The World Series of Poker has concluded another international Circuit Series and crowned its newest champion – Slovenia’s David Gradic. Gradic, who plays poker recreationally, traveled to the French Riviera for vacation and ended up participating in the €1,000 WSOP Circuit International Main Event held at the Pasino Grand in Aix-en-Provence.
To his surprise, Gradic went on to win the Main Event, banking a six-figure payday of €160,000, along with the coveted WSOP gold ring, a $10k WSOP Main Event seat, and a ticket to the WSOP Tournament of Champions. Prior to this win, Gradic had just $30,000 in recorded tournament earnings. His total now approaches the $200,000 mark.
2025 WSOP Circuit Aix-en-Provence Main Event Quick Recap
The €1,000 buy-in WSOP Circuit Aix-en-Provence Main Event drew an impressive 1,433 entries across four Day 1 flights. The massive turnout shattered the €1 million guarantee, generating a total prize pool of €1,238,112, which was distributed among the top 206 finishers.
By the final day of the tournament, only eight players remained. France’s Julien Bolimowski entered the final table as the chip leader, while Gradic held the third-largest stack. Action moved quickly, with four players holding 11 big blinds or fewer at the start of the final table.
Short stack Farid Diaf was the first to exit, finishing in 8th place for €20,400. He was followed by WSOP bracelet winner Julien Sitbon—arguably the most experienced player at the table—who was eliminated in 7th place for €26,000. Sitbon’s run ended when his queen-four of diamonds lost to Gradic’s pocket nines.
From that point on, Gradic went on a tear, eliminating every remaining opponent on his way to victory. He knocked out Cécile Ticherfatine (6th – €33,500), Julien Bolimowski (5th – €43,812), Aliosha Staes (4th – €58,400), Axel Hallay (3rd – €79,250), and finally Thierry Amirault (2nd – €110,500).
Heads-up play began with Gradic holding a commanding five-to-one chip lead over Amirault. It didn’t last long. On a flop of 4♣-J♦-2♦, Amirault shoved with 9♣-4♥ and Gradic snap-called with Q♠-J♣. The turn and river brought no help to Amirault, sealing Gradic’s victory.
2025 WSOP Circuit Aix-en-Provence Main Event Final Table Payouts
| Rank | Player | Payout |
| 1st | David Gradic | €160,000 |
| 2nd | Thierry Amirault | €110,500 |
| 3rd | Axel Hallay | €79,250 |
| 4th | Aliosha Staes | €58,400 |
| 5th | Julien Bolimowski | €43,812 |
| 6th | Cécile Ticherfatine | €33,500 |
| 7th | Julien Sitbon | €26,000 |
| 8th | Farid Diaf | €20,400 |
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