WSOP 2025 Final Table Recap – 4 Players remain
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.
The Grand Finale Awaits: Michael Mizrachi Dominates as WSOP Main Event Nears Climax
The World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event stands as the undisputed pinnacle of competitive poker, a grueling test of skill, endurance, and mental fortitude that culminates in the crowning of a new world champion. This year, the stakes are as immense as ever, with the ultimate victor set to claim a life-changing $10 million prize and the coveted WSOP Main Event bracelet, a symbol of poker immortality. From an initial field of 9,735 entrants, the competition has been whittled down to an elite quartet, each vying to etch their name into poker history.
As the final day approaches, all eyes are on Michael Mizrachi, who has ascended to a commanding chip lead. Alongside him, three formidable contenders—John Wasnock, Braxton Dunaway, and Kenny Hallaert—remain in contention, each with their own unique journey to this high-pressure stage. The atmosphere is thick with anticipation, as these four gladiators prepare for a showdown where every decision is magnified, and the psychological weight of the moment is palpable. The pursuit of the Main Event title transcends mere financial gain; it represents a quest for legendary status within the poker world, a permanent place in the annals of the game.
The 2025 WSOP Main Event commenced with a staggering 9,735 hopefuls, each dreaming of poker glory. This immense starting field underscores the sheer magnitude and difficulty of the tournament. The journey to the final four is not merely a series of poker hands; it is a multi-day marathon, a relentless test of stamina, strategic adaptability, and unwavering focus. Over days of intense play, thousands of individual stories of ambition, hope, and eventual disappointment unfolded as players were systematically eliminated.
The process of narrowing such a vast field to just four competitors highlights the extraordinary resilience and superior skill required to navigate the competitive landscape of the Main Event. It is a testament to consistent high-level play under immense pressure, where only the most prepared and mentally tough poker athletes can endure to the very end. The presence of these four players at the final stage is a remarkable achievement, distinguishing them as the very best from a global assembly of poker talent.
Michael Mizrachi: The Comeback King’s Unstoppable Charge
Leading the charge into the final day is Michael Mizrachi, the 44-year-old professional from Las Vegas, Nevada. His chip count of 445,500,000 chips is not just a lead; it represents a dominant position, as he holds over three-fourths of the total chips in play. This overwhelming advantage allows him to dictate the pace of play, apply relentless pressure on his opponents, and absorb the inevitable variance that poker presents, making him an incredibly formidable obstacle.
Mizrachi’s path to this commanding position is a story of remarkable resilience. He engineered an incredible comeback from a perilous situation, at one point holding only 2.5 big blinds during the final three tables of the Main Event. This resurgence speaks volumes about his mental toughness, strategic brilliance, and ability to perform under the most dire circumstances. It transforms his narrative from simply a chip leader to that of a heroic figure who defied the odds.
His professional pedigree is undeniable. Mizrachi is already a highly accomplished player, having won the 2025 WSOP Poker Players Championship earlier this year, adding to his collection of seven WSOP bracelets and nearly $11 million in WSOP winnings. Furthermore, his previous deep run in the Main Event, where he finished fifth in 2010, adds a compelling layer to his current pursuit. This history suggests a narrative of unfinished business, a seasoned veteran returning to conquer the one title that has eluded him, making his current dominant run feel like a destined moment for ultimate glory.
The Elite Contenders: Profiles of the Final Three
While Michael Mizrachi holds a significant chip lead, the unpredictable nature of poker means that anything can happen. The three other players are formidable opponents, each bringing their own unique strengths and stories to the final table.
A. John Wasnock: The Banker’s Unexpected Deep Run
John Wasnock, a 50-year-old investment banker from North Bend, Washington, enters the final four with 94,500,000 chips. His journey represents the quintessential “amateur dream” of the WSOP Main Event. This is only his second time playing the prestigious tournament, making his deep run particularly remarkable for someone not primarily focused on professional poker.
Wasnock’s presence at this stage embodies the enduring appeal of the Main Event: the possibility for anyone, regardless of professional status, to achieve greatness and life-changing wealth. His financial leap is profound; by reaching the Final Four, he has already added at least $3 million to his previous total WSOP career winnings of $33,000. This monumental sum is a transformative amount for a non-professional, far beyond what many could earn in years, emphasizing the immense financial stakes and the life-altering power of a deep run in this tournament.
