This Week in the poker world saw Oklahoma’s female pro, Mallory Klaus, outlasting a male-dominated field to etch her name into poker history, winning the $1 million guaranteed Trailblazer Poker Tour for a whopping $211,745 payout. Meanwhile, Pamela Belote, an eight-time WSOP circuit ring champion, was named the 2024 WPA Player of the Year.
Mallory Klaus Triumphs in the Trailblazer Poker Tour $1 Million Main Event
Oklahoma’s Mallory Klaus overcame a large field 1,943 in the $1 million GTD to become the newest Trailblazer Poker Tour champion. Klaus collected a career-defining $211,745 payday for the victory and her maiden live poker trophy. Klaus, who recorded her first live cash back in 2019, has now pushed her lifetime earnings past $220k.
The $1 million GTD $800 buy-in Trailblazer Poker Tour saw a turnout of 1,943 entries, smashing the GTD for a total prize pool of $1,360,100. When the final table began, Mallory Klaus was the short stack but she played some top-notch poker. She first eliminated Sebastien Guinand with her aces against the ace-jack of Guinand, who exited the tournament in fifth place. Klaus then eliminated Elan Lepovic in third place to make it to the heads-up against Zak Baron.
In the final battle that lasted for about two hours, Mallory defeated Zak Baron, sending him out in 2nd place for a $146,080 payout and winning the coveted title for her career-best score. ‘
The 2025 Trailblazer Poker Tour $1 Million GTD Final Table Payouts
| Rank | Player | Payout |
| 1st | Mallory Klaus | $211,745 |
| 2nd | Zak Baron | $146,080 |
| 3rd | Elan Lepovic | $100,685 |
| 4th | Scot Fahrenbruch | $74,700 |
| 5th | Sebastien Guinand | $55,760 |
| 6th | Will Pengelly | $42,340 |
| 7th | Evan Burrow | $32,480 |
| 8th | Craig Varnell | $25,629 |
| 9th | Jared Ward | $20,115 |
Source – TCH Live Poker YouTube
Pamela Belote Wins the 2024 WPA Player of the Year
Pamela Belote has officially been named the 2024 WPA Player of the Year, solidifying her place as one of the most accomplished women in poker. A proud WPA Advocate from Edmond, OK, Pam, she secured the prestigious title with an impressive 507 points and added another ring to her impressive collection. Renowned not only for her skill at the tables but also for her warm personality and infectious humor, she embodies the true spirit of the game.
Her latest achievement comes on the heels of a historic milestone—becoming the most decorated woman in WSOP Circuit history after clinching her record-setting eighth WSOP ring for her thumping victory in the 2025 WSOPC Choctaw Ladies Event in January 2025.
Source: WPA
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