Kristopher Tong Snaps His First Bracelet Drought at 2025 WSOP H.O.R.S.E. Championship

After years of heartbreak and soul-crushing near misses, Kristopher Tong finally gets to shout “Ship it!”—loud and proud. His win in Event #55: $10,000 H.O.R.S.E. Championship at the 2025 WSOP wasn’t just about scooping $452,689 or adding a shiny bracelet to his wrist. It was a full-circle moment, the kind that gives you goosebumps.

With tears in his eyes and cards in his favor, the long-time grinder conquered a field of 207 crushers, ending a decade-long search for poker gold.

A Long Time Coming… And Totally Worth the Wait

Kristopher Tong has been flirting with WSOP greatness for over 10 years. He was the classic “almost-guy”—runner-up in 2013, final table warrior in 2023, always in the mix but never at the finish line, until now.

“I’ve been through a lot, especially this past year with my family,” Tong shared in a heartfelt post-win interview. “But that pain turned into power, and now this bracelet means more than just gold—it’s growth.”

The Numbers Behind the Drama

The $10,000 H.O.R.S.E. Championship drew 207 entries, generating a prize pool of nearly $2 million. Thirty-two players made the money, with top names like Huck Seed, Todd Brunson, and John Hennigan all cashing but falling short of the final table.

Day 3 ended with just four players remaining. Kristopher Tong bagged a massive chip lead—7.145 million in chips—more than double his closest competitor. The table was stacked: five of the eight finalists had multiple WSOP bracelets, and their combined total was an astonishing 21.

Final Table Fireworks: A Test of Endurance and Skill

The final table was a tactical battlefield. Tong faced off against poker powerhouses including Jason Mercier, Brad Ruben, and Maximilian Schindler. After surviving multiple all-ins and tricky mixed-game spots, Tong held his ground.

Heads-up against Schindler was a marathon match that showcased pure mental fortitude. Schindler initially built a 2-to-1 chip lead, but Tong clawed back with some inspired play—none more so than a jaw-dropping ace-high hero call that flipped the momentum for good.

The final hand came in Seven Card Stud Eight-or-Better. Tong made a straight, while Schindler could only muster two pairs. The bracelet was finally Kristopher Tong’s.

Event #55 Final Table Payouts

1. Kristopher Tong – $452,689
2. Maximilian Schindler – $301,786
3. Brad Ruben – $206,747
4. Jason Mercier – $144,965
5. Marco Johnson – $104,089
6. Alex Livingston – $76,581
7. Scott Seiver – $57,766
8. Walter Chambers – $44,703

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the H.O.R.S.E. Championship at WSOP?
H.O.R.S.E. is a mixed-game format featuring five poker variants: Hold’em, Omaha Hi-Lo, Razz, Seven Card Stud, and Eight-or-Better. It’s one of the most prestigious events due to its complexity and the need for a wide range of skills.

2. How many players entered Event #55?
A total of 207 entries were recorded, generating a prize pool of $1,925,100.

3. How many times has Kristopher Tong cashed at the WSOP?
This was Tong’s first bracelet win, but he has multiple prior WSOP cashes, including a runner-up finish in 2013 and a deep run in 2023.