The $15,100 No-Limit Hold’em event drew 81 entries, generating a massive prize pool of $1,215,000, which was split among the top 12 finishers. In the end, it was William Alex Foxen who emerged victorious, defeating Neil Warren heads-up for the title.

USPO 2025 Event #7: $15,100 No-Limit Hold’em Final Table Recap

Foxen led the final table with over 2.7 million chips, followed closely by rising star David Coleman with nearly 2.4 million. Meanwhile, Cherish Andrews and Neil Warren entered the final table as the short stacks.

Neil Warren managed an early double-up to stay alive, but Cherish Andrews was the first to be eliminated. The two-time GPI Female Player of the Year exited in 7th place when her ace-king suited lost in a three-way all-in against John Riordan and Nick Seward. Andrews took home $48,600 for her finish.

David Coleman, who started as second in chips, was next to fall. He checked the flop and the turn with both straight and flush draws, only to run into Foxen’s set of kings. The river didn’t improve Coleman’s hand, and he was eliminated in 6th place for $60,750.

Foxen continued his momentum, knocking out Justin Zaki in 5th place ($85,050) and Nick Seward in 4th ($115,425), setting up the three-handed battle.

Warren, who entered the final table as the second-shortest stack, managed to climb back by eliminating John Riordan in 3rd place for $157,950. That knockout gave Warren a five-to-one chip lead going into heads-up play against Foxen.

Heads-Up Battle

Despite entering heads-up play with only eight big blinds, Foxen, fresh off a win at the 2024 WSOP Paradise Triton Main Event, mounted an impressive comeback. He won a significant pot early on, shifting the momentum in his favor.

After nearly an hour of back-and-forth action, the final hand saw Foxen move all-in with J-9, and Warren snap-called with A-10. The board ran out 9-5-7-8-Q, giving Foxen a pair of nines to seal the victory.

Neil Warren earned $218,700 for his runner-up finish, while Alex Foxen claimed his ninth PGT title and a $340,200 payday.

2025 U.S. Poker Open Event #7: $15,100 NLH Final Table Payouts

Source – PGT Blog

Keep following PokerProNews for the latest updates and results from live poker events.

The post Alex Foxen Wins 9th PGT Title at 2025 U.S. Poker Open first appeared on Global Poker News Daily: PokerProNews.com.

In this guide, we will explore the top online poker sites that offer the best value, features, and profitability potential for players this year.

WPT Global

WPT Global, launched in 2022 and backed by the World Poker Tour brand, has quickly emerged as one of the best sites for recreational profitability in 2025 — especially for players seeking soft competition and high-value promotions.

Highlights:

• No VIP Club for the Grinders
  Instead of rewarding high-volume pros, WPT Global shifts value toward recreational users. Its anti-rakeback algorithm reduces pro incentives, keeping the ecosystem healthier and more fun for everyday players.
• Earn Rakeback by Starting the Action
  If you’re one of the first two players to sit at a new table, you get 20% rakeback automatically. It’s a unique way to reward participation without the need for a traditional points-based system.
• Affordable Paths to Big Prizes
  The site runs Mystery Bounty tournaments and frequent satellites offering serious prize pools, including $100K+ guarantees and seats to WPT live events, often from very low buy-ins. That means you can take shots without risking your bankroll.

Rake & Fees:

• Cash Game Rake
  At most stakes, rake is reasonable, usually between 3% and 4%. It does climb higher at the nosebleeds, so high-stakes pros might find better deals elsewhere.
• MTTs & Spins
  Multi-table tournaments charge a standard 10% entry fee, while Global Spins add 6% total (5% rake + 1% jackpot fee). These are in line with industry norms, but softer fields often mean better ROI.

Banking Options:

• Crypto Support Across the Board
  Players can deposit and withdraw using Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDT, and more. Transactions are quick, reliable, and designed with privacy and speed in mind.
• No Fuss, No Delays
  Low minimum withdrawals and fast processing make it easy to access your winnings. Whether you play daily or occasionally, the cashier system won’t get in your way.

Natural8 (GGPoker Network)

Natural8 is the leading Asian-facing skin on the GGPoker Network, launched in 2016. It’s now one of the most trafficked sites globally, offering nonstop action.

Highlights:

• Variety of Game Types
  Players can enjoy formats like Hold’em, PLO, 5-card Omaha, Short Deck, Rush & Cash, and All-in or Fold. This wide selection caters to both casuals and grinders.
• Massive Tournament Schedule
  Natural8 hosts major MTTs like GGMasters and MILLION$, with daily and weekly guarantees. It also offers exclusive access to WSOP, WPT, and APT events.
• Spin & Gold Jackpots
  These fast-paced lottery-style SNGs offer prize pools up to $4 million. Buy-ins start as low as $1, making them accessible and exciting.

Rake and Fee:

• Cash Game Rake
  Cash games have a 5% rake with variable caps based on stakes and table size. Rake is also taken preflop in 3-bet pots, which can slightly increase costs.
• Spin & Gold Rake
  These games carry a 7% rake, standard for jackpot SNG formats. While entertaining, the high variance and rake can limit long-term profitability.
• MTT Rake
  Most tournaments have around a 10% rake, with some major events adding a 0.5% admin fee. This makes large-field tournaments slightly pricier.
• Rush & Cash Rake Model
  Rake is only charged when tables are full, and players also benefit from random “cash drops.” This model encourages more balanced and fuller tables.
• PVI Model (Player Value Index)
  Natural8 uses a dynamic PVI model to assign value to players based on contribution and behavior. Regular winners may receive reduced rakeback compared to casuals.
• Fish Buffet Rewards
  Players can earn up to 60% cashback through the Fish Buffet program. Higher-tier players can also opt for a fixed-rakeback alternative for consistency.

Banking Options:

• Standard Payment Methods
  Natural8 supports Neteller, Skrill, ecoPayz, AstroPay, and other e-wallets for easy deposits and withdrawals. Limits are generous and processing is fast.
• Local Asian Banking Support
  For Asian users, region-specific options like WeChat Pay, AliPay, and local bank transfers are available. These ensure faster and more accessible transactions.

