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Category: Poker

  • Chinese Player Huang Wenjie Wins Record-Breaking Triton Poker $100,000 Event in Jeju

    Chinese Player Huang Wenjie Wins Record-Breaking Triton Poker $100,000 Event in Jeju

    A new milestone has been set in high-stakes poker. Triton Poker’s $100,000 No-Limit Hold’em Main Event in Jeju saw an unprecedented 285 entries, shattering the previous record of 216. The massive turnout created a jaw-dropping $28.5 million prize pool, leading to multi-million-dollar payouts for the top four finishers. When the dust settled, it was China’s Huang Wenjie who emerged victorious, claiming a career-best $5,555,000 and his first Triton Poker title.

    A Historic Turnout and a Staggering Prize Pool

    Poker has never been more lucrative. The Triton Poker Jeju event not only set a new participation record but also produced one of the largest prize pools in tournament history.

    • 285 total entries fueled the $28.5 million prize pool.
    • Top 47 players cashed, with six players taking home at least seven figures.
    • $5,555,000 went to the champion, marking Huang Wenjie’s biggest career payday.

    Huang, known for his previous victory in the 2024 WSOP Online $10,000 Heads-Up No-Limit Hold’em event, now boasts more than $6.9 million in live earnings. The win also propelled him into seventh place in the 2025 Player of the Year race, despite this being his first cash of the season.

    Big Names, High Stakes, and a Thrilling Final Table

    The deep field featured some of poker’s biggest stars. The list of those who made it into the money reads like a who’s who of the high-roller circuit.

    Some notable finishers:

    • Isaac Haxton (26th) – One of poker’s most consistent high-stakes players.
    • Michael Soyza (21st) – A regular presence in Triton Poker events.
    • Alex Foxen (19th) – A former GPI Player of the Year.
    • Anatoly Filatov (11th) – Fresh off a $25,000 WPT Global Slam victory.

    At the final table, two-time WSOP bracelet winner Santhosh Suvarna led the pack. Huang sat in third place when play began, but he quickly positioned himself for a deep run.

    How Huang Wenjie Secured Victory

    It wasn’t an easy road to the title. The final table was packed with top-tier competition, but Huang stayed patient and picked his spots.

    First, James Hopkins (9th – $570,000) fell after losing a race with ace-jack against Suvarna’s pocket tens. Clemen Deng (8th – $695,000) followed, suffering a brutal beat when his pocket aces were cracked by Dan Cates’ king-ten.

    Huang made his first major move by eliminating Deng, winning a crucial hand with a set of fives. This set the tone for the rest of his final table performance.

    The Path to the Top

    The final payouts for the event highlight just how massive the prize pool was:

    Place Player Prize Money
    1st Huang Wenjie $5,555,000
    2nd TBD $3,800,000+
    3rd TBD $2,500,000+
    4th TBD $1,900,000+
    5th TBD $1,400,000+
    6th TBD $1,000,000+

    Each elimination at the final table meant a massive pay jump, and Huang played with the precision of a seasoned pro.

    What This Win Means for Huang Wenjie

    Huang Wenjie’s victory in Jeju is a defining moment in his poker career. While he had already established himself with a WSOP Online title, this live win cements his status as one of China’s top poker talents.

    This win also makes him an early contender for 2025 Player of the Year honors. With a $5.5 million payday and newfound momentum, the poker world will be watching to see if Huang can build on this triumph.

    One thing is certain—this Triton Poker event will be remembered for years to come.

  • Chino Rheem Captures Another PGT Mixed Games Title, Climbing to the Top of the Leaderboard

    Chino Rheem Captures Another PGT Mixed Games Title, Climbing to the Top of the Leaderboard

    It was a weekend to remember for Chino Rheem at the PokerGO Tour (PGT) Mixed Games festival. The seasoned pro, known for his fearless play and high-stakes success, made a statement by finishing third in the $10,000 H.O.R.S.E. event on Friday, securing a $114,000 payday. But he didn’t stop there. Just 24 hours later, Rheem went all the way in the $10,000 eight-game mix, outlasting a field of 92 entries to pocket $195,500 and the championship.

