2025 WSOP Main Event Final Table
The World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event stands as the ultimate proving ground in the world of competitive poker, a grueling marathon designed to identify the game’s true champion. The 2025 edition, a highly anticipated fixture on the global poker calendar, was held from Wednesday, July 2, to Wednesday, July 16, at the iconic Horseshoe and Paris Las Vegas venues. This year’s tournament unequivocally lived up to its legendary status, drawing an immense field and generating a prize pool that underscored its unparalleled prestige.
The 2025 Main Event was a truly colossal affair, attracting an astounding 9,735 entries, solidifying its place as the third-largest Main Event in WSOP history. This monumental turnout created an incredible prize pool of $90,535,500, with an unprecedented $10,000,000 awaiting the player who would ultimately claim the coveted World Champion title. The sheer scale of the 2025 Main Event, evidenced by its near-record entries and monumental prize pool, highlights the enduring and expanding global appeal of poker. This is not merely a tournament; it is a cultural phenomenon that continues to draw both seasoned professionals and aspiring amateurs, amplifying the drama and life-changing stakes for every participant. Such consistent high participation and prize money, even in a post-boom era, indicate that poker, particularly the WSOP Main Event, maintains immense popularity and a strong draw. It signifies a healthy ecosystem where the dream of becoming a millionaire through poker remains very much alive and accessible to a wide range of players. This scale inherently increases the prestige and perceived value of the title, making the journey to the final table even more compelling for players and spectators alike.
From 30 to the Final Nine
Day 8 of the 2025 WSOP Main Event commenced with a formidable field of 24 players, each acutely aware that only nine would advance to poker’s most coveted final table. The atmosphere was thick with tension, as every chip, every decision, could mean the difference between a life-changing score and the heartbreak of coming agonizingly close. Kenny Hallaert, a familiar face from previous deep runs, notably started Day 8 as the overall chip leader, setting the stage for a day filled with high-stakes drama and unpredictable swings.
Key Eliminations and Dramatic Moments
The journey from 24 players down to the final nine was punctuated by several pivotal moments and dramatic eliminations, each shaping the composition of poker’s most anticipated final table.
Michael Mizrachi’s Unthinkable Comeback: “The Grinder” Michael Mizrachi, a name synonymous with poker greatness, lived up to his legendary nickname on Day 8. After an early setback saw his stack plummet to less than 2,000,000 chips, a critically low amount in a tournament of this magnitude, Mizrachi mounted a series of improbable comebacks. He famously doubled through Daniel Iachan with ace-king, then twice defied the odds against Braxton Dunaway, hitting crucial flushes on the river. His most dramatic survival saw his pocket queens hold against Tony Gregg’s nines, solidifying his return to contention. These moments of sheer will and skillful play captivated onlookers, transforming a near-elimination into a masterclass in resilience. Mizrachi’s dramatic Day 8 comeback, especially from such a critically low chip count, is a testament to the mental fortitude, strategic depth, and sheer resilience that defines elite poker players. It demonstrates that even at the highest stakes, experience and a “never-say-die” attitude can overcome seemingly insurmountable odds, creating a compelling narrative of perseverance that resonates deeply with fans. His ability to navigate such a severe chip deficit and then rebuild his stack through multiple crucial all-ins showcases not only his technical skill (hitting draws, making strong calls/folds) but also immense psychological strength. This kind of comeback is highly engaging for an audience, as it illustrates that even legends face adversity, but their mastery allows them to turn dire situations into triumphs, highlighting the dynamic and unpredictable nature of the Main Event.
Leo Margets’ Historic Breakthrough Hand: As the field thinned and the pressure intensified, Leo Margets found herself on the cusp of making history. She was involved in a pivotal all-in confrontation against Sergio Veloso when only 16 players remained. Holding two jacks against Veloso’s ace-king, the board ran out in her favor with a dramatic running flush, securing her a massive pot and, more importantly, her place at the final table. This hand not only propelled her forward but also ended a 30-year drought for women at the Main Event final table, as she became the first woman to reach this stage since Barbara Enright in 1995. Margets’ specific elimination hand against Sergio Veloso was more than just a chip accumulation; it was the decisive moment that concretized a historic achievement. The “running flush” aspect adds an element of dramatic luck, a common and thrilling component of poker narratives, making her path to history even more compelling. This hand wasn’t just about winning chips; it was about overcoming a statistical disadvantage in a crucial moment to achieve a landmark feat. Her success serves as a powerful inspiration, demonstrating that despite historical underrepresentation, female players are capable of reaching the pinnacle of the game, fostering greater inclusivity and visibility within the poker community.