PokerStars

Launched in 2001, PokerStars quickly became the benchmark for online poker platforms, offering a reliable experience across various devices, including Windows, macOS, and mobile applications.

Highlights:

• Extensive Game Portfolio

You can find traditional games like Texas Hold’em and Omaha, as well as unique formats like HORSE, Badugi, and Razz. The platform also features Spin & Go, Fast-Fold (Zoom), and progressive knockout events, offering something for every player preference.

• Major Tournament Series

The site is known for its massive events such as the Sunday Million (with a $1,000,000 guarantee), Bounty Builder HR, and various annual online series with prize pools that exceed $100 million. These tournaments attract both amateurs and professionals.

• PokerStars Loyalty Program

The Stars Rewards program consists of several levels, and players can unlock random rewards, including free spins, tournament tickets, and other prizes.

• Promotions

New players can claim a first deposit bonus of up to $600. There are also ongoing promotions like challenges and tasks that allow players to earn additional rewards.

Rake and Fee:

• Rake Structure in Cash Games

PokerStars uses a weighted contributed method for calculating rake, meaning that the rake is based on how much each player contributes to the pot. The rake ranges from 3.5% at micro-stakes ($0.01/$0.02) to 5% at mid-stakes ($0.25/$0.50 and higher).

• MTT and SnG Rake

In Multi-Table Tournaments (MTTs), the rake decreases as the buy-in increases. For low-stakes tournaments, the rake can be as high as 18%, but for higher buy-ins, it decreases significantly to around 4.7%. Similarly, in Sit and Go (SnG) tournaments, the rake is higher for micro-stakes (around 10%) and decreases to around 2.44% for the most expensive games.

• PokerStars Rakeback

PokerStars discontinued the classic rakeback model, which was replaced by the Stars Rewards system. This system gives players the opportunity to earn random rewards, but the overall rakeback is relatively low, averaging around 4%.

• Rewards VIP Program

PokerStars’ Rewards VIP Program operates on a 6-level system: Blue, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Diamond, and Black. Each level offers increasing rewards, such as cash, StarCoins (PokerStars’ internal currency), and tournament tickets.

            Example of rewards by level:

• Blue: $0.60 reward per chest.
• Gold: $6–$100 reward per chest.
• Diamond: $15–$250 reward per chest.
• Black: $42–$70 reward per chest.

Banking Options:

• Deposit Methods

PokerStars Deposit options include major credit and debit cards (Visa, MasterCard), e-wallets (Skrill, Neteller, ecoPayz, Webmoney, MuchBetter), and other online payment methods. The minimum deposit is typically $5, but some methods may allow higher deposits.

• Withdrawal Methods

PokerStars supports withdrawals through the same payment methods used for deposits, with a range of options available for players in different regions. E-wallets like Skrill and Neteller allow near-instant withdrawals, while card withdrawals may take between 5 to 10 business days.

• Currency Options

PokerStars supports a variety of currencies for deposits and withdrawals, including CAD, USD, GBP, and EUR.

CoinPoker 

CoinPoker, launched in early 2018, is one of the largest cryptocurrency poker platforms in the world. Backed by poker pro Tony G, the site is operated by Precise IG Solutions B.V., holding a Curaçao eGaming license.

Highlights:

• 100% Cryptocurrency Platform

CoinPoker supports games in USDT and allows deposits and withdrawals in a variety of cryptocurrencies including BTC, ETH, BNB, and more. It also operates its own currency, CHP (CoinPoker Token), used for rake and rakeback.

• Wide Range of Poker Games

Offers popular formats such as No-Limit Hold’em (NLH), Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO), PLO5, Spin&Go, Action Games, Tournaments, and Casino games. Available on 7-max, 4-max, and heads-up (HU) tables.

• Generous Rakeback and Promotions

CoinPoker has a 33% rakeback program, with a 150% first deposit bonus, and regular promotions such as CoinMasters, Monthly Rake Chase, and Bad Beat Jackpot.

• No KYC Requirements

Players are not required to submit identity verification (KYC), and the site ensures secure, anonymous gameplay.

Rake and Fee:

• Cash Game Rake

CoinPoker applies a 5% rake across its cash game tables, capped at a maximum amount based on the table’s stakes. The rake is structured as follows:

• Stakes such as ₮0.02/₮0.05 up to ₮100/₮200.
• The rake cap increases with the number of players at the table (e.g., ₮12 for 2-player games at ₮100/₮200).

• Tournaments

Rake for MTTs is typically 8%, while Spin&Go tournaments have a rake of 5%. Cosmic Spins also feature a 5% rake.

• Rakeback System

Players receive 33% weekly rakeback, but only if they have CHP tokens in their account to cover the rake. 50% of rake paid in USDT is converted into CHP for the rakeback process.

Banking Options:

• Cryptocurrency Deposits & Withdrawals

CoinPoker only accepts cryptocurrency for transactions, so players must have a crypto wallet (e.g., MetaMask, Trust Wallet, or Ledger) to deposit or withdraw.

• No Centralized Exchange Support

CoinPoker does not support withdrawals to wallets from centralized exchanges (e.g., Binance or CoinBase). Players must use private wallets to process their transactions.

• P2P Transfers

Players can transfer funds between each other using the CoinPoker platform, though these transfers are subject to additional checks.

 The best poker site for you depends on your playing style, preferred game formats, and how much value you place on rewards and promotions. By choosing one of these top sites, you are setting yourself up for an enjoyable and potentially profitable poker experience in 2025.

Keep following PokerProNews for the latest updates and news from the world of online poker.

The post Top Poker Sites in 2025: Where to Play for Maximum Profits first appeared on Global Poker News Daily: PokerProNews.com.

