in New York. Simply fill out a contact form or reach out through social media channels, and a host will guide you through the onboarding process.

What to Expect from Poker Games in New York’s Private Clubs

Private Poker Games in New York are more than just cards on a table—they’re full-scale experiences. Expect to be treated with respect, enjoy complimentary refreshments, and benefit from house rules that promote fair play. Many clubs offer multiple game formats, including Texas Hold’em and Omaha, along with varying blinds to suit different player levels.

You’ll also find added incentives like freeroll tournaments, progressive jackpots, and loyalty programs for regular players.

Final Thoughts

There’s never been a better time to join the elite world of Private Poker Games in New York. Whether you’re in it for the thrill, the competition, or the community, these games offer unmatched value and experience. Say goodbye to crowded casino floors and hello to upscale, private sessions where real poker lives.

Ready to shuffle up and deal? Join one of the most trusted networks for Poker Games in New York and take your poker nights to the next level.

A Career-Defining Win at the World Series of Poker Circuit

The $1,700 No-Limit Hold’em event was a featured stop on the World Series of Poker Circuit and drew 250 entries across two starting flights. The field generated a prize pool of $378,750, with payouts reaching the top 39 finishers.

Roman, who hails from Huntington, West Virginia, outlasted a competitive field to capture his second career tournament victory and his first official WSOP Circuit title.

“I’ve been playing since 2006 off and on, so I just recently came back to play,” Roman said. “I came here because it’s only three hours away from where I live … and voilà, first ring.”

Roman’s Journey Through the WSOP Circuit Main Event

Roman began the final table in the middle of the pack but quickly picked up momentum. The pace was fast from the start, with Eric Poole exiting in ninth and Aaron Gamino falling in eighth — the latter knocked out by Roman himself.

As play progressed, Roman scored a timely double-up by making Broadway against the wheel. He then helped eliminate Brian Jones in seventh, and saw Niles Lawless and Frank Covich bust in sixth and fifth, respectively.

Though Roman entered four-handed play as the short stack, he doubled again with Ace-Ten vs. Ace-Eight. Iverson Shuffer was next to go, and Roman again found himself behind when three-handed play began.

A dramatic hand turned things around: Roman’s Ace-King cracked Bradford Albrinck’s pocket kings with an ace on the flop, giving him the chip lead. He then eliminated Albrinck in third place, entering heads-up action against Trace Henderson with a commanding lead.

WSOPC Victory Sealed in One Hand

Heads-up play didn’t last long. On the decisive hand, Henderson opened with Ace-King, and Roman shoved with pocket tens. Henderson made the call, but the board ran out Q♣ 8♣ 7♥ 5♠ J♦, securing Roman’s victory in the World Series of Poker Circuit Main Event.

Henderson, a seasoned WSOPC competitor with over $1.5 million in earnings and three gold rings, took home $56,658 as the runner-up.

Final Table Results – Caesars Southern Indiana Main Event

What’s Next for Ulises Roman on the World Series of Poker Circuit?

With his first WSOPC ring now secured, Roman’s confidence and momentum make him a player to watch on future World Series of Poker Circuit stops. His deep runs and resilience at the table reflect a veteran presence returning to the live scene after years away — and he’s already proven he can still compete with the best.

Poker in New York offers thrilling opportunities for players looking to dive into action-packed games. Among various stakes, 1/3 NLHE poker is one of the most popular formats in both underground clubs and nearby casinos. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, this guide will help you navigate 1/3 NLHE poker in New York.

Understanding 1/3 NLHE Poker in New York

The 1/3 NLHE poker format is widely played due to its balanced risk-reward ratio. It’s ideal for both casual players and competitive grinders looking to build deep stacks while enjoying strategic gameplay.