    With $309,500 in earnings from just two events, Rheem has surged to the top of the festival’s points leaderboard as the final stretch of tournaments looms. It’s a familiar position for the three-time World Poker Tour (WPT) champion, who previously dominated the PGT Mixed Games II series in 2023.

    Rheem’s Mixed Games Mastery on Full Display

    Rheem has long been a force in tournament poker, but his recent dominance in mixed-game formats is turning heads. His ability to navigate through various poker variants has earned him millions, including a seventh-place finish in the 2008 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event.

    His total career earnings now exceed $15.6 million, thanks to his latest deep runs at the PokerGO Studio inside ARIA Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. The mixed-game format requires adaptability, and Rheem’s versatility across disciplines like stud, Omaha, and lowball games proved crucial.

    The eight-game victory didn’t come easy. The $920,000 prize pool meant a stacked field, with top pros battling for a piece of the action. Fourteen players made the money, including notable names like:

    • Mike Gorodinsky (13th) – Three-time WSOP bracelet winner
    • Nick Guagenti (9th) – Two-time bracelet winner
    • Ray Dehkharghani (8th) – Bracelet winner and mixed-game specialist

    Despite the tough competition, Rheem found a way to outmaneuver his opponents and secure the title.

    A Final Table Full of Talent

    The tournament’s last day began with just seven players left and Brian Breck holding the chip lead. But as the blinds increased and games rotated, the dynamic shifted.

    Alexander Livingston, a two-time WSOP bracelet winner, was the first to exit in seventh place, earning $36,800. His final hand came in a round of stud, where he ran into Rheem’s ace-high flush. From there, Rheem continued his climb, turning a short-stack start into an eventual victory.

    As the action progressed, the remaining players fought for every pot, but Rheem’s momentum carried him to the top. His ability to adjust to different poker formats—switching from limit hold’em to triple draw to Omaha hi-lo—kept him ahead of the competition.

    What’s Next for Rheem?

    With three tournaments left in the PGT Mixed Games festival, all eyes are on Rheem. He’s the current points leader, and another strong showing could cement his status as the series champion for the second time in less than two years.

    Winning back-to-back mixed-game series would be no small feat. The field is loaded with elite players, and the ever-changing nature of mixed games makes consistency difficult. But if his recent performances are any indication, Rheem is more than up for the challenge.

    One thing is certain—his ability to perform under pressure, read his opponents, and shift gears when needed makes him a dangerous force at any poker table.

  • Alan Keating Breaks Down High-Stakes Poker Hero Call in YouTube Video

    Alan Keating Breaks Down High-Stakes Poker Hero Call in YouTube Video

    Alan Keating has built a reputation as one of the most thrilling players to watch in live-streamed poker. His loose-aggressive style often leads to massive pots and jaw-dropping plays. Now, he’s giving fans a deeper look into his mind. In a newly released YouTube video, Keating walks through one of his most memorable hands from PokerGO’s High Stakes Poker, where he made a gutsy hero call against Peter Wang in a pot nearing $1 million.

    A Million-Dollar Moment at the Table

    Poker fans love Keating for his unpredictable, high-stakes style, but this time, he did something rare—he explained his thinking. The hand in question unfolded during a high-stakes cash game where Wang attempted a triple-barrel bluff, only for Keating to sniff it out.

    It started with a raise from the cutoff, a call from Wang on the button, and Keating defending his big blind with 9♦️7♦️. The flop brought A♣️K♠️7♠️, and things escalated fast. The cutoff bet $4,000, Wang raised to $13,000, and Keating took an aggressive route, three-betting to $41,000. That forced out the original raiser, but Wang wasn’t backing down—he called.

    The 6♥️ hit the turn, and Keating continued his aggression, betting $58,000. Wang turned up the heat, raising to $175,000. Still, Keating wasn’t ready to let go. He called.