This 38-event poker festival featuring a massive VND 35 Billion (~$1.40 Million) guarantee saw several other big winners through its run from April 5 to 13, including Toan Chan Truong who overcame a field of 355 entries in Event#27: VPT Championship, claiming VND 2,745,000,000 ($105,655). Among other big winners of the series was Vietnam’s very own Nang Quang Nguyen who emerged victorious from a field of 161 entries in Event#9: Super Stars, banking VND 1,939,580,000 ($74,655).

Nishant Sharma Headlines India’s Final Glory at VPT Championship

Vietnam has been one of the favourite hunting grounds for Team India and the team once again delivered some power-packed performances with Deepak Bothrra and Kunal Patni kicking off things with wins in the early going of the series. Adding to India’s impressive run in the series, Mumbai’s Nihsant Sharma and Kurukshetra’s Amit Kaushik shone for the country in the final phase of the series.

Sharma, who holds a world record of three Poker Dream Main Event titles, overcame a competitive field of 52 entries in Event #30: VND 33 Million Single Day High Roller 8-Max, claiming third victory for India, following victories of Bothra and Patni. This was his first live title of 2025 and earned him the VND 470.40 million ($18,105) and impressive 9th live trophy of his career, taking his live cashes close to $1.5 million.

Vietnam’s Manh Hao Nguyen fought hard in the heads-up but could not overcome Sharma, eventually settling for second place for VND 317.80 Million ($12,230). China’s Quan Qiu took home VND 213.40 million for his remarkable third-place finish in the Single Day High Roller event.

VPT Championship Event #30: Single Day High Roller Final Table

Amit Kaushik Shines In The VND 15 Billion GTD VPT Main Event

The highlight event of the 2025 VPT Championship was the VND 25 Million buy-in Main Event, which drew a massive field of 983 entries, surpassing its VND 15 Billion guarantee and taking the prize pool to a whopping VND 21.454 Billion (~$860,000). In the end, the lion’s share of the prizepool went to China’s Yan Kai Zhang who took home career-high VND 3.72 Billion. He started the final table second in chips and expertly crushed it after beating  Vietnam’s Do Tien Vu in heads-up. Vu earned a hefty VN₫ 2.337 Billion ($89,950) for his runner-up finish.

The biggest story for India in the Main Event was that of Amit Kaushik, who finished in a strong sixth place for VND 585.60 Million ($22,540).

VPT Championship 2025 Main Event Final Table Payouts

Kaushik has numerous deep runs across Asia to his name. Prior to this final table finish, he, also made to the to final table in Event #23: Single Day High Roller 8-Max in the recently concluded series, finishing sixth there too for VND92.50 Million ($3,560). Another Indian to shine in this event was Ranjeet Negi who finished runner-up to Vietnam’s Van Duong Ngo (1st place for VND 479,600,000- $18,460) and earned VND 323,900,000 ($12,465) for his remarkable runner-up finish in the tournament.

However, Kaushik was not the only Indian to cash in the Main Event. Eight others also scored, including Anuj Wadhwa (14th for VND 237.20 Million), Aman Parakh (28th for VND 109.40 Million), Ranjeet Negi (31st for VND109.40 Million), Sanjay Khanna (37th for VND 97.10 Million), Bhavik Khatsuria (49th for VND 87.50 Million), Vishal Ojha (61st for VND78.90 Million), Alaparthy Prasad (69th for VND 71.40 Million), and Megastack High Roller winner Kunal Patni (72nd for VND 71.40 Million).

Team India’s Dominant Run At 2025 VPT Championship 

Overall, the 2025 VPT Championships turned out to be a memorable series for Team India with the Indians claiming three trophies and scoring over 16 final table scores. The major highlights for India came from Deepak Bothra, Natral8 India director and ambassador Kunal Patni and Nishant Sharma.  

Patni continued his epic momentum and claimed his third live title of 2025 by winning Event #15: VND 44 Million Megastack High Roller 8-Max for VND 960 Million ($36,980)- the biggest Indian score in the series. Patni showcased amazing consistency, cashing an impressive four events.

Kunal Patni Scorecard:

Deepak Bothra made a triumphant return, breaking a 7.5 year title drought with a victory in Event #5: VND 33 Million Single Day High Roller 8-Max for VND 562.30 Million ($21,805) – his second-biggest live cash. Besides, he also cashed three other tournaments of the recent series

Deepak Bothra Scorecard:

Team India Victories & Final Table Scores From 2025 VPT Championship

Keep following PokerProNews for the latest updates and results from live events.

Source: SMP and Vietnam Poker Tour Social Media

The post India Ends VPT Championship 2025 on a High Note With Nishant Sharma’s Title Win first appeared on Global Poker News Daily: PokerProNews.com.

Brandon Wilson And His Journey

At the age of just seven, Wilson moved to Chicago and has been there ever since. His passion for storytelling  inspired him to attend the prestigious Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, eventually landing an internship with Al Jazeera in Qatar where he not only covered sports but also lent his voice to English broadcasts. After graduation, Wilson followed the path of journalism. He also worked as a writer at a staffing firm in Chicago during the pandemic in early 2020.

Poker had always been a small part of Wilson’s life. With the world on lockdown, Wilson was stuck at home without much to do and that is when poker reentered his life in a more serious way. Once playing poker as a casual hobby for pennies, he began to deep into the strategic depths of the game. 

While teaching yoga classes via Zoom and logging 200 hours for personal practice, Wilson began grinding low-stakes online games. He set a structured study routine for himself, discovered GTO+ and immersed himself completely, studying daily and eventually finding a coach to improve his game. By 2021, Wilson was creating content for DTO Poker. After honing his skills through online events, he took a leap into the live poker world and there has been no looking back since then.

Brandon Wilson’s Poker Achievements

Brandon Wilson has won over ten prominent live titles and cashed numerous poker events at prestigious WSOP, WPT, PGT and other stops, racking up over $6.5 million in live tournament earnings. His first live cash came in 2021 at WPT Venetian in a $5,000 buy-in event where he cashed $12,310. That same year in November, he scored his first victory by winning a $600 NLH Big Stack Double Black Chip Bounty Turbo at WPT Rock ‘N’ Roll Poker Open for $11,415 and followed that up with a victory in another WPT NLH event at WPT Five Diamond World Poker Classic at Bellagio in Las Vegas, earning him an impressive $24,835.

