In one of the most thrilling heads-up duels in recent World Series of Poker (WSOP) history, Blaz Zerjav has claimed his second WSOP bracelet of the summer, overcoming poker legend Huck Seed in a nail-biting finale. The win came in Event #69: $1,500 Seven Card Stud Hi-Lo 8 or Better, a coveted event that saw Zerjav deny Seed his fifth WSOP bracelet, marking a dramatic turn in Seed’s quest for his first title in over two decades.
The epic clash at the Horseshoe marked the end of an intense three-day battle, during which only 11 players returned to the table. The final day of play was nothing short of exhilarating, as frontrunners Jay Kerbel, Michelle Konig, and Sergei Tolkachov all made their exits, leaving the stage for an epic heads-up battle between Zerjav and Seed.
Zerjav’s Consistent Strategy Leads to Victory
Starting the day as one of the bigger stacks, Zerjav remained steady as his competition fell by the wayside. While Jay Kerbel began to as the chip leader on Day 3, his reign ended in fifth place, leaving a path for others to challenge for the top spots. Among the fallen was Michelle Konig, who had a golden opportunity to become the first female bracelet winner of the summer, but she ultimately bowed out in fourth place.
Sergei Tolkachov, who had briefly held the chip lead during three-handed play, also couldn’t clinch the win, becoming another casualty in the high-stakes game.
Huck Seed: The Quest for Number Five Falls Short
The story of this tournament wasn’t just about Zerjav’s triumph; it was about Huck Seed’s valiant attempt to capture his fifth WSOP bracelet, a feat that has eluded him since 2003. Seed, who made history by winning the 1996 WSOP Main Event, is a poker legend known for his impressive tournament success.
Seed was not to be underestimated, as he stormed back from near the bottom of the chip counts, gaining momentum as others dropped off. By the time play reached heads-up, it seemed like Seed was on the verge of completing his comeback, but it was Zerjav who kept his cool under pressure. The two battled for nearly two hours in what can only be described as a poker slugfest, with Seed at one point holding a commanding chip lead. However, Zerjav’s resilience came through, and after a tense back-and-forth, he regained control to secure the win.
A Battle of Experience vs. Determination
In the aftermath of his win, Blaz Zerjav expressed his respect for Huck Seed’s experience, acknowledging that Seed’s hand-reading skills were superior to his own. “It was kind of obvious that he has more experience than I, a lot more,” Zerjav said. “His hand-reading ability is much better than mine in this game. It was a challenge, but I think I navigated it well.”
For Zerjav, a player known in the online poker world by his moniker Scarmak3r, this win felt even more rewarding than his first. The 2025 summer series had already seen him secure his first bracelet in Event #22: $25,000 NLH High Roller, but this victory in a mixed game was the icing on the cake. “It’s more thrilling than the first one,” Zerjav reflected. “I felt this one immediately – the first one took a few days.”
Final Table Results: Event #69 – $1,500 Seven Card Stud Hi-Lo 8 or Better
The final table results of Event #69 were as follows:
- Blaz Zerjav – $153,487
- Huck Seed – $102,281
- Sergei Tolkachov – $70,071
- Michelle Konig – $48,931
- Jay Kerbel – $34,842
- Denis Strebkov – $25,307
- David Lin – $18,758
- Michal Frejka – $14,195
- Aaron Lugibihl – $10,971
A Tale of Two Generations
This event showcased two generations of poker players. On one side, you had Huck Seed, an established legend, and on the other, the rising star Blaz Zerjav, who is rapidly cementing his place as one of poker’s brightest talents. Zerjav’s win over Seed also speaks volumes about the new era of players, who, thanks to platforms like PokerStars, hone their skills in mixed games through countless hours of online play.
The poker world is always full of surprises, and the incredible level of competition shown by both players has only heightened anticipation for the next WSOP events. Will Huck Seed finally capture his fifth bracelet, or will new blood like Zerjav continue to reign supreme?
Also Read: Aaron Cummings Makes History with Back-to-Back Win in WSOP $1,500 2-7 Triple Draw
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Who is Blaz Zerjav?
Blaz Zerjav is a rising star in the poker world, best known for his impressive performance at the 2025 WSOP, where he claimed his second bracelet in Event #69. An experienced online player, Zerjav is known for his success in mixed games. - What is Seven Card Stud Hi-Lo 8 or Better?
Seven Card Stud Hi-Lo 8 or Better is a variant of Seven Card Stud, where the pot is split between the highest hand and the lowest hand, provided the low hand meets specific criteria. It’s a challenging game requiring a different strategy than traditional stud. - Why is Huck Seed’s fifth bracelet so significant?
Huck Seed’s pursuit of his fifth WSOP bracelet was highly anticipated as it would mark his return to form, with his last win dating back to 2003. A fifth bracelet would cement his legacy as one of the all-time greats in poker history. - How did Blaz Zerjav prepare for the 2025 WSOP?
Zerjav honed his skills through online poker platforms, particularly during the Spring Championship of Online Poker (SCOOP) and the World Championship of Online Poker (WCOOP). His success comes from a combination of experience and dedicated practice. - When is the next WSOP event?
The World Series of Poker is an ongoing series with multiple events throughout the summer. You can follow all updates, schedules, and live reporting from the WSOP official website for details on upcoming events.
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Picture Courtesy: WSOP