    Then came the 4♥️ on the river. Keating checked, and Wang fired a massive bet—enough to put Keating all in for his last $235,000. It was a moment of truth. After some thought, Keating called and won, securing a pot just shy of seven figures.

    Keating Breaks Down the Thought Process

    Instead of just celebrating the win, Keating decided to pull back the curtain on how he reached his decision. His YouTube video walks through every step of the hand, shedding light on the factors that led to his incredible call.

    He noted that Wang had built a reputation as an aggressive player in these high-stakes streams. The two had clashed in multiple massive pots before, both on PokerGO’s High Stakes Poker and Hustler Casino Live. This prior knowledge played a crucial role in Keating’s ability to put Wang on a bluff.

    Keating explained how his three-bet on the flop was designed to take control of the hand. When Wang raised on the turn, it set off alarms—was he representing a monster or just applying pressure? Given Wang’s tendency to stay aggressive, Keating leaned toward the latter.

    By the river, Keating saw a pattern. The size of Wang’s final bet, coupled with the previous action, made it less likely he had a strong hand. With just a pair of sevens, Keating took the gamble—and was rewarded.

    What This Hand Means for Poker Strategy

    Keating’s decision wasn’t just about gut instinct. It highlighted deeper concepts that separate elite players from the rest.

    • Understanding opponent tendencies: Wang’s history of aggressive plays influenced Keating’s call.
    • Recognizing betting patterns: Keating’s call wasn’t based on his hand strength alone but on how Wang structured his bets.
    • Controlling the pot: Keating’s flop three-bet set the tone early, keeping Wang’s range wide and making his later bluffs more transparent.

    These factors aren’t exclusive to high-stakes games. Even mid- and low-stakes players can learn from Keating’s analysis. Recognizing patterns, knowing when to apply pressure, and making tough calls based on more than just hand strength are critical skills at any level.

    The Legacy of Keating’s Call

    This hand won’t just be another highlight in Keating’s career—it’s the kind of moment that poker fans will reference for years. High-stakes poker is about more than just big money; it’s about making decisions under immense pressure, and Keating proved why he belongs among the best.

    His YouTube breakdown adds another layer, showing that even the most fearless players rely on strategy, logic, and history—not just gut feeling. As long as Keating keeps entertaining poker fans, future players will be learning from his moves for years to come.

  • Ryan Miller Claims PokerGO Mixed Games $10,000 H.O.R.S.E. Title in Star-Studded Finale

    Ryan Miller Claims PokerGO Mixed Games $10,000 H.O.R.S.E. Title in Star-Studded Finale

    An elite field of 95 poker heavyweights battled it out in the 2025 PokerGO Tour Mixed Games $10,000 H.O.R.S.E. event. When the dust settled, it was Ryan Miller who emerged victorious, bagging $247,000 and his latest major title. The two-time WSOP bracelet winner outlasted a stacked final table at the PokerGO Studio in ARIA Resort & Casino, Las Vegas.

    A Career Milestone for Miller

    For Miller, this win is among his biggest achievements in live tournament poker. His $247,000 payday ranks as his second-largest cash, only trailing the $344,677 he won in 2023 for taking down the WSOP Stud Eight-or-Better Championship. The Pennsylvania native has now surpassed $1.3 million in recorded tournament earnings, with most of his success coming at the WSOP.

    Beyond the cash prize, Miller also secured 540 Card Player Player of the Year (POY) points. That boost propelled him into the top 200 of the 2025 POY leaderboard, presented by Global Poker.

    Big Names Fall Before the Final Table

    The tournament started with 95 players, but only 14 cashed, splitting the $950,000 prize pool. The money bubble burst late on Day 1, sending several high-profile players to the rail.

    Among the notable names eliminated before the final table were:

    • Yuri Dzivielevski (13th, $19,000) – The five-time bracelet winner fell just after the bubble burst.
    • Daniel Negreanu (9th, $29,500) – The seven-time bracelet winner couldn’t convert a deep run into a final table appearance.
    • Nick Guagenti (8th, $33,250) – The two-time bracelet winner just missed the last seven.

