WSOP 2025: Blaz Zerjav Triumphs in $25k High Roller Amid Controversy, Captures His First Bracelet

A Thrilling $25k High Roller Draws the Spotlight
 

The $25,000 High Roller generated plenty of buzz at the World Series of Poker as 336 entries built a massive 7,896,000$ prizepool. After two marathon days, 15 contenders advanced to the final day, with big names like David Peters, Kristen Foxen, Mustapha Kanit, Jared Bleznick, and Chris Moorman all vying for the title.

Of course, in poker there can only be one winner. This time, it was Slovenia’s Blaz Zerjav who cemented his place among the game’s elite. After a grueling heads-up showdown with Chris Moorman, Zerjav clinched his maiden bracelet along with a payday worth 1,734,717$.

After the final hand, Zerjav flashed a genuine smile, describing a moment of relief and joy. “I've always dreamed of winning a bracelet. Today, that dream came true, and tonight I'll be celebrating with some good wine,” he said in a post-final table interview.

Another Angle Shoot Stirring Up Controversy?
 

But aside from Zerjav’s breakthrough win, a moment at the final table sparked heated debate across the poker world. During the live stream, commentators zeroed in on a possible angle shoot by the Slovenian rising star—suggesting he may have intentionally used an ethically questionable trick to gain an edge.

Poker fans will remember the recent EPT Monte Carlo Main Event, where Russian player Aleksandr Shevliakov “accidentally” announced the wrong raise size with a premium holding. This time, in the late stages of the $25k High Roller, history seemed to repeat itself. Chris Moorman opened to 480k, and Jared Bleznick 3-bet to 1.5 million. In the big blind, Blaz Zerjav picked up K s K c, gathered 3.3 million in chips but verbally declared a raise to just 1,300,000.

The dealer ruled it as a call, so play continued to the river, where Zerjav scooped a sizable pot. At showdown, Zerjav apologized, explaining he intended to 4-bet to 3.3 million. Poker forums are once again divided—of nearly 700 PokerNews poll respondents, about 25% were convinced it was a deliberate angle shoot.

Record-Breaking 1,500$ Badugi Event
 

Alternative game formats keep surging in popularity at the WSOP, highlighted this year by Event #23, the 1,500$ Badugi. After three days in the biggest Badugi tournament in WSOP history—a field of 534 entries—Brazil’s Aloisio Dourado rose to the top. Dourado put on a dominant final table performance, defeating Dominick Sarle heads-up to earn his first gold bracelet and a 138,114$ winner’s check.

Emotions ran high after the win. “This means a lot to me,” Dourado said postgame. “I make the trip from Brazil every year, and this year was finally my time—I got the bracelet.” He also praised the vibrant and friendly vibe of draw formats, calling them more meaningful than “dry” NLH tournaments.

Stacked $10k Stud Championship Final Table
 

Meanwhile, Day 2 of the demanding 10,000$ Seven Card Stud Championship wrapped up with 127 players in the hunt. Now just nine remain—chasing the 295,008$ first prize—and the upcoming final table promises fireworks. Leading the pack is American pro Chino Rheem, with the likes of Adam Friedman (5 WSOP bracelets), Mike Matusow (4-time WSOP winner), and Poker Hall of Famer Mori Eskandani all in the mix.

Sources – PokerNews, WSOP, X, YouTube