WSOP 2025: Bleznick Runs Into Brutal Finish as Ivey Bows Out Early

Brutal Bustout for Jared Bleznick, 'GOAT' Phil Ivey Among Early Casualties
 

The final starting flight of the 2025 WSOP Main Event (Day 1d) saw the largest wave of new entries - 4,997 players, including many of the game’s biggest names. But just as the field swelled, some heavy hitters saw their Main Event dreams come to a sudden end.

The toughest loss for fans came when Phil Ivey, the 11-time WSOP bracelet winner and poker icon, busted out during the first half of the day. Once again, the Main Event title, the only major trophy still missing from Ivey’s storied career, eludes him. His best result in this event remains seventh place back in 2009.

But it was Jared Bleznick who suffered the most brutal exit of the day, falling victim to a savage cooler. In one of the most talked-about hands of the tournament, Bleznick got into a preflop raising war, ultimately a six-bet pot, with France’s Romain Locquet. The flop came 9 s 4 h 3 c and Bleznick kept up the aggression. But when the turn brought the 9 h, giving Locquet quads, the writing was on the wall. Bleznick moved all-in, Locquet snap-called, showing 9 d 9 c while Bleznick flipped over A h A d. Bleznick was drawing dead even before the river. “That’s probably the worst beat I’ve taken this summer,” a visibly disappointed Bleznick told reporters after the hand. “But I’d rather it happen today than four days from now.”

The list of early exits kept stacking up, with other former Main Event champions Jamie Gold (2006) and Martin Jacobson (2014) also hitting the rail on Day 1d. Five-time bracelet winner Robert Mizrachi and high roller standout Alex Foxen, himself a three-time WSOP champ, were also sent packing.

The WSOP Main Event now moves on to Day 2abc this Sunday, July 6, when survivors from Day 1a, 1b, and 1c merge into one field. Late registration remains open through the end of Level 7 on both Day 2abc and Day 2d, so the buzz is that last year’s record turnout could soon be under threat.

Criss Angel Unveils Opulent WSOP Main Event Bracelet
 

During a break in today’s Main Event action, the spotlight shifted to the main stage. Illusionist Criss Angel, flanked by armed security and set to the tune of his trademark song "Mindfreak," unveiled the dazzling bracelet that awaits this year’s world champion - a piece worth an estimated 500,000 dollars.

WSOP continues to market this bracelet as “the richest trophy in sports,” and for the winner, it will represent the pinnacle of poker immortality when they’re crowned on July 16. Along with the prestige, this year’s Main Event champion will take home a massive payout reserved for the last player standing.

Deeb Closing In on Bracelet No. 8
 

Only three contenders remain in Event #84: 1,000$ No-Limit Hold’em. Shaun Deeb leads the way heading into the final day, looking to add an eighth bracelet to his resume, just three days after his win in the $100K PLO High Roller. Another title here would further cement his lead in the 2025 WSOP Player of the Year race.

Right on Deeb’s heels is Czech standout Zdeněk Žižka, who’s putting together a career-best run. If Žižka takes it down, he’ll join a chosen club of Czech bracelet winners. Rounding out the final table is American Jeffrey Thoney, who’ll need a huge comeback to close the gap when play resumes.

Gorodinsky Stages Dramatic Comeback, Nabs Fifth WSOP Bracelet
 

Mike Gorodinsky has once again proven why he’s considered one of the most respected mixed-game specialists in the world. In a wild heads-up battle at the final table of Event #82: 10,000$ Eight-Game Mixed Championship, Gorodinsky overcame a massive chip deficit against Eric Wasserson and captured his fifth bracelet along with 422,421 dollars.

Playing through illness, Gorodinsky entered the extra day with just 1.58 million chips compared to Wasserson’s 10.1 million, but calmly ground his way back. He credits his experience - having already faced Wasserson at a previous WSOP final table in 2024 Paradise, the event where Wasserson earned his only bracelet - as a key factor. “Having played him before gave me a good read on which games he favors, so I played a bit tighter in those heads-up spots,” Gorodinsky explained.

“I honestly felt about as bad as I’ve ever felt,” Gorodinsky admitted. “It’s late, I’m under the weather, and I especially feel it when I try to focus and play. So I’m happy I pulled it off.” After a short break, he’ll be back in action in the Main Event for Day 2.

Source: WSOP, PokerNews, YouTube