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  • Albania Hosts Million-Dollar Pot-Limit Omaha Tournament

    Albania Hosts Million-Dollar Pot-Limit Omaha Tournament

    Poker’s global expansion continues, and Albania is officially on the map. Arena Casino Tirana, a relatively new hotspot in the European poker circuit, is making waves with high-stakes tournaments that draw top players from around the world. The latest event? A massive Pot-Limit Omaha showdown, offering millions in prize money and showcasing the rising popularity of the four-card format.

    PLO Grand Slam Returns With Bigger Guarantees

    Pot-Limit Omaha has been gaining traction in recent years, and Arena Casino Tirana wasted no time capitalizing on the momentum. The venue launched the PLO Grand Slam under the Diamond Poker Series banner in 2024 with €3 million in guaranteed prize money. The success of that event led to an even bigger edition in early 2025, featuring €5 million in guarantees across the festival.

    The festival’s two main attractions? A €5,000 buy-in event with a €1,000,000 guarantee and a high-stakes €10,000 buy-in championship boasting a €2,000,000 prize pool. While the latter is still ongoing, the €5,000 opener wrapped up in style, delivering high drama and a six-figure payday for the champion.

    Tom Vogelsang Takes Home $245K

    Dutch poker pro Tom Vogelsang emerged victorious in the €5,000 opener, outlasting a field of 225 entries to claim $245,910. The tournament regular now has four major titles to his name, including a win in a Triton Poker $25,000 PLO event.

    For Vogelsang, this was his fifth-largest career score, adding to an already impressive resume. His biggest cash remains the $1.4 million runner-up finish in the Triton Poker Cyprus $100,000 event in 2022. With this latest victory, his total live earnings have climbed to nearly $3.9 million.

    Strong Competition and Familiar Faces at the Final Table

    The tournament saw its fair share of big names, with several well-known pros making deep runs. Among the notables who cashed were:

    • Robert Cowen (23rd place)
    • Ismael Bojang (22nd place)
    • Dario Alioto (21st place)
    • Fahredin Mustafov (18th place)

    Ronald Keijzer, a bracelet winner, finished eighth, taking home $30,135. Meanwhile, European Poker Tour champion and 2019 World Series of Poker Main Event winner Hossein Ensan secured a sixth-place finish, earning $57,015.

    Ensan’s run ended in a dramatic fashion. Holding top pair and three live kickers, he moved all-in against Sean Rafael’s pocket aces. The turn gave Ensan two pair, seemingly putting him in control. But the river paired the board, handing Rafael a better two pair and the pot. Despite the heartbreak, Ensan’s career earnings now exceed $13.9 million.

    Sean Rafael Notches Career-Best Score

    Rafael continued his impressive showing but ultimately fell short, finishing as the runner-up. His $166,005 payday marked a personal best, surpassing his previous high of $115,000 from a third-place finish in the 2024 PokerGO Tour PLO Series.

    With so much money at stake, every decision mattered. And for Rafael, this deep run is further proof that he belongs among the elite in the PLO tournament scene.

    Final Table Payouts and POY Points

    The event wrapped up with the following payouts and Player of the Year (POY) points:

    Place Player Earnings POY Points
    1 Tom Vogelsang $245,910 768
    2 Sean Rafael $166,005 640
    3 Nino Pansier $114,240 512
    4 Youness Barakat $93,135 384
    5 Fabian Riebau-Schmithals $74,235 320
    6 Hossein Ensan $57,015 256
    7 Harry Casagrande $41,580 192
    8 Ronald Keijzer $30,135 128
    9 Andrew Ige $24,885 64

    The festival isn’t over yet, with the €10,000 championship still in full swing. With an even bigger prize pool on the line, expect more fireworks before the final cards are dealt in Tirana.

  • bestbet Jacksonville Winter Open Kickoff Shatters Expectations With 1,064 Entries

    bestbet Jacksonville Winter Open Kickoff Shatters Expectations With 1,064 Entries

  • Phil Hellmuth Hits the Poker Tables With His Son in Vegas

    Phil Hellmuth Hits the Poker Tables With His Son in Vegas

    Phil Hellmuth isn’t just stacking chips—he’s making memories. Last week, the poker legend found himself in familiar territory at the PokerGO Studio in Las Vegas. But this time, the high-stakes action had a personal twist. His 34-year-old son, Phillip Hellmuth III, joined him for a series of tournaments, marking a special moment in their family history.

    A New Face in High-Stakes Poker

    While Phil Hellmuth has been a household name in poker for decades, his son has spent most of his career in banking. However, he’s been putting in serious hours at the tables lately—logging about 160 poker-playing days in the last 320, according to his father. That’s more than just a hobby.

