WSOP 2025: Martin Kabrhel in the Spotlight Again, Misses Fourth Bracelet at PLO Final Table

Kabrhel Comes Up Short in Bid for Fourth Bracelet

Last night, 11 finalists returned for a showdown in the $5K PLO event, and as expected, controversy-hounded Czech pro Martin Kabrhel was right in the thick of it. Kabrhel has made waves in poker circles around the world, and this time, his actions resulted in a tournament penalty from the floor. His trademark stalling—deliberately slow "tanking" on even routine decisions—led to mounting frustration at the final table, with opponents repeatedly calling the clock on him. Tournament staff eventually stepped in, mandating a 10-second shot clock for every hand he played.

Kabrhel's relentless table talk and needling visibly irritated his opponents, though no direct confrontations broke out. Despite all the controversy, he fought his way to a third-place finish, banking 288.775$. His run ended after a confrontation with Caleb Furth, who sent him to the rail when his pocket tens held up on the flop. Furth, who also goes by "Bruno,” later remarked that Kabrhel’s behavior was no accident; it was clearly designed to put his opponents on tilt.

Once again, Kabrhel’s performance has polarized the poker world. Some respect his resilience and results, but just as many are quick to criticize his ethics and table behavior. His controversial style continues to fuel heated debate about fair play and sportsmanship at the highest levels. Ultimately, Caleb Furth walked away with the title, capping an incredible comeback from just 1.25 big blinds to his second bracelet and a top prize of 620.696$.

Antonio Galiana Repeats with $5,000 8-Handed No-Limit Hold'em Title

As reported yesterday, the 5.000$ No-Limit Hold'em event drew 558 runners and built a prize pool of 3.720.960$. Spain’s Antonio Galiana earned his second WSOP bracelet and a payday of 582.008$ after defeating Canada’s Frederic Normand heads-up, with Normand claiming 387.979$ for second place.

Galiana, who made the leap from online sit & go tournaments to live events less than two years ago, put on an impressive display—especially in heads-up play. After the win, he said: “Second bracelet, I feel amazing... I have nothing else to say but I have to come back to reality.”

Heimiller Ends 11-Year Bracelet Drought

Event #6: 1.500$ Seven Card Stud brought out 377 hopefuls, competing for a share of the 500.467$ prize pool. After three days of play, Dan Heimiller seized the title, the top prize of 106.840$, and his third WSOP bracelet. He outlasted seasoned veteran David Bach, who claimed 70.568$ for second. Known for his persistence at the tables, Heimiller summed up his win: “Stubbornness. I wouldn’t quit poker when I should have.” This win ends an 11-year gap since his last bracelet and once again proves the staying power of one of the game’s true grinders.

Heads-Up Championship: Martirosian and Leonard in the Final Four

Event #7: 25.000$ Heads-Up No-Limit Hold’em Championship at the 2025 WSOP delivered action-packed duels and dramatic swings on Day 2. The field of 64 is down to the final four, including some of the game’s most recognizable names. Patrick Leonard powered his way into the semifinals after a commanding win over Mike Shim, while Artur Martirosian—who also reached the final four here last year—pulled off a huge comeback to oust Chance Kornuth despite trailing by nearly a 9-to-1 chip deficit.

Rounding out the semifinals are David Chen and Thomas Eychenne. Chen erased a steep chip deficit versus Richard Green, doubling up twice to turn the match around. Eychenne impressed as well, setting the tone early in his victory over Alex Foxen.

The semifinal pairings are set: Patrick Leonard vs. David Chen and Artur Martirosian vs. Thomas Eychenne. The winners will square off for a prestigious WSOP gold bracelet and a major slice of the prize pool.

Sources: WSOP, X, PokerNews, CardPlayer, VIP-Grinders