Currently ranked 7th on the Illinois, USA All Time Money List, Brandon Wilson started 2022 with a bang by winning a $5,300 No Limit Hold’em – 8 Handed (Event #30) at L.A. Poker Classic for $48k and continues to shake things up in the live arena. The last two years have been blockbuster ones for him. Wilson has won an impressive four high roller titles at Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood — two $25Ks and another two $50K events.  

Wilson’s Recent Milestones in Live Poker

Most recently he made waves in January this year with back-to-back titles during PGT’s Last Chance series, winning over $580,000 in total. And there seems to be no stopping for Wilson. He returned to the winner’s circle this past Tuesday, taking down Event #6: $15,100 No-Limit Hold’em of the 2025 U.S. Poker Open. For his latest and third PGT title, Wilson earned $382,200 — one of the biggest wins of his career to date.

Given his dedication, determination, his strategic prowess, and rapid rise in recent months, Brandon Wilson is well on his way to becoming one of the next big stars in the world of live poker. With his sharp instincts and growing recognition in the game, he is for sure a player to watch out for during the remainder of 2025.

Keep following PokerProNews for more such inspiring stories from poker.

The post Meet Journalist Turned Poker Crusher Brandon Wilson – The Next Big Star In Live Poker first appeared on Global Poker News Daily: PokerProNews.com.

Brandon Wilson Claims Third PGT Title at 2025 U.S. Poker Open

Brandon Wilson, a high-stakes tournament regular hailing from Chicago, United States, added another major title to his growing resume by winning Event #6: $15,100 No-Limit Hold’em at the 2025 U.S. Poker Open. His performance earned him $382,200, 306 PGT points, and his third career PGT title.

This victory pushes Wilson’s total live earnings above $5,200,000, with a career-best cash of $602,900. He now sits 396th on poker’s All-Time Money List.

His run through the final table included a key double-up through Sean Winter and a dominant heads-up performance against Matthew Wantman, capped off by a runner-runner flush that sealed the title. With this win, Wilson also made his first cash of the 2025 U.S. Poker Open and now sits 4th on the series leaderboard.

Event Recap

• Event: U.S. Poker Open Event #6: $15,100 No-Limit Hold’em
• Location: PokerGO Studio, Las Vegas
• Entries: 98 – a new record for a $15K buy-in on the PGT
• Prize Pool: Over $1.4 million
• Dates: April 2025
• Places Paid: Top 14

The record-setting field brought in some of the game’s best, all vying for U.S. Poker Open points, prestige, and a large payout. A fiercely competitive final table showcased rising stars and seasoned pros alike, and in the end, it was Wilson who navigated the minefield with precision.

Final Day

Brandon Wilson started the final day second in chips, just behind Martin Zamani. Zamani set the tone early, eliminating short stack Darren Elias in 7th place with quad kings over pocket queens. He followed up by busting David Coleman in 6th with pocket fours holding against AQ. Zamani surged into the chip lead.

Soon after, Alex Foxen and Matthew Wantman clashed in a classic cooler. Foxen made two pair by the turn with queen-jack, but Wantman had Broadway with ace-king. Foxen didn’t improve on the river and exited in 5th place for $102,900.

Zamani’s momentum stalled when Sean Winter doubled through him and then picked off a big bluff. Zamani’s attempt to pressure Winter with ace-queen backfired against Winter’s top pair. Zamani bowed out in 4th place, taking home $132,300.

Three-handed play kicked off with Winter holding over 55% of the chips in play. But a momentum shift came quickly. Wantman flushed over flush against Winter, then won a sizable pot off Wilson. The lead swapped hands multiple times over two hours.

Eventually, Wilson and Winter clashed in a massive preflop confrontation:

• Wilson: Ace-Eight
• Winter: Ace-Five

Wilson’s kicker held on a jack-high board, reducing Winter to a single chip. He was eliminated the very next hand, finishing 3rd for $176,400.

Heads-Up: Wilson vs. Wantman

Wantman entered heads-up with the lead, but Wilson rapidly closed the gap. The match turned on a pivotal cooler:

• Wantman shoved with ace-four
• Wilson called with ace-king
• The board ran out jack-high. Wilson’s ace-king held, giving him a commanding chip advantage.

In the final hand, Wantman moved all-in with jack-nine, and Wilson called with five-four of diamonds. A five on the flop, followed by runner-runner diamonds, sealed the deal with a flush. Wantman finished 2nd, earning $242,550 and 194 PGT points.

Final Table Payouts

Shannon Shorr Captures $220,400 in U.S. Poker Open Event #5 Victory

Shannon Shorr is a seasoned professional poker player who has long been respected for his consistency, deep tournament runs, and calm under pressure. In Event #5: $10,100 No-Limit Hold’em at the 2025 U.S. Poker Open, the player demonstrated all of those qualities as he navigated the final table to claim first place and $220,400.

Shorr made a critical fold four-handed with trips and a weak kicker against Yifu He, correctly laying it down after using four time extension chips. That laydown proved to be the momentum swing that carried him to the winner’s circle.

This marked Shorr’s first cash of the series, earning him 220 PGT points and a place in the Golden Eagle leaderboard conversation. With this win, Shorr brings his total live tournament earnings to more than $15,000,000, including a career-best single cash of $960,690. He currently sits 88th on poker’s All-Time Money List.

 Tournament Recap

The pivotal moment in Shorr’s path to victory came four-handed. Facing a massive river bet from Yifu He with trip eights but a weak kicker, Shorr burned four time extensions before making a world-class fold, a decision that turned the tide in his favor.

