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
| Place | Player | Prize | POY Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kevin Nee | $605,100 | 1440 |
| 2 | Joel Gola | $395,000 | 1200 |
| 3 | Aram Zobian | $295,000 | 960 |
| 4 | Chad Eveslage | $220,000 | 720 |
| 5 | Anthony Merlo | $166,000 | 600 |
| 6 | Hyndi Khomutetsky | $127,000 | 480 |
| 7 | Nenad Medic | $98,000 | 360 |
| 8 | Rob Wazwaz | $76,000 | 240 |
| 9 | Shane Santacroce | $59,000 | 120 |