    Phillip III entered three separate $5,000 buy-in events against some of the world’s top high rollers at Aria. It was a trial by fire, facing legends like Erik Seidel, Alex Foxen, and Jesse Lonis. The results? No cashes, but plenty of experience.

    “I staked Phillip for the three PokerGO studio tourneys,” Hellmuth Sr. shared. “I thought he would learn a lot, and he did.”

    Father-Son Moments at the Tables

    Poker has a way of bringing people together—or pitting them against each other. In one of the tournaments, the two Hellmuths found themselves seated at the same table.

    Phil Sr. couldn’t help but admire his son’s game. At one point, he praised a well-timed fold. But poker can be brutal, and in a twist of fate, both Hellmuths ended up busting out to the same opponent, John Riordan.

    That didn’t stop them from playing more. The duo later hit the Aria cash game tables for some $5-$10 no-limit hold’em action.

    • Phil shared a video of their earlier casino adventures, joking that he hoped cash games would be “a lot more profitable than blackjack and Ultimate Texas Hold’em.”
    • Later, he captured a heads-up hand where Phillip III took down a pot against his dad.

    Is Poker in Phillip’s Future?

    Phil Hellmuth’s career speaks for itself—17 WSOP bracelets and over $27.2 million in career earnings. But what about his son?

    For now, Phillip III isn’t a pro. His father made that clear. “He has many avenues open to him outside of poker,” Phil Sr. said. “But maybe by the next WSOP, he will be a pro.”

    It’s a familiar crossroads. When Phil was 34, he had already won six WSOP bracelets. He dropped out of the University of Wisconsin to chase his poker dreams, a move that ultimately made him one of the game’s most iconic figures.

    Could history repeat itself? Time will tell. But for now, Phil Sr. seems content just watching his son take on the game he loves.

    Hellmuth’s Own Poker Year Kicks Off

    While all eyes were on his son, Phil Hellmuth had a solid start to his own year. He secured his first tournament cash of 2024 with a 10th-place finish at the PokerGO Tour Kickoff Series, earning $14,400.

    He’s also been busy with business ventures, recently signing a poker ambassador deal with Rush Street Interactive. While he plays fewer tournaments these days, he remains a staple at the WSOP, where he still competes for bracelets every summer.

    In December, at the WSOP Paradise in the Bahamas, he cashed twice—finishing eighth in the $10,000 GGMillion$ Championship for $130,830 and min-cashing for $107,130 in the $50,000 Pot-Limit Omaha High Roller.

    Even after decades in poker, the fire still burns. And now, there’s another Hellmuth at the tables, learning the ropes.

  • Scott Stewart’s Bold Bluff Catcher Puts Him Neck-and-Neck with Eddie Pak in WPT World Championship

    Scott Stewart’s Bold Bluff Catcher Puts Him Neck-and-Neck with Eddie Pak in WPT World Championship

  • Italian Triumphs at Merit Poker Western Series Main Event in Cyprus

    Italian Triumphs at Merit Poker Western Series Main Event in Cyprus

  • Frankie C Joins Card Player: The Next Generation of Poker Stars

    Frankie C Joins Card Player: The Next Generation of Poker Stars

    Poker has long captivated audiences, from smoke-filled backrooms to the glittering stages of televised tournaments. But how can the game stay relevant and attract a new generation of players? Enter Frankie Cucchiara, better known as Frankie C—a high-stakes poker pro and content creator who’s shaking up the scene with his innovative approach.

    Frankie C isn’t just playing the game; he’s turning poker into a spectacle. With millions of followers consuming his engaging YouTube content, he’s proving that poker can capture the attention of those who might never have considered the game before.

    Frankie C: The Face of Modern Poker

    Frankie C’s journey into poker stardom isn’t a typical one. A native of Texas, he’s a professional poker player who has transformed his career into a multimedia venture. While excelling at the tables, Frankie also documents his jet-setting lifestyle, taking viewers along for the ride through his popular vlogs. From high-stakes tournaments to candid moments, Frankie’s authenticity has struck a chord with fans.

    Adding to his already impressive plate, Frankie has a new baby at home with his partner, fellow poker pro Kitty Kuo. On top of that, he’s learning Chinese—a testament to his relentless drive to grow both personally and professionally.

    “I want to make poker a spectacle,” he said, summing up his mission to reinvigorate the game for younger audiences. Through relatable storytelling and a focus on entertainment, Frankie is helping to change the perception of poker as a static game into something dynamic and thrilling.