Soon after, Shorr picked up pocket kings under the gun and got into a five-bet shove with then-chip leader Isaac Haxton, who held queens. The board ran out clean for Shorr, giving him a massive double into the lead. Haxton never recovered and was eliminated shortly after in 4th place for $72,200 and 72 PGT points, as Eric Blair rivered a nut flush against his flopped two pair.

With Haxton out, Shorr, Blair, and He were the final three, with Shorr in front. Blair became chip leader for the first time after Shorr lost a trio of early Level 21 pots. He soon tumbled to the short stack after an aggressive bluff with seven-deuce was picked off by Blair’s turned top pair. He’s final move, a shove with king-nine into Blair’s ace-eight, ended his run in 3rd place for $102,600 and 103 points.

Heads-Up: Shorr vs. Blair

• Blair landed the first few punches and dropped Shorr to under two million chips.
• Shorr caught two lucky river chops to stay alive.
• Then came the big moment. All in with A6 vs. Blair’s KT, and the board ran out T, T, 9 with two of the cards being clubs, giving Shorr a flush on the river to double into the lead.
• Blair retook the lead immediately with AJ against A8, but Shorr bounced back in the very next hand with A7 vs. A6, making top pair and diamonds on the flop to regain control.

In the final hand, Shorr shoved with Q, 9 offsuit, and Blair called with A, 2 offsuit. The flop gave Blair a pair and a nut flush draw, but the Q on the river sent Shorr into celebration mode and Blair to the rail in 2nd place for $144,400 and 144 PGT points.

Final Table Payouts

Keep following PokerProNews for the latest updates and results from live poker tournaments across the world.

Source: PGT Blog

The post Brandon Wilson & Shannon Shorr Among the Latest 2025 U.S. Poker Open Winners first appeared on Global Poker News Daily: PokerProNews.com.

Eliminator 1: Bawa’s Match 5 Win Falls Just Short of Finale Spot

Day 3 began with Match 5, where Delhi’s Saahib Bawa started as the underdog with just 15 points but he played some top notch poker and claimed an impressive 110-point win after knocking out Bhanuprakash KC (3rd) and Ankit Wadhawan (2nd) en route to his victory. Unfortunately, even with the win, Bawa’s total score of 95 was not enough to earn him a seat to the finale. Wadhawan, on the other hand, despite finishing runner-up in the match, racked in 80 more points, bringing his total point tally to 285 and securing the chip lead into the grand finale.

Eliminator 1 Results

Eliminator 2: Yomso Rises Under Pressure, Ahlawat Clinches Finale Spot

The final and sixth match of the National Poker Champion Showdown serving as the second eliminator of the day belonged to Arunachal’s Wilson Yomso, who finished last in Match 1 and third in Match 3, was in need of a top-two finish to keep his dream alive for the grand finale.  

Determined and not ready to back down, the Arunachal lad delivered a clutch performance, dominating throughout the Match 6 and sealing the victory with a turned pair of sixes against Vikhyat Ahlawat in heads-up.

The win earned Yomso 110 points, taking his total to 170 and locking his seat to the grand finale. Uttar Pradesh’s Vikhyat Ahlawat needed a strong finish when it mattered most. His runner-up finish in Match 6 earned him an impressive 80 points, tying him with Yomso at 170 points, and earning him a seat to the highly-anticipated finale.

Eliminator 2 Results

NPC Finale Line Up Set: Meet the Final Six for Grand Finale (April 17)

After three days of intense competition, the top six players have finally been confirmed. Following a day off today, these poker champions will return tomorrow (April 17) for the grand finale to battle for the title of National Poker Champion, a life-changing ₹1 Crore top prize, and a ₹1 Crore freeroll for their states.

NPC Finale Lineup

Keep following PokerProNews for the updates and results from the epic conclusion of the National Poker Champion Showdown Grand Finale this Thursday!

Source: PokerGuru and National Poker Series Instagram

The post Wilson Yomso Seals Match 6 Win; NPC Finale Set With Ankit Wadhawan on Top! first appeared on Global Poker News Daily: PokerProNews.com.

Here’s why WPT Global is the platform to watch, and play on, in 2025 and beyond

1. Play with Top Pros Like Phil Ivey

At the heart of WPT Global’s identity is its connection to some of poker’s biggest legends. The site boasts a stacked ambassador lineup headlined by none other than Phil Ivey, an 11-time WSOP bracelet winner and one of the most respected names in the game. Ivey’s presence as the face of the platform sends a clear message: WPT Global means serious poker.

But it’s not just about celebrity appeal. WPT Global actively connects its players with opportunities to compete in high-profile live events. As the official title sponsor of the Triton Poker Series, WPT Global offers satellites and qualifiers for Triton and WPT events around the world, from Asia to Europe to North America. That means you could find yourself at the table rubbing elbows with poker royalty.

If your dream is to go from online grinder to live event superstar, WPT Global offers a real pathway to get there.

2. Innovative and Lucrative Promotions

WPT Global constantly delivers creative, rewarding promotions that set it apart from the rest of the industry. Unlike some sites that focus solely on high-volume grinders, WPT Global rewards both casual players and professionals with a wide range of campaigns:

Key Promotions Include:

• Streamers Poker Tour (2025): A unique promo for content creators — stream, compete, rise on the leaderboard, and win a trip to WPT Taiwan
• Golden Bounty Championship: Knock out players and earn gold-standard rewards
• WPT Daily Asia & Hyper Dash: Fast-paced formats that cater to players in all time zones
• Crazy Sunday PKO: $110 buy-in, $100,000 GTD, prime-time action

WPT Global’s promo calendar is always full, so there’s rarely a day when you can’t earn extra value, win tickets to live events, or boost your bankroll through bonuses, leaderboards, and giveaways.

Welcome Package That Goes Big

New players get a 100% match bonus up to $3,580, plus tournament tickets and Global Spins based on deposit size. Even small deposits unlock big value, and with deposit tiers starting at just $30, there’s a bonus offer for every bankroll.