John Wasnock’s Relentless Drive: John Wasnock, who would ultimately seize the chip lead, demonstrated his aggressive style by eliminating key players. He took out Ruben Correia in 15th place with ace-king against ace-queen and later sent Joseph Ozimok to the rail in 12th place. His consistent pressure and well-timed eliminations were pivotal in shaping the final table. Wasnock’s ascent, marked by strategic eliminations and a chip lead despite relatively low prior earnings, embodies the “Cinderella story” archetype within the Main Event. His success suggests that raw talent, opportune aggression, and the ability to capitalize on key moments can triumph over established professional experience, reinforcing the democratic and dream-making nature of the WSOP. His narrative transcends a simple “good run.” His ability to eliminate seasoned players and seize the chip lead despite his limited professional track record speaks to the inherent unpredictability and accessibility of the Main Event. It reinforces the popular belief that any player, regardless of their professional status, can achieve ultimate glory in poker, making his story particularly inspiring and resonating with the broader amateur poker community. This unexpected rise adds a layer of intrigue and excitement to the final table, contrasting with the established pros.
The Final Table Bubble Bursts: The tension reached its peak with 10 players remaining, all just one spot away from guaranteeing themselves a minimum of $1,000,000. Joey Padron, battling valiantly, was ultimately eliminated in 10th place, receiving $750,000, just shy of the coveted seven-figure payday. His elimination, at the hands of John Wasnock, officially set the stage for the final nine players.
Other Notable Departures: The journey from 30 players to the final table saw many strong contenders fall, their dreams of Main Event glory ending just short. Among those who came close were Anthony Gregg, eliminated in 11th place, and Maksim Pisarenko, who finished 13th, both missing out on the final nine.
2025 WSOP Main Event Final Table
Introducing the Final Nine – After days of relentless play, navigating a field of 9,735 hopefuls, the 2025 WSOP Main Event field was whittled down to poker’s most exclusive club: the final table. This year’s final nine represented a compelling mix of seasoned veterans, rising stars, and inspiring stories from five different countries—Belgium, Spain, Serbia, South Korea, and the United States—all vying for the ultimate poker crown and the $10,000,000 first-place prize.
Player Profiles
Here is a closer look at the nine players who earned their seats at the 2025 WSOP Main Event final table:
John Wasnock (United States) – The Unlikely Chip Leader: Hailing from North Bend, Washington, the 50-year-old John Wasnock enters the final table as the commanding chip leader with a massive 108,100,000 chips, equating to 68 big blinds. A relative unknown in the high-stakes poker world, Wasnock’s prior career-high cash was a modest $56,330. His meteoric rise from being in last place among 17 players at the Day 8 dinner break to ending the day with the chip lead is a true Cinderella story, embodying the dream of every amateur poker player.
Michael Mizrachi (United States) – “The Grinder” Returns: The legendary Michael Mizrachi, a 44-year-old Las Vegas resident, enters his second Main Event final table in second chip position with 93,000,000 chips, or 58 big blinds. Known as “The Grinder,” Mizrachi is one of only 16 players in history with seven or more WSOP bracelets, having recently secured a record fourth $50,000 Poker Players Championship title earlier in the 2025 series. With over $19 million in career live tournament earnings, Mizrachi’s return to the Main Event final table, 15 years after his 5th place finish in 2010, adds immense star power and a compelling narrative of a veteran seeking ultimate redemption. His remarkable comeback on Day 8 from a critically short stack further cemented his legend.
Braxton Dunaway (United States) – The Texas Oil Man: From Midland, Texas, the 42-year-old Braxton Dunaway, an oil and gas industry worker, sits in third place with 91,900,000 chips, or 57 big blinds. While not a full-time professional, Dunaway is no stranger to big tournament success, having won the WSOP Monster Stack event in 2023 for over $1.1 million. His consistent chip accumulation throughout the Main Event, never dipping below his previous day’s total, showcases his ability to navigate massive fields, making him a formidable contender.
Kenny Hallaert (Belgium) – The Consistent Professional: Belgian pro Kenny Hallaert, now residing in London, enters the final table in fourth position with 80,500,000 chips, or 50 big blinds. A PokerStars Team Pro and experienced tournament director, this marks Hallaert’s second Main Event final table appearance, having previously finished 6th in 2016 for over $1.4 million. With over $5.9 million in career live tournament winnings and 128 WSOP cashes, Hallaert’s consistent deep runs highlight his exceptional skill and composure under pressure.
