WSOP 2025: Hallaert Takes Chip Lead in Main Event, Breakthrough Bracelets for Deak and Nguyen

Hallaert Leads the Pack After Day 6, Margets Once Again the Last Woman Standing
 

Belgian pro Kenny Hallaert, a 2016 Main Event final table alumnus, is the current chip leader after a thrilling finish to Day 6 of the 2025 WSOP Main Event. Hallaert came out on top in one of the day’s biggest pots, picking up pocket aces and holding in a dramatic three-way all-in against queens and jacks. Nearly 18 million chips were pushed his way, catapulting him to a leading stack of 36,950,000 heading into Day 7. Only 57 players remain in contention.

Right behind him is seasoned Canadian Eric Afriat (31,200,000), whose monster stack was built thanks to his own huge three-way all-in that generated one of the event’s largest pots — over 20 million in chips. Afriat hit a straight on the river, boosting his chances of making another Main Event final table.

In third place sits none other than Michael “The Grinder” Mizrachi (19,925,000), who pulled off a pivotal hero call with pocket sevens on a dangerous board. As the most decorated name left in the field, Mizrachi is now a major contender for the title. “It feels just like 2010, when I reached the final table,” he reflected. “But this time, I’m here to win, no more fifth place.”

Of all the former Main Event champions, only Greg Merson (3,025,000) remains in the hunt for a historic double, but he currently has one of the shortest stacks in the field. The last woman standing is Spain’s Leo Margets (6,400,000), aiming to surpass her deep run from 2009, when she finished 27th in the Main Event. Intriguingly, even back in 2009, Margets earned the distinction of being the last woman left in the tournament.

Khoi Le Nguyen Claims High Roller Title and a Career-Best Payday
 

Event #88: 50,000$ High Roller at the 2025 WSOP delivered a life-changing moment for Vietnam’s Khoi Le Nguyen. Battling through a field packed with global elites, Nguyen emerged victorious to earn a massive 2,686,913$ and capture his first WSOP gold bracelet. This win marks the highlight of Nguyen’s career and solidifies his place among the game's world-class talents. With this victory, Nguyen also underlines the rising influence of Asian players at the highest levels of poker.

The High Roller also had major implications for the 2025 WSOP Player of the Year race. The POY title now comes down to a three-way battle between Shaun Deeb, Benny Glaser, and Martin Kabrhel - all of whom played this event. Of the trio, Shaun Deeb posted the best result here to maintain his lead in the Player of the Year standings.

Ferenc Deak Delivers on a Promise—and Wins His First WSOP Bracelet
 

A remarkable story unfolded during Event #86: 1,000$ Mystery Bounty Pot-Limit Omaha, where Hungary’s Ferenc Deak secured a career-best win worth 329,890$. “I promised my son I’d bring home a trophy,” Deak said, visibly moved after sealing the title, backing up his word with his first-ever WSOP gold bracelet.

The event set a new participation record, drawing 5,284 entries and requiring a rare fourth day to wrap up. Deak made quick work of the final table, dispatching all remaining opponents in just about 90 minutes, including Brazil’s Paulo Drummond, whom he bested heads-up after spiking a fortunate full house on the river. “Everything I went through in life was worth it. I kept thinking about my family,” Deak added regarding his motivation for chasing the win.

Source: WSOP, PokerNews, X