3. Worldwide Accessibility

As its name suggests, WPT Global is truly global, already available in over 130 countries, including India, Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Europe. The platform is especially strong in regions where poker is rapidly growing, offering region-specific formats and tournaments designed for various time zones.

By the Numbers:

• 38,000+ daily active players
• 2,700-player 7-day cash game average
• Peaks of 4,000+ during prime hours

No matter whether you’re grinding late at night in Asia or firing a morning MTT in Europe, you’ll always find action across all formats, including:

• No-Limit Hold’em (NLHE)
• Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO)
• Deepstack, Turbo, and PKO formats
• 4-max, 6-max, 8-max, and full ring tables

WPT Global makes sure the games never stop, and you will find traffic even at niche stake levels.

4. Player-Friendly Features and Top-Tier Software

One of the reasons WPT Global is growing so fast? It is designed with the player in mind, especially recreational players. In an era where many platforms focus solely on volume and rake, WPT Global stands out by protecting game quality and promoting fairness.

Key Player Protection Features:

• Anti-Bot AI Tech: Detects and removes bots and RTA users
• Pro Cap: Only two pros allowed per cash game table, creating a friendlier ecosystem
• Low Rake Structure: One of the most competitive rake models in the industry
• Secure and Fair Games: Backed by World Poker Tour’s global brand integrity

Modern Poker Software:

• Fast, smooth interface for desktop and mobile
• Multi-tabling with clean, customizable layouts
• Reliable tournament structures and traffic management
• Easy navigation to your favorite formats

Recreational players can enjoy the game without being preyed upon, while serious players still get the action and software quality they expect.

5. High-Value Tournaments — Even Under $20

You don’t need a big bankroll to win big at WPT Global. The site offers tremendous value for players on a budget, with dozens of low buy-in tournaments featuring large prize pools and soft fields.

Top MTTs Under $20:

1. $5.50 PKO Rumble Asia Mini Main – $4K GTD
2. $2.20 NLHE – $1K GTD (often overlays!)
3. $15 One Shot Freezeout – $3K GTD (no re-entries)
4. $5.50 Hyper Dash – $300 GTD (super fast format)
5. $3.30 Mini Daily Grind – $600 GTD (400 BB starting stacks!)

Whether you prefer slow-structured deep runs or lightning-fast KO action, you’ll find it here. And with low-stakes satellites feeding into WPT events, you can literally turn a few dollars into a five-figure payday.

With a wildly successful 2024 behind it, WPT Global is doubling down for 2025. New updates are on the way for the app, additional partnerships are being formed, and the platform has its eyes set on becoming #1 in the global online poker market. If you haven’t joined the WPT Global movement yet — this is your moment. Sign up today and claim a lucrative ‘Welcome Bonus’ up to $3,000 and get in the game.

Keep following PokerProNews for the latest updates on WPT Global tournaments and promotions.

The post 5 Reasons WPT Global Is the Hottest Poker Site in 2025 first appeared on Global Poker News Daily: PokerProNews.com.

While the modern form of poker emerged in the United States during the 19th century, the roots of the game are tangled in the traditions of earlier games played in Persia, Europe, and the Mediterranean. 

This article explores the leading theories about poker’s origin and how it evolved into the game we know today.

The Mystery Behind Poker’s Origins

What makes tracing poker’s origin particularly challenging is its unique nature as a ‘composite game’. Poker doesn’t descend from a single predecessor. Instead, it appears to have borrowed elements, such as betting structures, hand ranking systems, bluffing, and psychological warfare, from various games that predated it by hundreds of years.

Here are the most compelling theories about poker’s roots.

Theory 1: Poker’s Possible Persian Ancestry – As-Nas

One of the oldest games that poker is often compared to is As-Nas, a Persian card game dating as far back as the 16th century. As-Nas used a 25-card deck made up of five suits, each with identical cards in multiple copies.

Fundamental Elements:

• As-Nas featured rounds of betting, much like modern poker.
• Players competed using ranked hands.
• Bluffing was a central feature of gameplay.

Although As-Nas lacked some complexities of modern poker, like the use of community cards or a 52-card deck, its structure of betting, bluffing, and hand comparison suggests it could be an ancient prototype of the poker concept.

The connection between As-Nas and poker became more widely discussed after the 1890s when game historians began drawing parallels between them. Yet, direct ties between As-Nas and early American poker remain elusive. Still, some scholars argue that through cultural exchanges, especially via trade routes and early migration, As-Nas may have planted the conceptual seeds for poker’s birth.

Theory 2: The French Connection – Poque

Arguably the most widely accepted European ancestor of poker is the French game Poque, which was especially popular in the 17th and 18th centuries. The very word ‘poker’ may be a derivative of ‘poque’, suggesting a linguistic and cultural link.

Key Features:

• Played with a deck of cards.
• Involved multiple betting rounds.
• Players could bluff opponents to win pots.

When French colonists brought Poque to the Americas, especially to Louisiana and the Mississippi River regions, it began to evolve rapidly, absorbing new influences and adapting to the multicultural environment of 18th-century New Orleans.

Poque’s emphasis on bluffing and betting rounds made it a natural predecessor to poker, particularly in its five-card draw form that was commonly played in America during the early 19th century.

Theory 3: German Influence – Pochspiel

The German game Pochspiel, which dates back to the 15th century, is another ancestor often linked to poker. The word ‘poch’ or ‘pochen’ means ‘to brag’ or ‘to bluff’, which is significant given how central bluffing is to poker’s identity.

Highlights:

• A multi-phase game involving betting and hand comparisons.
• Players used strategic deception to outplay opponents.
• A ‘pot’ was central to gameplay, a term later adopted into poker.

Pochspiel was both a gambling and a social game, and many of its elements closely mirror poker’s psychological depth. While it may not have directly morphed into poker, it undoubtedly helped shape the European gaming environment from which poker eventually emerged.

Theory 4: English Bluffing Game – Brag

From England comes Brag (or Bragg), a fast-paced gambling card game that is often considered a direct precursor to modern poker, especially due to its emphasis on bluffing.