Leo Margets (Spain) – The History Maker: The 41-year-old Barcelona native, Leo Margets, enters in fifth place with 53,400,000 chips, or 33 big blinds. She made history as the first woman to reach the WSOP Main Event final table since Barbara Enright in 1995. With over $2 million in career winnings and a 2021 WSOP bracelet, Margets’ journey is a powerful statement for women in poker, showcasing her formidable talent and inspiring a new generation of players. Her crucial running flush against Sergio Veloso on Day 8 secured her place in the final nine.
Luka Bojovic (Serbia) – The Doctor of Poker: Serbian doctor Luka Bojovic holds 51,000,000 chips, placing him sixth with 32 big blinds. His presence adds to the international flavor of the final table. Bojovic has previous experience at a Main Event final table, having reached the final stage of the WSOP Europe Main Event last year, indicating his comfort and skill in high-pressure, deep-stacked tournaments.
Adam Hendrix (United States) – The Alaskan Pro: Las Vegas resident Adam Hendrix, a professional poker player, enters in seventh with 48,000,000 chips, or 30 big blinds. With over $8 million in live tournament earnings, Hendrix is a highly respected pro seeking his elusive first WSOP bracelet, adding another layer of ambition to the final table dynamics.
Daehyung Lee (South Korea) – The Eastern Contender: Representing South Korea, Daehyung Lee is in eighth position with 34,900,000 chips, or 22 big blinds. His presence underscores the global reach of the World Series of Poker and the increasing talent emerging from Asia. As one of the shorter stacks, Lee will likely need to make aggressive moves early to build momentum.
Jarod Minghini (United States) – The Short Stack Warrior: Nevada’s Jarod Minghini rounds out the final table in ninth place with 23,600,000 chips, or 15 big blinds. As the shortest stack, Minghini faces an immediate challenge but also holds the potential to make a dramatic comeback, as often seen in the Main Event’s high-variance environment. His fight for survival will be a key storyline.
2025 WSOP Main Event Final Table: Players and Chip Counts
2025 WSOP Main Event Payouts
The 2025 WSOP Main Event boasts one of the richest prize pools in poker history, a testament to its status as the pinnacle of the game. Every player who reached the final table is guaranteed a life-changing minimum of $1,000,000. The stakes are monumental, with each incremental jump in position translating into millions of dollars, creating an intense financial dynamic that shapes every decision. The ultimate champion will not only claim the coveted WSOP bracelet and a permanent place in poker immortality but also a staggering $10,000,000, setting a new standard for tournament poker’s top prize.
The substantial prize money, particularly the $10 million top prize and the $1 million minimum for making the final table, transforms the Main Event from a mere competition into a life-altering opportunity. This financial incentive creates an unparalleled level of pressure and high-stakes decision-making, which is a core element of the Main Event’s allure and drama. The exponential increase in prize money for higher finishes means that every decision at the final table is magnified. Players are not just competing for a title; they are making choices that could mean the difference of millions of dollars. This dynamic creates intense Independent Chip Model (ICM) pressure, where players must balance their desire for the win with the financial implications of busting out in a lower position. This strategic tension is precisely what makes the final table so compelling to watch, as players navigate both the intricacies of the game and the immense financial consequences of their actions.
2025 WSOP Main Event Final Table: Payout Structure
The Stage is Set
With the final nine players determined, the 2025 WSOP Main Event entered its climactic two-day final table. The action was scheduled to resume on Tuesday, July 15, at 1:30 p.m. local time, with play continuing until only four players remained. The ultimate champion would then be crowned on Wednesday, July 16. It is important to note that the detailed play-by-play, including specific eliminations and key hands from Day 1 of the final table (July 15), falls beyond the scope of the available information. The provided data sets the stage for this epic conclusion, focusing on the arduous journey to the final nine. The multi-day structure of the Main Event final table is a deliberate design choice that amplifies the event’s drama. It allows for narratives to build, chip dynamics to shift, and the immense pressure to compound, creating a prolonged spectacle that keeps fans engaged and eagerly anticipating the ultimate outcome. A two-day final table intensifies the psychological aspect of the game. Players must manage not only their chips and opponents but also their mental and physical stamina over an extended period, adding another layer of challenge. This format builds suspense for viewers as the drama unfolds over time. Since the detailed action of Day 1 of the final table is not available, the focus naturally shifts to the anticipation and the strategic challenges facing the players, rather than a factual recap of completed events.
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