Key Features of 1/3 NLHE Poker

• Blinds: $1 small blind, $3 big blind
• Minimum Buy-in: $100
• Maximum Buy-in: Ranges from $300 to $500 (depending on the venue)
• Game Style: No-Limit Hold’em, allowing players to bet any amount at any time

Best Places to Play 1/3 NLHE Poker in NYC

1. Underground Poker Clubs in New York

NYC has a strong network of underground 1/3 NLHE poker games, offering a professional environment with experienced dealers, player amenities, and secure management. Many players join poker forums or social media groups to access reliable clubs.

2. Private 1/3 NLHE Poker Games

Private poker games are a major part of NYC poker culture. Many players prefer small, invite-only games featuring 1/3 NLHE poker, which provides a familiar and comfortable setting to compete.

3. Casinos Near NYC Offering 1/3 NLHE Poker

If you prefer regulated poker rooms, several casinos near NYC offer great 1/3 NLHE poker action:

• Resorts World Casino (Queens) – Offers electronic poker tables with NLHE-style games.
• Empire City Casino (Yonkers) – Provides various poker-style table games.
• Atlantic City Casinos – Full live 1/3 NLHE poker cash games and tournaments.

Essential Strategies for 1/3 NLHE Poker Success

1. Master Preflop Hand Selection

In 1/3 NLHE poker, playing strong hands like pocket pairs, suited connectors, and high-value holdings is crucial for long-term success.

2. Bankroll Management for 1/3 NLHE Poker

It’s recommended to have at least 15–20 buy-ins for 1/3 NLHE poker to handle variance and sustain your poker journey.

3. Exploiting Player Tendencies in 1/3 NLHE Games

NYC poker games often attract loose, action-loving players. Identify aggressive opponents, play patiently, and extract maximum value from strong hands.

4. Positional Awareness in 1/3 NLHE Poker

Being in late position helps you control the pot, gauge opponent strategies, and make more informed decisions during gameplay.

5. Avoid Overcommitting in Deep Stack Poker

Since 1/3 NLHE poker involves deep stacks, avoid overcommitting with marginal hands. Play selectively and make strong decisions.

Conclusion

Poker in New York provides exciting opportunities for players looking to explore 1/3 NLHE poker games. From underground poker clubs and private games to nearby casinos, NYC poker offers the perfect platform for new players to develop their skills. By mastering strategic gameplay, managing your bankroll, and choosing the right venues, you can enjoy the thrill of 1/3 NLHE poker and elevate your poker journey in New York.

Canada’s Kevin Li earned his first World Series of Poker gold bracelet after topping a 485-entry field in the 2025 WSOP Tournament of Champions. The 23-year-old Calgary native walked away with $200,000 after a dominating performance at Commerce Casino in Los Angeles, California.

Li qualified for the World Series of Poker Tournament of Champions by winning a $600 NLH/PLO event on the WSOP International Circuit at Deerfoot Inn & Casino last August.

What is the World Series of Poker Tournament of Champions?

This exclusive World Series of Poker freeroll ran from May 15-17, offering a $1,000,000 prize pool. The field was made up of players who captured a WSOP gold bracelet or WSOP Circuit gold ring during the past year. From 1,169 eligible champions, roughly 490 players participated.

Final Table Recap: Li Climbs from Eighth to First

Li began the final table of the World Series of Poker TOC in eighth chip position. He steadily built momentum after a series of eliminations, including:

• Scott Stewart (9th – $16,100), who lost a key flip against Shawn Rice

• Kevin Lemmer (8th – $21,000)

• Yang Xu (7th – $28,000)

• Maxwell Young (6th – $37,000)

Li found a critical double-up against Karapet Galstyan (5th – $50,000) and then eliminated 2023 WPT World Champion Daniel Sepiol (4th – $70,000) after flopping broadway with A♣ J♥.

Kevin Li Dominates the Final Stretch of the WSOP TOC

After sending Donald Ciaglo (3rd – $100,000) to the rail with pocket aces, Li faced off against Shawn Rice for the bracelet. In the final hand, Li’s K♠ Q♥ held up against K♦ 4♠, sealing the win.

Final Table Results – 2025 World Series of Poker TOC

Watch Final Table Highlights:
https://youtu.be/nvWEsOS4ysc