WSOP Paradise 2025: Mokri scores inaugural title and nearly $8 million, while Coleman pushes through despite Kabrhel's chatter

Mokri reigns supreme and claims his first WSOP bracelet
 

Norwegian high roller Kayhan Mokri showcased a performance that the WSOP will remember for years. In Event #5: $250,000 Triton Invitational, Mokri absolutely crushed the competition, securing his first WSOP bracelet, his third Triton title, and a prize of $7,725,000. Mokri topped a record-breaking field of 133 entries, making it the largest Triton Invitational tournament in history with a prizepool exceeding $33 million.

The Norwegian professional entered the final day with a commanding lead, and despite his rivals' efforts, none could genuinely threaten his dominance. He maintained control throughout and sealed his victory in a heads-up against Gabriel Andrade. Interestingly, the heads-up could have featured partners from the pairs format of the tournament, but Mokri's partner, Albert Daher, finished third.

In the decisive hand, Andrade went all-in with 9 s 5 h after a flop of Q d 9 c 7 d. Mokri held 9 h 7 c, making the call a straightforward decision. The turn and river brought no surprises, and the celebrations began.

In an interview, Mokri expressed how much this victory meant to him: "This win was truly special. It reminded me of the old days when I could fully enjoy a victory. I'm thrilled."

The win brought another significant moment for Mokri. With this massive victory, he ascended to the top of Norway's all-time money list, surpassing Espen Jørstad.

David Coleman shines in star-studded Triton, Kabrhel silenced with third place
 

American professional David Coleman experienced the most memorable day of his career, triumphing in Event #8: $125,000 NLH 7-Handed, securing his first Triton title, first WSOP bracelet, and an incredible $3,113,000, nearly tripling his previous record win.

Coleman navigated a field of 99 entries, competing against the world's elite, as evidenced by the final table's lineup. Despite initially not wanting to play, Coleman was convinced by friends to join at the last moment, quickly amassing an eightfold increase in his stack: "I was exhausted from the Invitational. I wanted to rest, but my friends persuaded me to enter at the last minute. Two hours in, I had eight times my stack."

Coleman also faced the relentless verbal barrage from Martin Kabrhel throughout the day, with Mikolaitis eventually eliminating the Czech Joker to third place.

Entering the heads-up with Mikolaitis on nearly even footing, Coleman swiftly gained control. The decisive hand came after a flop of 6 h Q c T d, with both players hitting a pair. Mikolaitis held T c 8 h, and Coleman had Q s 7 d. The 7 c turn gave Coleman two pairs, and after a 4 s river, he moved all-in. Mikolaitis called, and the title battle was settled.

The champion was visibly moved: "It's unbelievable. I feel like the luckiest player in poker. Triton is phenomenal, and I'm happy to be part of it."

Tom Vogelsang bests legendary Isildur to seize first WSOP bracelet
 

Dutch professional Tom Vogelsang emerged victorious in Event #7: $10,000 Super PLOSSUS, defeating one of the most iconic online players of all time—Viktor "Isildur1" Blom in the heads-up. The victory earned him $609,800, his first WSOP bracelet, and only his third-ever ITM finish at the WSOP.

The tournament drew 284 entries, with the prizepool reaching $2,754,800. Among the star-studded names, one stood out the most. Phil Hellmuth was on the quest for his 18th bracelet but ended up finishing 16th ($26,000). Although he missed out on the bracelet, Hellmuth boasted on social media about a unique gathering with other WSOP Main Event winners.

Viktor Blom faced another narrow miss for his inaugural bracelet. Although he was dominant at the final table, the critical flip didn't go his way. In the final heads-up hand, both players went all-in on a flop of A d 5 s 3 d. Blom was favored with A c A h 6 c 5 d against 9 c 7 c 4 c 2 h. The board continued with 9 d 4 h and Vogelsang hit a winning straight.

After the win, Vogelsang admitted that WSOP had not been a major focus for him: "I had never considered bracelets seriously. But next year will be my first full WSOP season."

Mark Darner bags his second bracelet in 2025
 

The opening event at this year's WSOP Paradise sparked instant excitement. The Mystery Bounty format with a $2,500 buy-in attracted a massive field of 2,396 entries. As it was also a Circuit Championship, this year's WSOP ring winners had a secured spot.

This included Mark Darner, who triumphed at the WSOPC in Cherokee in August. The American player best navigated a long 13-hour final day and delivered an outstanding performance, securing his second WSOP bracelet and a $350,000 prize. It also marked his second bracelet this year, undoubtedly making it the best year of his career.

Darner approached the final table with the second-smallest stack but gradually improved his position. Heads-up, he faced Yayun Liu in a nearly three-hour battle. The decision came on a board of A d 8 d 7 d2 c T s. Darner, holding K d 3 d, flopped the nut flush, defeating Liu with A h 2 s.

Rokas Asipauskas claims first WSOP bracelet after marathon
 

Lithuanian player Rokas Asipauskas endured one of the year's most grueling heads-ups at WSOP Paradise and ultimately triumphed in Event #6: $5,000 Super COLOSSUS, claiming $504,950 and his first-ever WSOP bracelet.

The tournament recorded 527 entries, leading to a $2,555,950 prizepool, the smallest of the festival so far. Nevertheless, five players secured six-figure winnings. In the finale, Asipauskas faced seasoned American professional Alex Keating, who was chasing his second bracelet, but Asipauskas denied him in the extended heads-up showdown.

Sources: WSOP, Triton Poker, PokerNews, The Hendon Mob, X