WSOP Day 30
Day 30 of the 2025 World Series of Poker delivered everything fans could hope for – instant millionaires, back-to-back champions, and high-stakes drama across the Horseshoe and Paris Las Vegas tournament floors. The action has never been more intense as the series approaches its final stretch.
Two New Bracelet Winners Crown an Epic Day
The spotlight belonged to two champions who captured their precious WSOP gold on Day 30, each with their own compelling storyline.
Jesse Yaginuma’s Million-Dollar Miracle
Jesse Yaginuma’s victory in Event #53: $1,500 Millionaire Maker was nothing short of spectacular. The tournament lived up to its name in every possible way, attracting a massive field of 11,996 entries and creating a prize pool that dreams are made of.
Yaginuma emerged victorious from the final seven players, earning $1,255,180 and his fourth WSOP bracelet. He defeated James Carroll in the heads-up finale, with Carroll earning $1,012,320 for second place.
This marks his fourth bracelet in just three years, building on three previous online WSOP victories. His career trajectory from online specialist to live tournament champion showcases the evolving landscape of modern poker.
Aaron Cummings Goes Back-to-Back
In a stunning display of consistency and skill, Aaron Cummings achieved something truly special by winning Event #63: $1,500 Limit 2-7 Lowball Triple Draw for the second consecutive year. The reigning champion returned to defend his title among 11 survivors on Day 3 and emerged victorious once again.
Cummings captured $157,172 along with his second career bracelet, cementing his status as the undisputed king of this specialized variant. Back-to-back victories in any WSOP event are extraordinarily rare, making Cummings’ accomplishment a testament to his mastery of limit 2-7 triple draw.
The $50,000 Poker Players Championship Takes Shape
The crown jewel of mixed games, Event #66: $50,000 Poker Players Championship, reached a crucial juncture on Day 2. Late registration boosted the field to 107 players total, with 87 taking their seats for the second day of action.
After six grueling 100-minute levels, only 35 players survived to bag chips, and leading the charge is poker legend Erick “E-Dog” Lindgren with an impressive 2,969,000 chips. This represents a significant opportunity for Lindgren, who owns two bracelets but hasn’t captured WSOP gold since 2013. He previously cashed in this event back in 2008 when it was the $50,000 H.O.R.S.E., finishing third for $781,440.
Hot on Lindgren’s heels sits three-time PPC champion Michael Mizrachi (2,048,000), proving once again why he’s considered the king of mixed games. Recent bracelet winner Ali Eslami rounds out the top three with 1,757,000 chips.
The remaining field reads like a who’s who of poker royalty. Christopher Vitch (1,739,000), Andrew Yeh (1,461,000), and Brian Yoon (1,420,000) all hold top-ten positions. The legendary Phil Hellmuth sits in ninth place with 1,110,000 chips, hunting for his 18th bracelet.
Perhaps most intriguingly, reigning champion Daniel Negreanu finds himself in a challenging position with just 317,000 chips. The Canadian icon will need to mount a significant comeback to defend his title successfully.
Final Five Set for $5,000 6-Handed Battle
Event #62: $5,000 No-Limit Hold’em 6-Handed has reached its climactic final day with five players remaining, each guaranteed $203,292 but eyeing the $855,515 top prize.
Matthew Zambanini from Delaware commands a substantial chip lead with 20,775,000, equivalent to 83 big blinds – a commanding advantage that puts him in the driver’s seat for bracelet glory.
International flavor dominates the chasing pack, with British players Brandon Sheils (13,900,000) and Niall Farrell (10,475,000) occupying second and third place respectively. Both would make popular champions and represent the strong European contingent at this year’s WSOP.
France’s Adrien Delmas (8,475,000) brings recent high-roller experience after cashing in the $25,000 event, while Serbia’s Andjelko Andrejevic (4,775,000) rounds out the final five with a still-playable 19 big blinds.
Veterans Lead Super Seniors and Tag Team Action
The $1,000 Super Seniors event has been whittled down to 134 players, with Dutch icon Marcel Luske (1,908,000) leading the charge. Despite over $5 million in live tournament earnings, Luske remarkably has no WSOP bracelets – a drought he’ll be desperate to end.
Australian Poker Hall of Fame member Gary Benson (1,336,000) sits in fourth place, while legends Fernando Brito and Sammy Farha remain in contention with shorter stacks.
Meanwhile, the $1,000 Tag Team event has reached its final day with just 31 teams surviving from the original 1,373 entries. German duo Quirin Heinz and Felix Rabas lead with 2,175,000 chips, while popular husband-and-wife team Kristy and Andrew Moreno remain very much in contention.
New Events Kick Into High Gear
Several events completed their opening flights on Day 30, setting the stage for exciting developments ahead. The $300 Gladiators of Poker attracted a massive 3,614 entries on Day 1a alone, with Chile’s Felix Barriga (4,720,000) leading 119 survivors.
Notable among the advancing players is China’s Yang Zhang (3,175,000), the 2023 bracelet winner who has already cashed four times at this year’s WSOP. His consistent performance in large-field events continues to impress.
The $3,000 No-Limit Hold’em event saw 1,882 entries reduced to 641 survivors, with Dan Sepiol among the early leaders as he hunts his second bracelet. The field is packed with recognizable names including Alex Kulev, Dylan Linde, Jason Wheeler, and former world champion Scott Blumstein.
Looking Ahead: Ladies Championship and Lowball Legends
Day 31 promises even more excitement with the launch of two prestigious events. The $1,000 Ladies Championship gives poker’s women a chance to shine, following Shiina Okamoto’s victory in 2024.
Even more intriguingly, the $10,000 Limit 2-7 Lowball Triple Draw Championship begins, traditionally attracting poker’s elite players. Phil Ivey captured his 11th bracelet in this event last year, and the compact field of specialists always produces fireworks.
As the 2025 WSOP enters its final phase, Day 30 proved that the biggest stories and most dramatic moments are yet to come. With million-dollar bonuses, legendary champions defending titles, and poker’s biggest names battling for ultimate glory, the remaining days promise to be absolutely electric.