The WSOP Circuit has witnessed countless champions over the years, but very few have ever managed to defend a Main Event title. In 2025, Evan Sandberg joined that elite group by winning back-to-back WSOP Circuit Lake Tahoe Main Events, cementing his place among the most consistent players in the poker world. The $1,700 no-limit hold’em main event at Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe drew 436 entries, each chasing the gold ring and a $125,269 payday. Along with his second Circuit ring, Sandberg also earned a $5,000 “Ticket to Paradise” package, including entry into December’s $5 million guaranteed WSOP Paradise Championship Mystery Bounty event.
“It’s crazy,” Sandberg told Poker.org. “Even when I wasn’t winning, I loved this event. You can step outside, breathe in fresh air — it’s beautiful here. The positivity really fuels my game.”
This victory added another chapter to Sandberg’s growing legacy. With over $2.3 million in career earnings, two WSOP Online bracelets, and now two WSOP Circuit Main Event titles, he’s proven himself a force on both live and online poker fronts.
The Road to Victory
Defending a title on the WSOP Circuit takes a perfect mix of timing, discipline, and luck. Sandberg battled through a talented final table featuring Eric Afriat, Casey Sandretto, Ryan Awwad, Melanie Pittard, and Bradley Hinson.
A key moment came when Sandberg’s A♦Q♦ cracked Dustin Fox’s pocket queens, turning a near elimination into a stack-building momentum shift. From that point on, Sandberg’s focus was unshakable.
As eliminations continued, Sandretto bowed out in fifth, Pittard followed in fourth, and Thorp fell in third after losing to Sandberg’s spade flush. In the heads-up battle, Francisco Trujillo doubled up three times but couldn’t overcome Sandberg’s edge. The final hand—pocket nines versus A♦K♠—secured Sandberg’s second straight Lake Tahoe title and one of the biggest stories of the 2025 WSOP Circuit season.
WSOP Circuit Final Table Results
| Place | Player | Payout | POY Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Evan Sandberg | $125,269 | 720 |
| 2 | Francisco Trujillo | $85,639 | 600 |
| 3 | Tim Thorp | $59,620 | 480 |
| 4 | Melanie Pittard | $42,280 | 360 |
| 5 | Casey Sandretto | $30,554 | 300 |
| 6 | Dustin Fox | $22,507 | 240 |
| 7 | Eric Afriat | $16,908 | 180 |
| 8 | Ryan Awwad | $12,957 | 120 |
| 9 | Bradley Hinson | $10,134 | 60 |
The WSOP Circuit may span dozens of U.S. stops, but its influence extends far beyond the tournament floor. In cities like New York, poker’s underground and private club culture continues to thrive.
Many NYC poker clubs have evolved into semi-professional hubs where local players prepare for live tournaments, study game theory, and even qualify for WSOP satellite events. Whether it’s a $1/3 cash game in Queens or a structured home tournament in Manhattan, the passion mirrors what we see at official WSOP Circuit events.
For aspiring players in the New York poker scene, Sandberg’s success is a powerful reminder: great poker isn’t just about luck—it’s about preparation, composure, and consistency. The next WSOP Circuit champion could easily come from one of the many private poker rooms in New York City.
A Lesson from the WSOP Circuit Champion
Sandberg’s performance exemplifies what it takes to succeed in tournament poker:
- Patience: He avoided high-risk spots early and capitalized on momentum later.
- Adaptability: Switching gears against different opponents made him unpredictable.
- Mental resilience: He recovered quickly from setbacks and maintained focus throughout.
These same qualities are what aspiring players in New York poker clubs can practice every night — transforming regular games into stepping stones for WSOP Circuit success.
The Bigger Picture — What’s Next for the WSOP Circuit
The WSOP Circuit 2025 season is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in years, with major stops in Las Vegas, Cherokee, Hammond, and New Orleans. Lake Tahoe’s scenic event may have belonged to Sandberg, but the next champion could emerge from anywhere — maybe even from the New York poker community.
As more players enter the live poker arena post-pandemic, events like the WSOP Circuit are drawing record turnouts. And with online qualification paths and regional satellites, participation is easier than ever.
For those in New York City, the journey can start right at home — in your local NYC poker club, at the kitchen table, or in a private room filled with friends chasing the same dream.
WSOP Circuit Glory Starts with the Right Mindset
Evan Sandberg’s repeat win on the WSOP Circuit isn’t just about cards—it’s about consistency, mental toughness, and love for the game. From Lake Tahoe to New York City, the story of poker remains the same: work hard, stay disciplined, and believe in your edge.
So whether you’re grinding a local NYC poker club game or preparing for your first major event, remember — every great run starts somewhere, and the next WSOP Circuit spotlight could be shining on you.