    What Frankie Brings to Card Player

    Frankie C recently joined forces with Card Player Magazine, not only as a brand ambassador but also as a consultant. His goal? To help the long-standing publication pivot towards more video-based, engaging content that resonates with modern audiences.

    “The world is changing,” Frankie remarked. “Our attention spans are absolutely in the toilet. Card Player Magazine and I are teaming up to make some very fun content. It’s going to be more video-based, focusing on what’s happening in poker in the most fun and entertaining ways possible.”

    This partnership is a significant move for Card Player, which has been a staple of the poker community for decades. With Frankie’s innovative vision and Card Player’s established reputation, the collaboration is poised to bridge the gap between traditional poker enthusiasts and new players.

    The Power of Content Creation in Poker

    One of the ways Frankie is reaching younger players is by leveraging his skills as a filmmaker. His YouTube channel doesn’t just highlight poker strategy—it’s a full-fledged narrative that combines the drama of competition with glimpses into his personal life.

    Frankie’s content demonstrates how poker is more than a game; it’s a lifestyle. His jet-setting adventures, candid moments, and engaging storytelling showcase the excitement of the poker world in a way that resonates with a tech-savvy audience.

    Some key features of Frankie’s content include:

    • Relatable Narratives: Whether sharing the ups and downs of tournament play or offering a peek into his life as a new father, Frankie’s content feels genuine and personal.
    • Educational Value: His videos provide insights into poker strategy, making them a resource for aspiring players.
    • Entertainment Factor: By combining humour, drama, and high-stakes action, Frankie’s channel keeps viewers hooked.

    This approach has not only earned him a devoted following but also sparked conversations about how poker can adapt to a younger, content-driven audience.

    The Future of Poker’s Growth

    Frankie C’s efforts to “make poker a spectacle” come at a critical time. While the game remains popular, its growth among younger generations has slowed. Platforms like Twitch and YouTube are vital tools for reaching new audiences, and Frankie is at the forefront of using these channels effectively.

    His partnership with Card Player is part of a broader push to modernise poker’s image. By focusing on video content and storytelling, the collaboration seeks to position poker as an exciting, dynamic game for a global audience.

    A recent study highlighted that millennials and Gen Z are more likely to consume video content than any other media form. This trend underscores the importance of Frankie’s work, as he crafts videos that entertain, educate, and inspire a new wave of poker enthusiasts.

    Final Thoughts

    Frankie C is more than just a poker player; he’s a visionary who’s redefining how the game connects with people. His ability to blend high-level play with creative content has already made a significant impact, and his partnership with Card Player is set to amplify that influence.

    As poker continues to evolve, figures like Frankie will play a crucial role in shaping its future. By combining traditional gameplay with modern storytelling, he’s not just bringing poker to new audiences—he’s making it an experience they won’t forget.

  • Borgata Winter Poker Open Ends with a Rare Split as Neiman and Le Share the Spotlight

    Borgata Winter Poker Open Ends with a Rare Split as Neiman and Le Share the Spotlight

    The 2025 Borgata Winter Poker Open wrapped up its $3,500 buy-in no-limit hold’em championship event in dramatic fashion. Joseph Neiman and Nguyen Le made headlines, not just for their remarkable performances but for an uncommon co-championship outcome. In a surprising twist, both players walked away with trophies and big payouts after agreeing to a deal in the final moments.

    A Tale of Two Champions

    Poker tournaments often see deals struck among the final players, but rarely does the winner’s photo include two champions. This was the case when Neiman, a former World Amateur Backgammon Champion, and Le, a rising poker star, decided to split the remaining prize money. The duo negotiated a deal that left Le with the largest payday, $425,000, while Neiman claimed $406,791 and the official title of first-place finisher after winning the final all-in flip.

    Both players left with hardware to mark the occasion, with trophies from the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa and presenting sponsor BetMGM Poker.

    A High-Stakes Showdown

    The tournament drew 932 entries across two starting flights, surpassing its $2 million guarantee and creating a prize pool of $2,875,255. The top 119 finishers shared in the spoils, and the event culminated with six skilled contenders battling it out on the final day.

    Nguyen Le entered the last stretch as the chip leader, while Neiman started in third position. Salvatore Evola, the first to exit, earned a career-best $82,033 for sixth place after his A-Q couldn’t hold against Dorian Rios’ A-10.

    Rios later fell in fifth place for $105,691 when his A-J lost to Clemen Deng’s A-Q suited, despite briefly taking the lead on a jack-high flop. Deng maintained momentum, eliminating Philip Saracino (4th – $153,430) with pocket aces.

