WSOP 2025: Day 21 Highlights

Day 21 of the 2025 World Series of Poker delivered everything poker fans could ask for – high-stakes drama, legendary confrontations, and the kind of psychological warfare that makes the WSOP the most prestigious tournament series in the world. While no bracelets were awarded on June 16th, the action at Horseshoe and Paris Las Vegas was nothing short of spectacular, setting up what promises to be an explosive Day 22.

Boivin Builds Commanding Lead in $250K Super High Roller

The crown jewel of Day 21’s action was undoubtedly Event #46: $250,000 Super High Roller, where Belgium’s Thomas Boivin established a commanding chip lead that has him sitting pretty for Tuesday’s final table. With 28,025,000 chips – nearly double his closest competitor – Boivin is perfectly positioned to claim the massive $4,752,551 first prize.

This represents a potential career-defining moment for Boivin, who finished third in last week’s $100,000 High Roller for a personal-best $1,212,020. A fourth-place finish or better in this event would eclipse that mark, and on current form, Boivin looks destined for poker immortality.

The Belgian isn’t the only star story heading into the final table. Ben Tollerene (15,450,000) and Alex Foxen (14,525,000) round out the top three, while big names Seth Davies (10,500,000), Bryn Kenney (9,925,000), and David Peters (9,650,000) are all within striking distance.

Negreanu Bubbles in Dramatic Fashion

The most talked-about elimination of Day 21 came when seven-time WSOP champion Daniel Negreanu fell in ninth place, just missing the final table. Alex Foxen delivered the final blow, sending the poker legend home as the final elimination of Day 2. For Negreanu, who appeared visibly tired deep into the series, it was a crushing blow in what could have been a signature tournament win.

Kabrhel’s Theatrical Performance Steals the Show

Czech professional Martin Kabrhel commanded center stage throughout Day 2, captivating audiences both at the tables and watching the livestream. Known for his animated table talk and psychological approach, Kabrhel didn’t disappoint, even taking it upon himself to direct camera operators and check monitors during the live broadcast.

His antics were so pronounced that Phil Ivey offered a unique side bet to other players: $20,000 with no risk for anyone willing to match Kabrhel question-for-question throughout the tournament. Despite the attractive terms, there were no takers – a testament to Kabrhel’s relentless table presence.

However, Kabrhel’s day took a dramatic turn during a crucial bubble-play confrontation with David Peters. In a three-way pot with Negreanu also involved, Kabrhel flopped two pair with suited ten-eight against shared ace-king holdings. After betting the flop and raising Peters’ check-raise, the action went heads-up to a river that brought no improvement for Kabrhel. Peters’ stone-cold bluff worked perfectly, forcing Kabrhel to fold the winning hand and drastically reducing his stack. The Czech pro will return to the final table as the second shortest stack with 3,675,000 chips, needing a miracle comeback.

Multiple Championships Reach Climactic Stages

Beyond the Super High Roller drama, several other events reached pivotal moments. In the $1,500 Monster Stack, Dylan Linde emerged as the story to watch among the final 54 players. The only remaining bracelet winner in the field (2021 Omaha Mixed champion), Linde sits in seventh place with 12,575,000 chips, chasing both the $1,204,457 top prize and his second piece of WSOP gold.

The $10,000 Big O Championship saw Marco Johnson seize the chip lead among the final five players. With 5,950,000 chips, Johnson holds a comfortable advantage over Swedish star Viktor Blom (5,095,000) as they prepare for Tuesday’s conclusion. It’s been nine years since Johnson last won a bracelet, making this a potential drought-ending opportunity.

Stars Align Across Multiple Events

The star power wasn’t limited to the high-stakes events. In the $2,500 Omaha Hi-Lo/Stud Hi-Lo, an all-star cast of 27 players remains, including poker legends Brian Rast, Phil Hellmuth, Shaun Deeb, and Benny Glaser. Glaser, already a two-time bracelet winner this series, is hunting for his eighth career WSOP title.

Hall of Famer Barbara Enright made headlines in the $1,000 Seniors Championship, bagging a healthy stack of 244,500 chips on Day 1a. The first woman to win an open WSOP event and the first to capture three bracelets, Enright’s presence adds gravitas to what promises to be a massive field when Day 1b kicks off.

Rising Stars and Established Legends

Several other compelling storylines emerged across the various events. Ori Hasson leads the $3,000 6-Handed Freezeout with 3,665,000 chips, seeking his second WSOP bracelet. Former champions Joey Couden and Maxx Coleman hold commanding positions in their respective events – the $500 Salute to Warriors and $10,000 Razz Championship.

What’s Next: Day 22 Promises Fireworks

Tuesday’s Day 22 is shaping up to be one of the most action-packed days of the entire series, with up to ten events running simultaneously. The $250,000 Super High Roller final table begins at 2:00 p.m., where Boivin will look to convert his massive chip lead into poker’s ultimate prize.

Multiple events are scheduled to crown champions, including the Big O Championship, the Omaha Hi-Lo/Stud Hi-Lo event, and potentially the Monster Stack if play runs long enough. Two new tournaments also debut: the $25,000 High Roller PLO (where three-time champion Shaun Deeb will try to make it four) and the $1,500 Freezeout.

The psychological drama of the Super High Roller final table alone makes Tuesday must-watch poker. Can Boivin maintain his commanding lead, or will one of the legendary players behind him mount a comeback? Will Kabrhel stage one of the most dramatic short-stack recoveries in WSOP history?

With millions of dollars on the line and poker immortality within reach for multiple players, Day 22 promises the kind of high-stakes drama that makes the World Series of Poker the most compelling tournament series in the world. The stage is set for an unforgettable day of championship poker.