WSOP 2025: Cummings Makes History with Back-to-Back Titles, Yaginuma Pulls Off Dream Final Comeback for Million-Dollar Payday

Aaron Cummings Defends Title in 2-7 Triple Draw, Enters WSOP History Books
 

This year, Aaron Cummings accomplished a feat reserved for poker’s elite. In Event #63: $1,500 2-7 Lowball Triple Draw, he returned as reigning champion and once again claimed the gold, becoming just one of a handful of players to go back-to-back in the same WSOP event. Cummings conquered a 635-entry field, winning 157,172$ along with his second career WSOP bracelet, each coming in this very tournament, across consecutive years.

With this achievement, Cummings joins the distinguished ranks of Doyle Brunson, Dan Cates, and Adam Friedman, each a member of the exclusive club of back-to-back winners in a single WSOP event.

He came into the final day seventh in chips and admitted he was far from confident. “Of course I thought about the chance to win two years running, but I knew how tough it would be,” he revealed after sealing the repeat victory.

The final against Erdman was a rollercoaster. Cummings trailed 1-to-3 in chips but put together a string of winning hands to turn things around and build a dominating lead. Erdman fought back, evening up the stacks, but in the end, Cummings’ momentum was unstoppable and sealed his place in poker history.

Jesse Yaginuma Delivers a Miracle Comeback to Win the Millionaire Maker
 

One of the summer’s biggest draws—Event #53: $1,500 Millionaire Maker ended with Jesse Yaginuma capturing the title after a five-day marathon. Clawing his way back from the brink of defeat, Yaginuma became champion, pocketing 1,255,180$ and notching his fourth WSOP bracelet.

Already a triple WSOP Online champion, Yaginuma now adds his first live bracelet in Las Vegas. With a staggering 11,996 entries, this year’s Millionaire Maker produced a prizepool of 15,924,690$.

Heads-up, Yaginuma faced a daunting 9-to-1 chip deficit, and at one point James Carroll held a commanding 16-to-1 lead. Just as it seemed out of reach, Yaginuma shifted gears, shoving all-in with sharp timing and mixing in bold bluffs to grind back into contention. In a stunning reversal, Yaginuma completed the comeback, seizing the greatest victory of his career.

“I think a lot of people called my online bracelets fake. Some might debate it, but winning a live one feels amazing,” he said with a smile after the win. With his current momentum and confidence, it’s no surprise he’s looking ahead: “I’m planning to play a ton of events. I’m really looking forward to the Main Event. It should be a great time.”

Source: WSOP, PokerNews