WSOP 2025: Vanessa Selbst Returns to the Main Event

WSOP 2025 Main Event: Vanessa Selbst Returns as Opening Flights Wind Down
 

The third starting flight of the WSOP 2025 Main Event (Day 1C) saw a field of 1.678 players—a sharp drop from last year’s 2.528 entries on the same day. Unlike the star-studded fields of Days 1A and 1B, today’s flight was quieter on the celebrity front. Most of the spotlight rested on Viktor “Isildur1” Blom, still in search of his elusive first bracelet, and the returning icon Vanessa Selbst, three-time WSOP bracelet winner and the all-time leading female tournament earner.

Selbst, making her Main Event return after several years away from the grind, had already warmed up in the 10.000$ Eight Game Mixed Championship. Her deep run there—finishing 19th—proved that despite scaling back from regular play, her instincts remain razor-sharp. It was clear tonight as she steadily built her stack and managed her table with focus throughout the evening.

The last starting flight, Day 1D, gets underway on Saturday, July 5th. Fans can catch all the action live, with broadcasts by PokerGO and PokerStars available on YouTube and Twitch.

Wasserson Grabs Massive Lead over Gorodinsky, Heads-Up Decider Set for Extra Day
 

Only two players remain in Event #82: 10.000$ Eight Game Mixed Championship, with the final showdown coming on an unscheduled fourth day. Eric Wasserson and Mike Gorodinsky have advanced to the heads-up stage, and Wasserson will return as the overwhelming chip leader with 10.115.000 chips against Gorodinsky’s 1.585.000.

Wasserson, already a WSOP bracelet holder, delivered a rock-solid performance across all tournament formats today. Meanwhile, four-time bracelet winner Gorodinsky is still in the hunt, but will need a near-miracle comeback to secure his fifth career title.

Giuseppe Zarbo Wins Summer Celebration for First Career Bracelet
 

Event #80: 800$ Summer Celebration drew a massive turnout of 7.078 entries, awarding another debut bracelet. Italy’s Giuseppe Zarbo emerged victorious after an impressive performance on the final day, pocketing 504.180$ and his first-ever WSOP gold bracelet.

Zarbo outlasted Ryo Kotake of Japan in heads-up play, with Wai Kit Lo from Hong Kong taking third. The final table saw representatives from eight different countries, underscoring the truly international prestige of the WSOP.

Nick Ahmadi Delivers Big for the Home Crowd
 

As Americans celebrated Independence Day, they cheered on a homegrown winner in Event #78: 600$ PokerNews Deepstack Championship. Nick Ahmadi topped a record field of 5.667 entries, claiming 302.165$, his first WSOP gold bracelet, and a 24-carat gold coin courtesy of PokerNews.

The final table had a strong international flavor, with players from eight different nations vying for the title. But the Las Vegas crowd got the outcome they wanted—an American champ. Ahmadi, a WSOP regular who gravitates toward lower buy-in events, called his victory “unbelievable.” He summed up the experience: “It’s every poker player’s dream, so I’m just incredibly happy to be here.”

Sources: WSOP, PokerNews, YouTube