B. Braxton Dunaway: The Oilman’s Pursuit of a Second Bracelet
Braxton Dunaway, 42, from Midland, Texas, works in the oil and gas industry when not at the poker table, and holds 25,500,000 chips. Dunaway is not a newcomer to WSOP success; he previously won his only WSOP bracelet in the $1,500 Monster Stack event at the 2023 WSOP, earning $1,162,681. This prior victory establishes him as a serious contender with proven capabilities under pressure.
His existing total WSOP career winnings of $1.3 million, coupled with his prior final table experience, position him as a dangerous opponent despite his lower chip count. For a player who already possesses a bracelet and significant winnings, the pursuit of the Main Event title isn’t solely about the money; it’s about cementing his legacy and achieving multi-bracelet status, a significant milestone in the poker world. His experience navigating high-stakes final tables suggests a calm demeanor and strategic acumen that could prove critical.
C. Kenny Hallaert: Europe’s Last Stand for the Bracelet
Kenny Hallaert, a 43-year-old Belgian professional poker player residing in London, England, enters the final day with 19,000,000 chips. Hallaert holds a unique position as the only non-American player remaining at the final table, adding an international dimension to the competition and carrying the hopes of an entire continent.
A seasoned professional, Hallaert boasts an impressive $5.9 million in live tournament winnings from various European poker series, showcasing his extensive experience and skill in high-pressure environments. Despite having the lowest chip count, his professional background signifies that he is accustomed to intense situations and possesses the strategic depth to navigate them. He hopes to take the 2025 WSOP Main Event bracelet back to London, adding a layer of national pride and global competition to the traditionally American-dominated WSOP. While he may be an underdog in terms of chips, his professional pedigree makes him a formidable threat.
WSOP 2025 Final Table Recap – 4 Players remain
The final four players are poised to resume their battle for the championship on Wednesday, July 16th, at 1:30 P.M. Pacific Time. The dramatic conclusion of the 2025 WSOP Main Event will unfold at the iconic Las Vegas Horseshoe and Paris.
For fans eager to witness history in the making, live action will be available on PokerGO.com. Additionally, continuous updates and behind-the-scenes content can be followed via the WSOP+ app. The immediate availability of specific dates, times, and viewing platforms emphasizes that this is a live, unfolding event, creating a sense of urgency and encouraging immediate engagement from a global audience. The modern accessibility of poker allows fans worldwide to experience the drama as it happens, rather than simply reading about it after the fact.
As the 2025 World Series of Poker Main Event draws to its thrilling conclusion, the anticipation for a historic finish is palpable. The immense stakes—a staggering $10 million and the most coveted title in poker—underscore the gravity of every decision yet to be made. The final four players embody compelling narratives: Michael Mizrachi’s dominant comeback and quest for ultimate glory, John Wasnock’s inspiring amateur dream, Braxton Dunaway’s pursuit of a second bracelet, and Kenny Hallaert’s international challenge to bring the title to Europe.
Despite Michael Mizrachi’s commanding chip lead, the inherent unpredictability of poker ensures that the final showdown remains wide open. A single misstep, a stroke of bad luck, or a perfectly executed bluff can dramatically shift momentum, keeping the tension alive until the very last card is dealt. Regardless of who ultimately claims the bracelet, the winner will not only secure a life-changing sum of money but will also etch their name into poker history, solidifying their legacy as a true champion of the game. The world watches, eager to see who will emerge victorious from this ultimate test of skill, nerve, and destiny.
As the final table prepared to unfold, several compelling narratives converged, each adding a unique layer to the unfolding drama. The unlikely chip leader, John Wasnock, aimed to complete a fairy tale run, proving that raw talent and opportune aggression can overcome established professional experience. The legendary Michael Mizrachi sought to add an unprecedented Main Event title to his record-breaking summer, a testament to his enduring mastery and resilience. The consistent professional Kenny Hallaert made his second attempt at the ultimate prize, showcasing his composure and strategic depth. The history-making Leo Margets carried the hopes of women in poker, her presence a powerful symbol of growing inclusivity. Alongside them, dark horses like Braxton Dunaway, Luka Bojovic, Adam Hendrix, Daehyung Lee, and Jarod Minghini, each with their own unique strengths and stories, stood ready to make their indelible mark on poker history.
The poker world held its breath, poised to witness the culmination of weeks of intense competition. The final two days promised strategic battles, dramatic swings, and unforgettable moments as one player would emerge from the elite nine to claim the $10,000,000 top prize, the coveted gold bracelet, and the ultimate title of 2025 World Champion of Poker. The stage was set for a truly historic conclusion to the most prestigious tournament in poker.