    Deng’s Fall Sets the Stage

    As play narrowed to three, Deng’s chip lead dwindled. His tournament ended in third place, earning $233,882, after his A♠7♣ couldn’t overcome Neiman’s A♣J♣. With that, the final duel began.

    Neiman started heads-up play with a significant chip advantage, but the balance shifted as both players traded leads. After intense back-and-forth action, they decided on a deal that would mark the end of the tournament in an extraordinary way.

    The Bigger Picture: POY Points and More

    While Le took the larger payout, Neiman earned 1,368 Player of the Year (POY) points, putting him at the top of the 2025 standings presented by Global Poker. Le sits just behind him with 1,340 points after adding 1,140 points from this event to his tally.

    Notable players also made deep runs, including Kitty Kuo (8th – $51,919), Ryan Depaulo (9th – $41,315), and Darren Elias (18th), among others. Their presence highlighted the calibre of the competition.

    Final Table Payouts and POY Points

    Here’s a breakdown of the final table results:

    Place Player Earnings POY Points
    1 Joseph Neiman $406,791 1,368
    2 Nguyen Le $425,000 1,140
    3 Clemen Deng $233,882 912
    4 Philip Saracino $153,430 684
    5 Dorian Rios $105,691 570
    6 Salvatore Evola $82,033 456
    7 Tom McNicholas $65,053 342
    8 Kitty Kuo $51,919 228
    9 Ryan Depaulo $41,315 114

    A Moment to Remember

    The unusual conclusion to this high-stakes poker tournament will undoubtedly go down in history. Both Neiman and Le showcased exceptional skill and sportsmanship, proving that poker is as much about strategy as it is about adaptability. For those in Atlantic City that week, it was a tournament to remember, not just for the payouts but for the way the game brought people together in an unexpected and thrilling way.

  • Jeremy Ausmus Wins PokerGO Tour $1,000,000 Championship and Player of the Year Honors

    Jeremy Ausmus Wins PokerGO Tour $1,000,000 Championship and Player of the Year Honors

  • Yunkyu Song Crowned Season 22 World Poker Tour Player of the Year

    Yunkyu Song Crowned Season 22 World Poker Tour Player of the Year

    Yunkyu Song has officially etched his name into poker history by becoming the Season 22 World Poker Tour (WPT) Player of the Year. His remarkable achievements in 2024, including five cashes, three final-table appearances, and one championship win, have solidified his place among the top poker talents on the global stage.

    A Year of Consistent Excellence

    The 25-year-old South Korean-born player, who grew up in Washington state, showcased an extraordinary mix of skill and determination throughout the season. Song’s most notable moment came in October when he secured his first major live circuit title at the WPT Prime Playground championship near Montreal. The victory earned him $164,251, a significant portion of his career earnings, which now stand at nearly $1.5 million.

    But that was only the tip of the iceberg for Song in 2024. His largest payout came just a month later at the WPT bestbet Scramble $5,000 buy-in main event. Song navigated through a competitive field of 361 entries, finishing as the runner-up and pocketing a career-high $252,059. Earlier in the year, he also claimed fourth place at the WPT Rolling Thunder main event in March, adding $105,000 to his winnings. These three events alone cemented his reputation as one of the brightest stars in the poker scene.

    A Close Race for POY Honors

    The race for the Player of the Year title wasn’t without competition. Song’s final tally of 2,275 POY points narrowly edged out Dylan Smith, who finished with 2,150 points. Smith also had a stellar season, highlighted by four cashes and two final-table appearances. His victory at the Seminole Rock ‘N’ Roll Poker main event in November—where Song also cashed—helped him stay within striking distance of the title.

    “It is amazing to see the ledger of Yunkyu’s accomplishments throughout the year, earning points in so many different events across North America,” said WPT CEO Adam Pliska. The recognition from Pliska underscores how Song’s diverse performances across tournaments exemplify the tenacity required to achieve the top honour.

    • WPT Prime Playground Championship: 1st place, $164,251
    • WPT bestbet Scramble: 2nd place, $252,059
    • WPT Rolling Thunder: 4th place, $105,000
    • Other Finishes:
      • 50th at WPT Prime Voyage
      • 145th at Seminole Rock ‘N’ Roll Poker

    Prizes for Excellence

    As part of his Player of the Year winnings, Song received $15,000 in WPT Passports, a reward that can be used for entry into future WPT events. Dylan Smith earned $10,000 for his runner-up performance, while Eric Afriat, a three-time WPT champion, took home $5,000 after finishing third in the standings with 1,750 points.