Features:

• Played with a standard 52-card deck.
• Introduced the concept of ‘three of a kind’ and ‘pair’ hand rankings.
• Bluffing was core to gameplay, used both offensively and defensively.

Brag evolved from earlier games like Primero and Brelan, both popular during the Renaissance. As British colonists spread across North America, they brought Brag with them, possibly mixing its mechanics with those of French Poque and German Pochspiel.

Theory 5: Birth on the American Frontier (19th Century)

While poker’s predecessors spanned across Persia and Europe, the modern game as we know it was truly forged in America—on the frontier, aboard steamboats, and in smoky saloons.

Key Developments in the U.S.:

• Early 1800s: First documented references to poker played in New Orleans with a 20-card deck and four players.
• 1830s–1840s: The game expanded to a full 52-card deck, introducing new hand possibilities like flushes and straights.
• Civil War Era: New variations such as stud poker and draw poker were developed.
• Late 19th Century: Poker moved west with the expansion of the U.S. frontier, becoming a staple in mining camps, saloons, and gambling halls.

The American adaptation of poker was majorly shaped by the environment it thrived in. It became not just a game of chance but one of psychology, reading opponents, and making bold moves. Over time, poker became entrenched in American folklore and culture, ultimately becoming the high-stakes game of skill we recognize today.

Poker is a Game of Many Parents

So, where did poker really come from? The answer is: everywhere and nowhere.

Poker, unlike many games with a single point of origin, is a cultural fusion. It borrowed mechanics from Persian, French, German, and British games, and then transformed the American melting pot into something entirely unique.

What poker inherited:

• Hand ranking systems – from Brag, Pochspiel, and As-Nas.
• Bluffing as a strategy – from Brag and Pochspiel.
• Betting structures and terminology – from European gambling customs.
• Psychological warfare and reading opponents – refined and popularized in the American frontier.

Poker’s evolution didn’t stop there. The 20th century brought televised poker, the World Series of Poker, and eventually online poker in the 2000s, each era adding its own flavor to the game’s rich heritage.

Poker’s true origin is elusive, just like a great bluff. It is a game born not from a single moment in time, but from centuries of evolution, shaped by cultures, continents, and innovations.

Keep following PokerProNews for more such insightful pieces on the poker industry.

The post Where Did Poker Originate? Theories on Its True Beginnings first appeared on Global Poker News Daily: PokerProNews.com.

Taiwan’s Meng Ling Lin triumph in the Single Day High Roller made her the second biggest winner of the Korea Poker Cup 2025, earning her career-best prize of $ 479,300 and her second career single day high roller title, following her victory at the 2024 WPT Korea Single Day High Roller, where she earned an impressive $128,937. 

The $25,000 buy-in Super High Roller event drew 70 entries, generating a total prize pool of $1,629,300 paid out to the top 11 finishers. The final table was formed on the same day and lasted for 3 hours, which saw Lin emerge victorious. 

Korea Poker Cup 2025 Single Day High Roller Final Table Quick Recap

Wilktor Malinowski was the first elimination of the final table, as he shoved with jack-ten, and Zhang Chi called holding ace-five of hearts. Malinowski was eliminated in the 9th for $50,000. Shixia Lu and Han Liang were the next to follow in 8th and 7th places respectively, collecting $56,000 and $67,000 each. 

Jun Liu was unfortunate to be eliminated next after his ace-jack of hearts were outlasted by the nine-sevens of Zhang Chi. Liu picked $85,000 for his 6th place. Triton Poker founder Paul Phua was the next to head to the rail after running his queen-jack into the pocket sevens of Ling Lin, picking $112,000 for his 5th place finish. 

Triton Poker Ambassador Daniel Tang hit the rail in 4th place, when his ace-ten faced Zhang Chi’s ace-jack. Tang banked $150,000 for his impressive deep run. The three handed-action saw Ling Lin knocking out Zhang Chi in 3rd with his ace-eight for a $210,000 payout. 

Heads-up Play 

The heads-up play between Christian William Steven Harder & Meng Ling Lin lasted over an hour, which saw both players exchanging chip lead several times. The final hand saw Ling Lin all-in with A-8 against Steven Harder’s J-6. The board ran out 2c-Ad-3d-3h-Ah, sealing the victory for the Taiwanese pro. Steven Harder earned $320,000 for his runner-up finish, while Ling Lin earned a career best $479,300.

Following Lin’s victory, Rene Paul Van Krevelen emerged victorious in #19 Super High Roller- Short Deck Ante Only, claiming the title for the second after his last year’s career-defining victory. This time, he bested a field of 19 entries including WSOP bracelet winner Elton Tsang (runner-up for $353,200 in the heads-up, claiming $529,600 from the total $1,396,500, which was finally paid out to top five finishers. This was the largest payday awarded at the series, making the dutch player as the biggest winner of the series. 

Korea Poker Cup 2025 Single Day High Roller Final Table Payouts 

Keep following PokerProNews for the latest updates and results from live poker events from across the globe.

Source – SoMuchPoker/KoreaPokerCup Social Handles

The post Queen of the High Rollers! Meng Ling Lin Bags $479K at Korea Poker Cup SHR first appeared on Global Poker News Daily: PokerProNews.com.

Steve Buell Clinches WSOPC Grand Victoria Main Event Victory

Location: Grand Victoria Casino, Elgin, Illinois
Buy-in: $1,700
Entries: 637
Prize Pool: $849,315
Places Paid: 96
Winner’s Prize: $175,684

This World Series of Poker (WSOP) Circuit stop is a prestigious series in the Midwest, known for drawing pros and grinders from all over the world. The Main Event featured multiple Day 1 flights, eventually funneling into a packed Day 2 field.

Final Table Eliminations

At the final table, the six remaining players competed for the ultimate prize.

