After more than a decade of near-misses and high-stakes heroics, Cary Katz has finally captured his first World Series of Poker bracelet. The 55-year-old PokerGO founder emerged victorious in the 2025 WSOP $2,500 No-Limit Hold’em Freezeout, topping a 1,299-entry field to claim $449,245 and long-overdue glory on poker’s biggest stage.
“It feels amazing. I just wanted to be present and enjoy every moment,” Katz said after sealing the win.
With this victory, Katz has now amassed over $41 million in recorded tournament earnings, securing his place among the most successful players in no-limit hold’em history.
Surprise Victory in Mid-Stakes No-Limit Hold’em Event
Known for competing in high roller tournaments, Katz’s first WSOP bracelet coming in a $2,500 no-limit hold’em event shocked many. Historically, his deep runs have come in nosebleed-stake games like the $100K High Roller or Big One for One Drop.
“This event wasn’t even on my schedule,” Katz admitted. “I was going to rest for the Main Event. But I had a good feeling, decided to late reg this freezeout, and I’m so glad I did.”
Katz’s instinct paid off. He outlasted some of the toughest competition in a stacked no-limit hold’em field, finally ending his run as one of poker’s most accomplished players without a bracelet.
WSOP $2,500 Freezeout: Tough Field, Big Prize Pool
This edition of the no-limit hold’em freezeout drew 1,299 entries, building a $2.89 million prize pool. Only 196 players made the money, with elite pros and multiple bracelet winners running deep:
- Phil Hui (92nd)
- Alex Livingston (60th)
- Boris Kolev (26th)
- Stefan Lehner (11th)
The final day was added due to extended play, with Katz sitting third in chips among four players returning for Day 4.
Katz’s Climb to Victory
Katz doubled up early on Day 4 after cracking pocket jacks with suited K-J to make a flush. That hand crippled Preston McEwen, who later exited in fourth place ($155,010).
Jaehoon Baek, who led entering the final day, bowed out in third place ($213,800) after losing a critical flip to Breno Drumond, who held pocket fours against K-Q suited.
Heads-Up Showdown: Classic No-Limit Hold’em Duel
Final Heads-Up Chip Counts:
- Drumond – 28.1M
- Katz – 17.4M
Katz came out swinging. He took the lead by calling down a bluff with second pair and never looked back. Although Drumond doubled once with a flush, Katz stayed composed.
The final hand was a textbook no-limit hold’em showdown: Katz shoved with pocket threes, and Drumond called with A-J suited. The board ran out clean, and Katz’s pair held, giving him the long-awaited win.
Final Table Results – $2,500 No-Limit Hold’em Freezeout
| Place | Player | Prize | POY Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cary Katz | $449,245 | 1,440 |
| 2 | Breno Drumond | $298,690 | 1,200 |
| 3 | Jaehoon Baek | $213,800 | 960 |
| 4 | Preston McEwen | $155,010 | 720 |
| 5 | Gary Hasson | $113,860 | 600 |
| 6 | Michel Molenaar | $84,730 | 480 |
| 7 | Pawel Brzeski | $63,910 | 360 |
| 8 | Razvan Belea | $48,860 | 240 |
| 9 | Mihai Manole | $37,860 | 120 |
No-Limit Hold’em Legends: Katz Joins the Club
Cary Katz’s win in the $2,500 no-limit hold’em event cements his place among the game’s greats. With this long-awaited bracelet, he silences critics and proves once again that perseverance and skill win in the end.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or an aspiring grinder, Katz’s story is a testament to never giving up on poker dreams—especially in the thrilling, unpredictable world of no-limit hold’em.
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