Slovenian online sensation Blaz Zerjav conquered a world-class field of 336 entries to capture his first WSOP bracelet and a career-best payday of $1,734,717.
Poker Royalty Gathers in Vegas – Event #22 Recap
The 2025 World Series of Poker has already seen its fair share of incredible moments, but Event #22: $25,000 6-Handed No-Limit Hold’em High Roller raised the stakes with elite talent, fierce showdowns, and a narrative-rich finale. Held under the dazzling lights of the Horseshoe Events Center, this high-stakes poker showdown attracted top players from around the globe, all chasing the glory of a gold bracelet and a share of the $7,840,000 prize pool.
In the end, it was Slovenia’s Blaz Zerjav, a 28-year-old online tournament star, who triumphed over the field — and more impressively, over UK legend Chris Moorman in a dramatic heads-up battle.
Final Table Payouts – $7.8M Prize Pool Split Amongst the Elite
| Place | Player | Country | Prize | Approx. INR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Blaz Zerjav | Slovenia | $1,734,717 | ₹14.47 Crore |
| 2 | Chris Moorman | United Kingdom | $1,129,608 | ₹9.42 Crore |
| 3 | Jared Bleznick | United States | $752,737 | ₹6.27 Crore |
| 4 | Landon Tice | United States | $513,577 | ₹4.28 Crore |
| 5 | Paulius Vaitiekunas | Lithuania | $358,973 | ₹2.99 Crore |
| 6 | Aram Oganyan | United States | $257,201 | ₹2.14 Crore |
The Journey to Victory: Day 3 Highlights
From Fifteen to One – The Final Push
Fifteen players returned on Day 3, each guaranteed over $87,000, but it was clear from the outset that every player was eyeing the title. Early exits included heavyweights David Peters, Kristen Foxen, and Galen Hall, leaving the field wide open for rising stars to shine.
Moorman’s Momentum – The Man to Beat
Chris Moorman, one of the most successful online tournament players in poker history, came into the day as a dominant force. He gained steam after a pivotal five-bet pot against Fabian Gumz and knocked out several key opponents, including Mustapha Kanit and Daniel Sepiol, to build an imposing chip lead.
Blaz Emerges
Zerjav, known more for his online prowess than live accolades, kept pace with the bigger stacks, playing steady, disciplined poker. A critical flip against Aram Oganyan — where Zerjav flopped four queens — propelled him to the final table with momentum on his side.
Final Table Breakdown: Talent, Tension, and Turnarounds
Oganyan Falls First
Despite a couple of double-ups, Aram Oganyan couldn’t escape the danger zone. He was eliminated in sixth place by Zerjav in a coin-flip scenario.
Vaitiekunas Gets Coolered
Lithuanian pro Paulius Vaitiekunas started strong but got rivered in a key hand by Jared Bleznick. Later, Moorman finished the job, flopping two pair to knock him out in fifth.
Tice Denied a Breakthrough
Landon Tice, one of the youngest players at the table, ran into Bleznick’s flush after getting it in with a strong ace. He exited in fourth, earning a career-best score but falling short of the bracelet.
Bleznick’s Brutal Exit
Bleznick looked poised for a deep run, but disaster struck in a massive three-bet pot against Moorman. Holding pocket kings, Bleznick got it all in only to see Moorman turn the nut straight, eliminating him in third and setting the stage for an epic heads-up.
Heads-Up Showdown: Zerjav vs Moorman
Underdog Mentality
Entering heads-up play, Zerjav trailed significantly in chips. Moorman — already a two-time bracelet winner — looked set to claim his third. But poker is a game of momentum and mental strength, and Zerjav held his nerve.
He doubled up early with pocket sevens vs Moorman’s sixes, and followed it up with a massive win holding ace-queen suited against Moorman’s pocket nines.
Seizing the Moment
From there, Zerjav never looked back. Despite Moorman’s best efforts, the tide had turned. In the final hand, Moorman’s ace-jack couldn’t overcome Zerjav’s ace-king. With that, Zerjav sealed the win, embraced by friends and fans alike.
From Virtual Star to Live Legend – Who is Blaz Zerjav?
Blaz Zerjav might be a new name to many live poker fans, but he’s long been a feared force online. His WSOP journey started back in 2019, but this $25K High Roller win marks a defining moment in his career — not just because of the seven-figure payday, but because of the composure and skill he displayed on poker’s grandest stage.
Off the felt, Zerjav is known for his analytical mind and his calm demeanor — qualities that served him perfectly throughout the intense Day 3 grind. Now 28, he has a bracelet, millions in earnings, and a promising future on the live poker scene.
Chris Moorman: So Close to Bracelet #3
For Chris Moorman, this runner-up finish will sting, but it also adds to his already legendary resume. A former WPT champion and author of “Moorman’s Book of Poker,” Moorman is one of the most respected minds in the game.
While he missed out on his third WSOP bracelet, Moorman’s deep run only reinforces his status as one of poker’s true all-time greats.
Final Thoughts
The $25,000 6-Handed High Roller showcased everything that makes the World Series of Poker so special — fierce competition, emotional storylines, and life-changing moments. Blaz Zerjav’s breakout victory marks the arrival of a new star on the international poker scene and reminds the poker world that dreams do come true when preparation meets opportunity.
As the 2025 WSOP rolls on, PokerBol will continue to bring you in-depth coverage, key highlights, and the latest updates from Las Vegas — the heart of global poker action.
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Source:
Original reporting and event details are from PokerNews, article titled “Blaz Zerjav Wins Maiden WSOP Bracelet in $25,000 6-Handed High Roller” by Adam Lamers, published on June 7, 2025.
PC Austin Currington and Rachel Kay Winters
