WSOP 2025: Davies Dominates Super High Roller, Hellmuth Falls Just Short of Bracelet #18

Seth Davies Claims $250K Super High Roller, Martin Kabrhel Finishes Seventh
 

The biggest-buy-in event of this year's World Series of Poker officially has its champion. Seth Davies, one of the most respected high-stakes pros still seeking his first bracelet, made his breakthrough in Event #46: $250,000 Super High Roller. Davies not only joined the exclusive club of bracelet winners, but also locked up the largest score of his career: $4,752,551. He closed it out in a lightning-fast heads-up battle against 2022 champion Alex Foxen.

"I remember watching poker on TV in 2003 and thinking how amazing it would be to one day win a tournament," an emotional Davies said. This long-awaited bracelet cements his status among the world’s elite, finally bringing a storybook chapter to a close.

The tournament drew 63 entries and generated a massive prizepool of over $15 million. Martin Kabrhel, known for his polarizing persona, also advanced to the final table. After starting Day 1 as chip leader, the Czech pro eventually finished seventh for $674,359. As always, his run was marked by raw emotions and controversy, this time due to time bank disputes at the final table. Still, Kabrhel brought his trademark energy to the table when it mattered most.

Phil Hellmuth Nearly Grabs Bracelet #18, Jason Daly Steals the Spotlight
 

Event #47: $2,500 Mixed Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better; Seven Card Stud Hi-Lo 8 or Better wasn't just about the $244,674 top prize. All eyes were on Phil Hellmuth, who had yet another shot at his record-extending 18th WSOP bracelet. Poker's ultimate showman fought his way to the final table, eventually bowing out in third place.

It was eventual champion Jason Daly who knocked out Hellmuth and went on to capture his second WSOP bracelet after a near-flawless finish. This event was a prime example that mixed games, often away from the major spotlight, are stacked with deep competition and serious talent.

Hellmuth, predictably the center of attention in the closing stages, couldn't hide his frustration following his elimination. After the final hand, he muttered under his breath: "What the hell just happened?" The last time Hellmuth claimed a WSOP bracelet was back in 2023, when he took down the $10,000 Super Turbo Bounty.

Amateur Vongxaiburana Shocks the Pros, Isildur1 Comes Up Empty Again
 

While the Super High Roller drew the brightest spotlight, Event #44: $10,000 Big O Championship delivered one of the most heartwarming stories of WSOP 2025. Veerachai Vongxaiburana, a 51-year-old trader and recreational player, conquered a stacked final table to win his first WSOP title and $784,353.

He defeated four-time bracelet winner Phil Hui in a drawn-out, tactical heads-up battle. Before this event, Vongxaiburana had never reached a live WSOP final table. His victory is even more impressive considering he had to outplay established names like Marco Johnson and Viktor Blom along the way.

Vongxaiburana, who describes himself as a "just for fun" player with a love for Big O, summed up the win: "I've been playing a long time and it feels great to finally win something. It wasn't easy, the others had a lot more experience, but the cards cooperated when I needed it most."

Viktor "Isildur1" Blom made his fourth final table of the summer, once again chasing his first bracelet. This time he settled for fifth after losing a three-way all-in to Phil Hui’s aces leaving the Swedish legend still searching for that elusive first title.

Tyler Patterson Wins Second WSOP Bracelet
 

One of the most memorable wins of the series came in Event #49: $3,000 6-Handed No-Limit Hold'em. American pro Tyler Patterson played his way to the top of a massive 1,421-entry field, picking up $574,223 and his second WSOP gold bracelet.

Patterson credited his confident, relaxed play and a rather unusual personal side bet. Throughout the event, he stuck to a fresh-juice detox challenge agreed upon with a friend, swearing it off only when he secured the bracelet. That meant his first celebratory drink after the win was a long-awaited glass of champagne instead of fruit juice.

Patterson, who has been a poker pro since 2007, emphasized that finding success at the table goes hand-in-hand with a positive mental state. On the final morning, he even squeezed in a round of golf, carding four birdies, which gave him extra energy and confidence for the last stretch.

Joey Couden Crushes Massive SALUTE to Warriors for Bracelet #2
 

Joey Couden stormed to victory in Event #45: $500 SALUTE to Warriors No-Limit Hold’em, which drew 3,937 entries and generated a prizepool of $1,687,170. Couden locked up $187,937 for first along with his second WSOP gold bracelet.

He was absolutely dominant at the final table after Tim Caziarc busted in eighth, Couden dispatched every remaining opponent in under an hour, sealing a convincing win.

This tournament also carried a notable charitable goal: $40 from each buy-in went directly to support veterans’ organizations, raising more than $155,000 for charity in this single event.

Source: WSOP, PokerNews, Wikipedia