    With that, Day 2 began with seven players left and Miller leading the pack.

    Early Exits at the Final Table

    It didn’t take long for eliminations to start rolling in. First out was five-time WSOP bracelet winner Robert Mizrachi (7th, $38,000). He committed his last chips in a hand of Stud Eight-or-Better, but his pair of aces and flush draw failed to improve against Miller’s kings up.

    Next to go was Alexander Livingston (6th, $47,500). The 2019 WSOP Main Event third-place finisher fought hard on a short stack but fell in an Omaha Eight-or-Better hand. Holding A-2 for the nut low draw, he watched as Miller scooped the high side with a full house, while Chino Rheem secured the low.

    Another former WSOP champion, Johannes Becker (5th, $66,500), bowed out in a round of Razz. He started strong but caught bad runouts, allowing Samuel Sternfield to make an 8-7-5-4-A, sending Becker to the rail. With this cash, Becker is now closing in on $4.4 million in career tournament earnings.

    The Final Four Battle for Glory

    With only four players left, the intensity ramped up. Sternfield, Rheem, and Miller each took turns holding the chip lead. The structure of H.O.R.S.E., a rotating mix of Hold’em, Omaha, Razz, Stud, and Stud Eight-or-Better, tested every player’s versatility.

    One defining moment came in a round of Stud, where Rheem lost a crucial hand to Miller, shifting momentum in the latter’s favor. Miller continued to apply pressure, using his deep mixed-game experience to outmaneuver his opponents.

    A Well-Deserved Victory

    By the time it reached heads-up play, Miller had a commanding lead. His opponent fought hard but couldn’t overcome the gap. In the final hand, Miller locked up the title with a strong Stud Eight-or-Better hand, securing another prestigious win in his growing poker career.

    With this victory, Miller adds another accolade to his already impressive resume. As 2025 unfolds, he’s undoubtedly a player to watch, especially with WSOP season just a few months away.

  • Jeremy Ausmus Triumphs Over Record-Breaking 391-Entry Field in Triton Poker Jeju $25,000 Event

    Jeremy Ausmus Triumphs Over Record-Breaking 391-Entry Field in Triton Poker Jeju $25,000 Event

    Jeremy Ausmus has once again etched his name in poker history. The six-time World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet winner battled through a massive 391-entry field in the 2025 Triton Poker Super High Roller Series $25,000 no-limit hold’em eight-max event, securing his first Triton Poker title and an impressive $1,892,000 payday.

    This event shattered previous records, marking the largest field Triton Poker has ever seen. The competition was fierce, with some of the best players in the world chasing the title, but it was Ausmus who emerged victorious.

    A Career-Defining Victory

    For Ausmus, this win isn’t just about the money—though the $1.89 million certainly doesn’t hurt. This was the third-largest score of his illustrious career. The Las Vegas poker pro now boasts more than $26.6 million in recorded live tournament earnings across an astonishing 374 cashes.

    At 45, Ausmus continues to prove he’s one of the most consistent players in the game. While many players struggle with longevity in the high-stakes circuit, he keeps adding titles to his name. This latest win adds another prestigious trophy to his collection, solidifying his status as one of the game’s elite.

    The Hand That Almost Ended It All

    Poker is a game of skill, but sometimes, fate plays a hand. Ausmus found himself in a perilous situation when the tournament was down to its final 23 players.

    He picked up pocket kings—a monster hand—but ran into Aliaksandr Shylko’s pocket aces. What happened next was pure chaos. Due to a miscalculated raise, Ausmus’ initial bet was ruled too small, forcing him into a limp instead. Shylko raised, then flat-called Ausmus’ three-bet.

    Had the hand played out differently, Ausmus might have gone all-in preflop, likely resulting in elimination. Instead, Shylko hit quads and still took a sizable chunk of Ausmus’ stack, but crucially, Ausmus survived. That fortunate twist allowed him to keep fighting—and eventually claim the title.

    Climbing to the Top of the POY Standings

    Winning this massive event came with more than just prize money. Ausmus picked up 2,100 Card Player Player of the Year (POY) points, propelling him to the top of the 2025 standings with 2,870 points.

