WSOP 2025: Day 49 

The 2025 World Series of Poker reached Day 49 with the Main Event finalists taking a well-deserved breather, but the action remained electric as two more bracelets found their way to worthy champions while several marquee events built toward thrilling conclusions.

Bracelets Awarded: Lucky 7’s Lives Up to Its Name

Mexico’s Nelson Mari Sanchez proved that lucky sevens can indeed pay off, capturing Event #90: $777 Lucky 7’s and its eye-catching $777,777 top prize. The final day brought just eight players back to the felt, but it was Mari Sanchez who emerged victorious after defeating Yu Liu in heads-up play. The Mexican grinder’s bankroll received a massive boost as he claimed both the bracelet and the uniquely themed prize structure that made this event one of the summer’s most memorable.

The second bracelet of the day went to Mariano Balfagon, who conquered Event #95: $800 No-Limit Hold’em Deepstack. From a field of 162 players who returned for Day 2, Balfagon outlasted the competition through a marathon session at the baize. The champion’s persistence paid off handsomely, earning $252,386 for their efforts.

High-Stakes Drama Unfolds

The $10,000 No-Limit Hold’em 6-Handed Championship delivered edge-of-your-seat action that stretched well past midnight. Event #94 was scheduled to crown its champion, but as the clocks approached 1:00 a.m. local time, four determined players remained in contention for the massive $986,337 top prize. Rather than push through the exhaustion, the tournament director and players agreed to pause the event and return for an unplanned Day 4 at 1:00 p.m. local time.

Sam Soverel holds a commanding position heading into the final day, his stack of 22,125,000 chips representing a significant advantage over his closest pursuers. Daniel Vicente sits in second place with 5,750,000, while Isaac Kempton (3,875,000) and Klemens Roiter (1,025,000) round out the final four. Soverel’s massive chip lead suggests he’s well-positioned to capture the title, but in high-stakes poker, fortunes can change with a single hand.

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Dzivielevski Gallops to H.O.R.S.E. Leadership

Brazilian poker ace Yuri Dzivielevski showcased his mixed-game mastery, emerging as the chip leader after Day 1 of Event #98: $25,000 High Roller H.O.R.S.E. The five-time bracelet winner’s stack of 642,500 chips puts him in prime position as the event moves forward, representing his best opportunity to add a sixth piece of WSOP hardware to his collection.

The H.O.R.S.E. format challenged 121 entrants across ten hour-long levels, with 77 players advancing to Day 2. Dzivielevski’s dozen cashes at the 2025 WSOP have yielded just one final table appearance so far, making this deep run particularly significant for the accomplished professional.

The supporting cast includes accomplished professionals from across the poker world. Paul Volpe (621,500) trails closely in second place, while Jon Kyte (593,000) occupies third. The legendary Phil Ivey (542,500) and Hall of Famer Todd Brunson (519,000) complete the top five, ensuring that Day 2 will feature some of the game’s most respected names.

Additional star power comes from Jesse Klein (507,500), Kane Kalas (480,500), John Hennigan (472,500), and Jon Turner (372,500) in the top ten. Further down but still dangerous are Chad Eveslage (366,000), Nick Guagenti (363,500), David Oppenheim (351,000), Brad Ruben (320,000), Brian Yoon (287,500), Jesse Lonis (270,000), Daniel Negreanu (263,000), Shaun Deeb (258,000), Scott Seiver (173,000), and Benny Glaser (158,500).

Late registration remains open through the second level of Day 2, meaning additional players may join this elite field when action resumes at 1:00 p.m. local time for another ten levels of mixed-game action.

Albrinck Leads PLO Charge to Finale

Ohio’s Brad Albrinck established himself as the man to catch heading into the final day of Event #96: $3,000 Pot-Limit Omaha. His massive stack of 5,140,000 chips represents 129 big blinds, giving him a strong position as he seeks his first WSOP bracelet. With over $1.9 million in live tournament earnings, Albrinck possesses the experience to convert this advantage into victory.

