The 2025 World Series of Poker (WSOP) is once again offering drama and excitement, and the latest turn of events came on Day 2 of the $250,000 Super High Roller event. With poker pros like Daniel Negreanu, Martin Kabrhel, Phil Ivey, and Jason Koon competing for a spot at the final table, the tournament was filled with high stakes and unforgettable moments.
Let’s dive into how Day 2 unfolded, highlighting the significant action and key players, including the bubble burst, dramatic bluffs, and the players who will return for the showdown.
Kabrhel Steals the Spotlight on Day 2
Martin Kabrhel, the Czech poker professional, took center stage during Day 2. Known for his talkative and engaging style, Kabrhel was both a chip leader and the center of attention as the day went on. As he stacked up chips, he made a name for himself not only by playing hands aggressively but also by attempting to direct the event’s live stream, moving cameras, and checking monitors. His commanding presence at the table was undeniable, as he captivated fans and fellow players alike.
However, despite his initial dominance, Kabrhel’s run hit a snag when David Peters, with a brilliant bluff, eliminated him from the stone bubble. The tension increased as the tournament reached its pivotal moment, with only 11 players remaining and the money bubble looming.
The Bubble: Negreanu and Peters Face Off
With the bubble bursting and the remaining players fighting for a coveted spot on the final table, the action heated up. One of the most notable hands involved Kabrhel, Negreanu, and Peters. In a high-stakes confrontation, Peters managed to outplay Kabrhel with a masterful bluff. While Negreanu managed to avoid the worst, he was ultimately eliminated in ninth place, just shy of the final table.
Kabrhel, after losing that crucial hand, was pushed to the second-shortest stack. Despite this setback, he remains a threat as the tournament heads into its final stages.
The Final Table Set-Up
As the tournament reached its final moments on Day 2, several notable players were eliminated, including Adrian Mateos, Phil Ivey, and Jason Koon. The field was reduced to just eight survivors, each hoping to claim the top prize of $4.7 million.
The final table chip counts are as follows:
- Thomas Boivin – 28,025,000 chips
- Ben Tollerene – 15,450,000 chips
- Alex Foxen – 14,525,000 chips
- Seth Davies – 10,500,000 chips
- Bryn Kenney – 9,925,000 chips
- David Peters – 9,650,000 chips
- Martin Kabrhel – 3,675,000 chips
- Chris Brewer – 2,725,000 chips
Key Players to Watch:
- Thomas Boivin: The current chip leader, Boivin, enters the final table with a commanding lead and the momentum to secure victory.
- Ben Tollerene & Alex Foxen: Both experienced players will be looking to make deep runs and capitalize on their solid chip positions.
- Martin Kabrhel: Despite being one of the short stacks, Kabrhel’s aggressive and unpredictable play style makes him a dangerous competitor.
- Chris Brewer: Starting with the second-shortest stack, Brewer will need to make some moves to stay in contention.
Negreanu Falls Short: A Ninth-Place Finish
Daniel Negreanu, a seven-time WSOP bracelet winner and one of the most recognizable names in the poker world, saw his tournament run end on Day 2 in ninth place. After a slow and steady grind, Negreanu found himself with an average chip stack and battling fatigue. He was unable to make the necessary moves to secure a spot at the final table, and he ultimately fell short. Despite his exit, Negreanu’s performance throughout the tournament is still commendable, but his fans will have to wait for the next big event for another shot at a bracelet.
Kabrhel’s Bluff: A Turning Point
One of the most talked-about moments of Day 2 was a huge bluff by David Peters against Martin Kabrhel. With both players facing off at the stone bubble, Kabrhel had a decent hand but was outplayed by Peters’ aggressive move. Peters’ bluff sent Kabrhel tumbling down the chip counts, leaving him with only a fraction of his former stack.
The turning point proved to be a nail-biting moment, as the tension around the table escalated, and the remaining players fought for survival. Kabrhel’s reaction was telling – he silently folded his hands, but the damage had been done. He will need a comeback on Day 3 to remain in contention for the top prize.
What’s Next for the Final 8?
With the final table now set, the remaining players will return for Day 3, hoping to seize the $4.7 million first-place prize. The poker world will be watching closely as each player fights for glory, and the drama continues to unfold at the WSOP.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much is the first-place prize for the $250,000 Super High Roller?
The winner will take home a hefty $4.7 million.
2. What is a “stone bubble” in poker?
The “stone bubble” refers to the point in the tournament where there is only one player left to be eliminated before the remaining players earn a payout.
3. Who is the current chip leader?
Thomas Boivin is the chip leader heading into the final table with 28,025,000 chips.
4. What is the strategy for short stacks like Kabrhel going into Day 3?
Short stacks often need to take risks and play aggressively, looking for opportunities to double up or steal blinds to stay alive.
5. What did Daniel Negreanu say after his elimination?
Negreanu, while disappointed, has always shown resilience and focus on improving for future tournaments, and fans expect to see him back at future events.