    • This was his third POY-qualified final table of the year.
    • He previously won the $1 million PGT Championship Invitational, capping off his 2024 PokerGO Tour season-long points race win.
    • The POY race, sponsored by Global Poker, is now led by Ausmus, who has put himself in a strong position early in the year.

    If he maintains this form, he could be on track for one of the biggest years of his career.

    A Stacked Final Table

    It wasn’t an easy road to victory. The final table featured some of the most feared high-stakes players in the world. While every Triton event attracts elite competition, this one was particularly stacked.

    Final Table Highlights:

    • Ausmus stayed patient, picking his spots wisely.
    • He managed to build his stack steadily rather than relying on one massive double-up.
    • His experience shined through in the crucial late-stage hands, where every decision could mean the difference between victory and elimination.

    The Growing Prestige of Triton Poker

    Triton Poker events continue to be among the most prestigious in the poker world. The Super High Roller Series has attracted an increasing number of top-tier professionals, and record fields like this one only add to its growing reputation.

    One reason Triton events are so appealing is their unique mix of elite pros and wealthy recreational players. The combination creates massive prize pools, high-level competition, and some of the most exciting poker action of the year.

    What’s Next for Ausmus?

    After this career-defining win, all eyes will be on Ausmus to see if he can keep the momentum going. With the 2025 poker calendar stacked with big events, there’s no doubt he’ll be in contention for more titles—and perhaps another deep run in the WSOP later this year.

    Ausmus has already secured a place in poker history, but with the way he’s playing, he might just be getting started.

  • ACR Poker Unveils New Tournament Schedule With Bigger Prizes and Faster Play

    ACR Poker Unveils New Tournament Schedule With Bigger Prizes and Faster Play

  • Kristen Foxen’s Aggressive Play Keeps Pressure on Stephen Song in PokerGO Tour Final Event

    Kristen Foxen’s Aggressive Play Keeps Pressure on Stephen Song in PokerGO Tour Final Event

    Kristen Foxen made her presence felt in the final event of the 2025 PokerGO Tour’s first series, leveraging her chip lead to apply relentless pressure on Stephen Song. With five players left and over $655,000 in prize money still in play, Foxen’s strategic aggression in a key hand forced Song to make a tough laydown, showcasing the dynamics of high-stakes tournament poker.

    A Battle of Big Stacks

    With blinds set at 50,000-100,000 and a big blind ante of 100,000, the hand began with Foxen raising to 200,000 from the cutoff. Song, sitting in the big blind, made the call. While this might seem like a standard preflop confrontation, the context made it anything but routine.

    Foxen held the largest stack at the table, while Song, though second in chips, had to be mindful of three short-stacked opponents. The Independent Chip Model (ICM) considerations put him in a tricky spot—risking a big confrontation with Foxen could be costly, while maintaining his stack lead over the shorter stacks was crucial.

    Applying Pressure on the Flop

    The flop came down, and after a check from Song, Foxen fired out a continuation bet of 150,000. Song called, which hinted at some strength but didn’t necessarily mean he was willing to go deep in the hand.

    For Foxen, this was an ideal moment to keep pushing. Even though she didn’t make a strong hand, she had a solid semi-bluffing opportunity. With her chip lead and position advantage, she could dictate the action, making it difficult for Song to comfortably continue unless he had a made hand.

    The Turn Brings More Firepower

    When the turn brought a second diamond, Song checked again. This was the perfect green light for Foxen to fire a more significant second barrel. She bet 650,000—about three-quarters of the pot.

    Song, who had check-called on the flop with a Broadway gutshot draw, now faced a dilemma. The additional diamond increased the likelihood that Foxen had a stronger hand or a high-equity draw. Calling this bet would commit a large portion of his stack, and if he didn’t improve on the river, he could be in an even worse situation.

    Rather than take the risk, Song folded, conceding the pot to Foxen, who extended her chip lead further.