The final 21 players represent a strong field, with Ryan Leng (4,135,000) and Day 1 chip leader Joshua Ladines (3,795,000) forming the immediate chase pack. Richard Gryko (3,060,000) and GGPoker qualifier Fahredin Mustafov (2,800,000) complete a formidable top five, while the final table mix includes eight bracelet winners and fantasy draft picks.

Among the notable names advancing to the final day are GGPoker qualifier Joe Serock (2,395,000), Daniel Zack (1,555,000), Jeremy Ausmus (1,500,000), Chino Rheem (865,000), Elior Sion (570,000), and JC Tran (290,000). The winner will claim both the bracelet and $471,170 when play concludes.

The Closer Opens Strong

Event #97: $1,500 The Closer proved that poker’s appetite remains strong even as the series winds down. Day 1a attracted 1,793 entrants, with only 128 surviving the fast-paced structure.

Frenchman Julien Vanpelt (2,765,000) bagged the largest stack, joining three other players who built their 50,000 starting chips beyond the two million mark. Leo Lombardozzi (2,545,000), Zhen Cai (2,300,000), and Najeeb Elkamand (2,165,000) joined him in the two-million club.

GGPoker qualifier Jakob Miegel (1,655,000) secured fifth place after transitioning directly from his 13th-place finish in the $10,000 6-Handed championship. The German’s dedication to grinding exemplifies the tournament professional’s mindset, and his solid position sets up a potential 12th cash of the summer.

Twelve bracelet winners navigated Day 1a successfully, led by Czech star Lukas Zaskodny (1,335,000) in eighth place. The accomplished group includes Safiya Umerova (1,145,000), Kyle Julius (1,115,000), Upeshka De Silva (1,045,000), Anthony Zinno (840,000), Jason Wheeler (600,000), Howard Mash (575,000), GGPoker qualifier Dimitar Danchev (410,000), Brett Shaffer (395,000), GGPoker qualifier Aram Zobian (362,000), Kenneth Kim (305,000), and Axel Bayout (249,000).

GGPoker Qualifiers Making Their Mark

While the Main Event spotlight has shifted to the final table, it’s worth noting several accomplished players who earned their seats through GGPoker’s Road to Vegas promotion. GGPoker, the official partner of the WSOP, provided pathways for Joe Serock, Dimitar Danchev, Aram Zobian, Eemil Tuominen, Jakob Miegel, and Fahredin Mustafov to compete in poker’s most prestigious tournament. Though eliminated from the Main Event, these players have continued grinding throughout the series, with several making deep runs in other events.

Day 50 Promises Explosive Action

The stage is set for an absolutely explosive Day 50, headlined by the Main Event final table’s resumption at 1:00 p.m. local time. John Wasnock will lead the nine finalists back into battle, each guaranteed $1 million but all eyeing the world championship title and its $10 million prize. Play continues until only four hopefuls remain for the final showdown.

Simultaneously, the $10,000 6-Handed Championship reaches its climax as the final four players battle for the near $1 million top prize. Sam Soverel’s massive chip lead makes him the favorite, but high-stakes poker has seen bigger leads evaporate in shorter time frames.

The $3,000 Pot-Limit Omaha reaches its conclusion with 21 players returning at 1:00 p.m. local time. Brad Albrinck’s commanding chip lead positions him well for bracelet glory, but Omaha’s volatile nature means any of the remaining players could seize victory.

The $25,000 H.O.R.S.E. continues its second day with another ten levels scheduled, while late registration remains open for players wanting to join Dzivielevski and the star-studded field.

Day 1b of The Closer shuffles up and deals at 10:00 a.m. local time, with expectations of an even larger crowd than the 1,793 who competed on Day 1a. The series’ penultimate starting day should attract players looking for one final score before the WSOP concludes.

Finally, Event #99: $5,000 No-Limit Hold’em 8-Handed begins at 2:00 p.m. local time. Matthew Alsante claimed this title in 2024 after outlasting 1,041 opponents for $785,486 and his first WSOP bracelet, setting the stage for another compelling championship chase.