• 6th Place – Steve Wangler ($29,674):
  Wangler entered the final day as one of the shorter stacks. After a series of unfortunate hands, he was the first to exit the final table.
• 5th Place – Ian Greendale ($40,637):
  Greendale’s tournament run ended after he couldn’t accumulate enough chips to stay in contention. He was eliminated in fifth place.
• 4th Place – Jason Flock ($56,753):
  Flock played well but was eventually overtaken by Buell in a key hand. His elimination left just three players battling for the title.
• 3rd Place – Derek Hanauer ($80,803):
  Hanauer had a solid performance, but he couldn’t survive against the rising stacks of the remaining players. His deep run ended with his elimination in third place.

The Final Hand

The tournament came to an intense close as Steve Buell faced off against Matthew Lubawski. Buell was all-in with top pair, top kicker, while Lubawski held an overpair. It seemed like Lubawski would hold the advantage and win the tournament, but the river card was dealt, and it was an eight, giving Buell a full house and securing him the victory.

Winner: Steve Buell

The win marked a career milestone for Steve Buell, who claimed his first WSOPC Main Event title and his third overall WSOPC ring. Buell had come close in previous years, with a third-place finish in Council Bluffs and a 12th-place finish in the 2024 WSOPC Grand Victoria Main Event, but this victory was the culmination of years of consistent play.

Final Table Results:

Bee Yang Ships MSPT Minnesota Poker State Championship Main Event

Location: Running Aces Casino, Columbus, Minnesota
Buy-in: $1,110
Entries: 1,004
Prize Pool: $972,380
Places Paid: 108
Winner’s Prize: $140,288

One of the marquee stops on the Mid-States Poker Tour, this championship regularly attracts top talent from across the Midwest. Known for its deep structure and massive turnouts, the 2025 edition didn’t disappoint.

Final Table Eliminations:

• 9th Place – Paul Carney ($17,357):
  The first to exit the final table after battling with a short stack and running into resistance early.
• 8th Place – Garrett Dwire ($21,214):
  Made a few key moves but ultimately couldn’t build momentum against the chip leaders.
• 7th Place – Benjamin Marsh ($27,964):
  Two-time MSPT champion and crowd favorite, Marsh made a strong run but busted short of the top five.
• 6th Place – Rory Linton ($35,678):
  Known for a runner-up finish in this event a few years ago, Linton again impressed with another deep run.
• 5th Place – John Rachie ($46,285):
  Showed solid aggression but was eliminated after a big flip didn’t go his way.
• 4th Place – Michael Crawford ($60,750):
  Played a tight and disciplined game but couldn’t hold on once the field tightened.

That left three players to battle for the title: Bee Yang, Jay Chaudhary, and Carl Carodenuto.

The Final Hand:

The final three opted to strike a deal to divide the remaining prize pool based on chip counts. Bee Yang, holding the lead at the time, was declared the champion and awarded the top payout of $140,288, along with the official MSPT trophy and title. Jay Chaudhary took home $120,000 as the runner-up, while Carl Carodenuto, a familiar name in the Midwest poker scene, secured $110,000 for his third-place finish.

Winner: Bee Yang

Yang’s previous best score came in 2024 at this very venue, where he finished second in a $360 event for $34,221. This latest triumph blows past that figure and cements his name in Minnesota poker history. With this performance, Yang also earns 960 Player of the Year points, putting him in strong contention as the 2025 MSPT season heats up.

Final Table Results:

Chun Lun Wong Crowned 2025 Korea Poker Cup Main Event Champion

Location: Landing Casino, Jeju Shinwa World, South Korea
Entries: 1,228
Prize Pool: KRW 1,304,160,000 (~US$914,000)
Places Paid: 153
Winner’s Prize: KRW 200,740,000 (~US$141,300)

The Korea Poker Cup has rapidly become one of Asia’s premier poker festivals, known for attracting a diverse international field.

Final Table Eliminations

• 8th Place: Yirui Zhang (China)
  Eliminated early after his stack was unable to survive the final table pressure.
  
• 7th Place: Sin Lan Chen (Taiwan)
  The last woman in the tournament, she was eliminated after a difficult all-in situation.
  
• 6th Place: Daqiao Jiang (China)
  Knocked out despite making a full house, unable to overcome his opponent’s stronger hand.
  
• 5th Place: Qin Yuan (China)
  Eliminated after his hand failed to improve against a dominating opponent.
  
• 4th Place: Yao Zhao (China)
  Went out after his queen-ten was overtaken by a pair of sevens, ending his run.
  
• 3rd Place: Chen Yu Sung (China)
  Eliminated in a significant hand against Weiwi Tang, unable to make it to heads-up play.
  

Final Hand:

After an intense heads-up battle lasting 35 hands, Chun Lung Wong and Weiwi Tang reached the final hand with both players already having agreed to an ICM deal, ensuring Wong would receive KRW 181,355,000 (~$128,600 USD) and Tang would take KRW 160,000,000 (~$112,600 USD), while the remaining KRW 19,385,000 (~$13,600 USD), along with the trophy and title, were still up for grabs.

In the final hand, Wong pushed all-in with K K for his remaining 17,900,000 chips, and Tang, holding Q Q, called for his remaining 17,600,000 chips.

The board came down 3 7 6 9 4, with no help for Tang, as Wong’s kings held strong to win the pot.

Weiwi Tang finished as runner-up, taking home KRW 160,000,000 (~$112,600 USD) from the ICM agreement.

Winner: Chun Lung Wong

Hailing from Hong Kong, Chun Lun Wong is no stranger to the Asian live circuit. While he’s had multiple final table appearances in past regional events, this win marks his largest career cash. Previously, Wong’s biggest victory was a $17,723 USD win at the 2024 WSOP PokerNews Daily Deepstacks tournament.

Final Table Results:

Keep following PokerProNews for the latest updates and results from the live poker events across the world.

Sources: WSOP, Poker.Org, LifeOfPoker & MSPT Blog

The post Bee Yang, Steve Buell, & Chun Lung Wong Win Big At Live Poker Felts first appeared on Global Poker News Daily: PokerProNews.com.