    For Song, the WPT POY title is both an accolade and a stepping stone. With the 2024 season wrapped up, his momentum is expected to carry into the upcoming season, where he will undoubtedly aim for even greater success.

    Looking Ahead to Season 23

    The WPT has announced that Season 23 will kick off in February after a break in January. The tour will resume in Cambodia, offering players new opportunities to shine. Key events include:

    • WPT Prime Cambodia ($1,100 buy-in): Feb. 14–18
    • WPT Cambodia Main Event ($3,500 buy-in): Feb. 19–24

    The fresh season promises to bring another wave of thrilling poker action, with top contenders like Song looking to defend their titles or set new records.

    More POY Winners Across the Poker Scene

    Yunkyu Song wasn’t the only player to celebrate a Player of the Year title in 2024. The Mid-States Poker Tour (MSPT) awarded its POY title to Umut Ozturk for the second consecutive year. Ozturk broke his own record with 19 cashes in a single season, a testament to his consistency and dedication.

    With 6,825 points, Ozturk dominated the MSPT standings, leaving 2022 POY winner Joshua Reichard in second place with 5,425 points from 12 cashes. Ozturk’s success came down to a remarkable finish, with two final tables in December securing his place at the top.

  • Brandon Wilson Secures Back-to-Back Wins at PGT Last Chance Series

    Brandon Wilson Secures Back-to-Back Wins at PGT Last Chance Series

    In a display of sheer skill and determination, Brandon Wilson has won two consecutive PokerGO Tour (PGT) Last Chance events, amassing nearly $600,000 in winnings in just two days. The Illinois native triumphed in back-to-back $10,100 buy-in tournaments at the PokerGO Studio in Las Vegas, solidifying his place as a force to be reckoned with in high-stakes poker.

    A Streak Worth Millions

    Wilson’s latest victories have pushed his career earnings past $3.9 million. With six high-stakes titles since August 2023, he is making waves in the poker world. His latest win came after topping 114 entries in Event No. 4, netting him $285,000. This followed his $297,500 victory in Event No. 3, which saw him overcome 119 competitors.

    The consecutive wins also catapulted Wilson to the top of the 2025 Player of the Year (POY) leaderboard. His $582,500 in POY earnings and 1,200 points are unmatched, setting the pace for the early part of the season.

    Final Table Drama: Event No. 4 Highlights

    Event No. 4’s final table was packed with intense action and dramatic eliminations. The field of 114 generated a prize pool of $1,140,000, with payouts distributed among the top 17 finishers. Only seven players advanced to Day 2, with Wilson leading the charge.

    • Stoyan Madanzhiev (7th, $45,600): The 2020 WSOP Online Main Event champion was the first to exit after losing a race with pocket fives to Sam Laskowitz’s suited A-6, which turned into a nut flush.
    • Sam Laskowitz (6th, $57,000): Laskowitz’s pocket jacks fell to Byron Kaverman’s pocket aces in a preflop clash. The hand also left Kristina Holst crippled, as she folded to the all-in action after committing most of her stack.
    • Kristina Holst (5th, $74,100): Despite an early double-up, Holst couldn’t recover after losing with A-10 to Kaverman’s K-7, with a king-high board sealing her fate.

    Intense Heads-Up Battle

    The heads-up showdown between Wilson and six-time bracelet winner Jeremy Ausmus was a nail-biter. A critical hand saw Wilson call a massive bluff by Ausmus on the river, leaving Ausmus with just a fraction of the chips. Wilson’s pocket tens held strong, and moments later, his 5♣3♣ outdrew Ausmus’ 6♦3♦ for the victory. Ausmus walked away with $176,700 for his runner-up finish.

    Dominance in Numbers

    Here’s a breakdown of the final table results, including earnings and leaderboard points:

    Place Player Earnings POY Points PGT Points
    1 Brandon Wilson $285,000 600 285
    2 Jeremy Ausmus $176,700 500 177
    3 Byron Kaverman $125,400 400 125
    4 Dylan Linde $96,900 300 97
    5 Kristina Holst $74,100 250 74
    6 Sam Laskowitz $57,000 200 57
    7 Stoyan Madanzhiev $45,600 150 46

    Wilson’s Place in Poker History

    With these victories, Wilson not only dominates the current series but also makes a strong case for himself in the high-stakes poker circuit. His consistent performances have earned him recognition and respect among the elite, and his ranking in the PGT leaderboard continues to rise.

    After securing 285 PGT points, Wilson now sits in 57th place on the season-long leaderboard. While he has ground to cover to challenge the top players, his recent form suggests he could be a contender.