    The Stack Dynamics at Play

    This wasn’t just a standard hand—it was a textbook example of how tournament poker at the highest level involves much more than just the cards. Foxen used her chip lead effectively, knowing that Song had more to lose than to gain by challenging her aggression.

    Here’s how the stack sizes looked before and after the hand:

    Player Stack Before Stack After Change
    Kristen Foxen ~60 BB ~65 BB +5 BB
    Stephen Song ~37 BB ~32 BB -5 BB

    By forcing Song out of the pot, Foxen not only built her stack but also put Song in a more vulnerable position moving forward.

    The Bigger Picture

    This wasn’t the last time these two would tangle at the table. With Foxen continuing to lean on her opponents and Song trying to navigate his way through the ICM minefield, the battle for the PokerGO Tour title was far from over.

    One thing was clear—Foxen had no plans to take her foot off the gas.

  • Reading Opponents and Spotting Profitable Plays in Omaha Hi-Lo

    Reading Opponents and Spotting Profitable Plays in Omaha Hi-Lo

  • Joey Weissman Clinches 2025 PokerGO Cup Series Championship with Dominant Run

    Joey Weissman Clinches 2025 PokerGO Cup Series Championship with Dominant Run

    The 2025 PokerGO Cup delivered high-stakes drama, record-breaking fields, and a thrilling showdown for the series championship. With a total of $9,405,000 in prize money awarded across eight events at the PokerGO Studio inside ARIA Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, poker fans witnessed an unforgettable battle among the game’s top pros. But one player stood above the rest—Joey Weissman.

    The 36-year-old Las Vegas-based pro turned in a stellar performance, final-tabling half of the events, including one outright victory and three runner-up finishes. His consistency paid off, earning him the coveted PokerGO Cup title, $930,600 in winnings, and the top spot on both the PokerGO Tour and Card Player Player of the Year leaderboards.

    Weissman’s Near-Flawless Performance

    Weissman’s path to the title was nothing short of remarkable. In the series opener—a $5,000 buy-in tournament that drew a record-breaking 177 entries—he fought his way to heads-up play before finishing second to Michael Moncek, earning $123,900.

    Then, in event #2, a $10,000 buy-in no-limit hold’em tournament, Weissman found himself in a rematch against Moncek. This time, he closed the deal, claiming the trophy and a $295,000 payday.

    Weissman’s momentum continued in event #4, where he once again reached heads-up play, this time facing Eric Blair. Despite another second-place finish, he pocketed $161,700.

    The biggest cash of his run came in the $25,000 buy-in finale, which saw 59 players battle for the last title of the series. Weissman reached heads-up play yet again, but his pocket tens fell to Justin Zaki’s A-10, denying him a second title. Still, the runner-up prize of $350,000 secured his series victory.

    The Numbers Behind the Victory

    Weissman ended the series with a commanding 758 points on the PokerGO leaderboard—190 points clear of second-place finisher Eric Blair.

    • Total cashes: 4
    • Total winnings: $930,600
    • Final table appearances: 4
    • Event titles: 1

    His consistency across multiple events made him the undisputed series champion, setting the stage for what could be a career-defining season.

    Eric Blair and Michael Moncek Shine in Second and Third

    While Weissman stole the headlines, Eric Blair and Michael Moncek had outstanding runs of their own.

    Blair was the only player to win two events in the series, finishing second overall with 568 points and $645,850 in winnings. His biggest victory came in event #4, where he outlasted Weissman to take home the title.

    Moncek, meanwhile, won event #1 and finished second to Weissman in event #2, racking up $483,750 and securing the third spot in the final standings.

    Kristen Foxen’s Historic Performance

    One of the biggest stories of the series was Kristen Foxen, who not only won event #7 but also made three total cashes, finishing fourth in the standings. Her strong showing pushed her past Vanessa Selbst to become the all-time female money leader in poker history.

    Foxen’s breakthrough performance earned her $401,300, and her presence at the final tables proved she could compete against the best high-stakes players in the game.

    The Final Standings

    The top ten players from the 2025 PokerGO Cup featured some of the biggest names in poker, with a mix of champions and consistent deep-runners.

    Rank Player Points Titles Cashes Winnings
    1 Joey Weissman 758 1 4 $930,600
    2 Eric Blair 568 2 3 $645,850
    3 Michael Moncek 484 1 3 $483,750
    4 Kristen Foxen 332 1 3 $401,300
    5 Sergio Aido 327 1 2 $345,300
    6 Adam Hendrix 316 1 1 $316,050
    7 Keith Lehr 283 0 4 $352,275
    8 Justin Zaki 283 1 1 $417,000
    9 Patrick Leonard 244 0 3 $288,550
    10 Michael Berk 224 0 4 $288,500

    What’s Next for Weissman?

    With his PokerGO Cup triumph, Weissman now sits atop the PokerGO Tour leaderboard and the Card Player Player of the Year standings. The win cements his reputation as one of the most consistent and formidable players on the high-roller circuit.

    His ability to navigate through large fields and consistently reach final tables suggests he could be in for a massive 2025 season. If he continues this level of play, more titles—and perhaps another major championship—could be on the horizon.

  • Phil Hellmuth Says He’s Skipping the WSOP Main Event, Citing Endurance Issues

    Phil Hellmuth Says He’s Skipping the WSOP Main Event, Citing Endurance Issues

    The World Series of Poker (WSOP) just dropped its summer schedule, but the biggest story isn’t about the tournaments—it’s about who won’t be playing. On Tuesday, poker legend Phil Hellmuth, a 17-time bracelet winner, announced he’s sitting out the $10,000 WSOP Main Event for the first time since 1988.

    The reason? Endurance. Hellmuth, now 60, says the grueling format favors younger players, making it nearly impossible for older competitors to keep up. And he’s not happy about it.

    Hellmuth Calls WSOP Main Event an “Endurance Contest”

    Back in 1989, a 24-year-old Hellmuth stunned the poker world by winning the WSOP Main Event, becoming the youngest champion in history at the time. Fast-forward to 2024, and the landscape looks very different.

    “The main event has become an endurance contest,” Hellmuth wrote on Twitter. “Twelve-hour days, or longer, for six to seven days in a row is brutal and disproportionately affects older players.”

    He believes the tournament needs structural changes, arguing that most players—80% by his estimate—would support a revised format that isn’t as physically demanding.

    The 2024 Main Event wrapped up after 15 days of play, including four starting flights, two Day 2 flights, and a day off before the final table. Jonathan Tamayo, 38, ultimately took home the bracelet.

    A Tough Decision After 35 Straight Years

    Hellmuth has played in every WSOP Main Event since 1988. That streak ends in 2025.

    “It’s just too tough,” he said in a video explaining his decision. “People at home are like, ‘Phil, you can play seven days in a row.’ Yeah, try it. Try getting up and playing from noon until midnight seven days in a row.”

    On some days, play extends past 2 or 3 a.m. That kind of grind, Hellmuth says, isn’t something he can physically handle anymore.

    “I don’t think I could have done it at 50, and I definitely can’t do it at 60,” he admitted.

    The Fatigue Factor: A Game of Skill or Stamina?

    For Hellmuth, poker is supposed to be about skill, not who can stay awake the longest. He pointed out that many great players tell him they busted the Main Event simply because they were exhausted.

    “I’ve had players come up to me and say, ‘Phil, I blew the Main Event because I was too tired when we got down to 100 left, 50 left, 30 left.’ It’s turned into an endurance test.”

    Hellmuth’s solution? More scheduled breaks. He believes extra rest days could restore some balance between skill and stamina.

    “I hope that in 2026, there are some changes made so that we can restore more skill and less endurance,” he said.

    A Slump in WSOP Main Event Results

    Hellmuth hasn’t cashed in the Main Event since 2015, when he finished 417th. His latest close call came at WSOP Paradise, where he busted on the money bubble.

    While he remains one of poker’s most accomplished players, the game’s longest marathon appears to be one battle he’s no longer willing to fight.