Brazil Seizes WSOP Tag Team Gold: “We Play Poker for This Moment”

Brazil’s Poker Dream Realized in High-Energy WSOP Tag Team Showdown

In a dazzling display of camaraderie, grit, and raw poker skill, Brazil’s Kelvin Kerber and Peter Patricio have captured gold in the $1,000 WSOP Tag Team event, outlasting a staggering 1,373 teams to seize the coveted bracelet and a top prize of $184,780. This win wasn’t just about cards—it was about heart, celebration, and a thunderous rail that turned the Horseshoe into a cauldron of energy and national pride.

Also Read: WSOP Investigates Controversial Millionaire Maker Final

A Poker Party with High Stakes

The WSOP Tag Team event is one of the most unique and beloved tournaments in the World Series of Poker. It’s built on team play, where each duo registers together and must each play at least one round of blinds—no breaks, no timeouts—only seamless synergy and strategic tagging.

This year’s field was a vibrant mix of poker pros, married couples, best friends, and even some dressed for a costume party. However, the atmosphere, while festive, had serious undertones: $1.2 million was at stake. Two hundred seventy-six teams made Day 2. By Day 3, the atmosphere had shifted from playful to fiercely competitive.

Early Favorites Fall

Poker royalty, such as 2009 Main Event winner Joe Cada and his partner, Alan Merdita, were among the earliest casualties on Day 3. Crowd favorites Jamie Kerstetter and Corey Paggeot also exited in 23rd, falling short of a hoped-for redemption after finishing second in 2022. But one of the most emotional stories came from the team of Alan Keating and Cody Daniels.

Daniels, who is battling a terminal illness, was staked by Keating to play the 2024 Main Event, and this year returned to partner with him in the Tag Team. Their fairytale run ended painfully when pocket tens cracked Daniels’ pocket jacks.

“This is the only event I’m playing this summer,” Daniels shared. “We had it on the calendar for a long time, and I’m just happy I made it.”

Heroic Run by Kristy Moreno

Another near-miracle came from Kristy Moreno, who found herself flying solo for most of the tournament after her partner, Andrew Moreno, was unable to contribute due to personal circumstances. She fought valiantly, nearly dragging the team to the final table single-handedly, eventually finishing 12th. Poker is often a solo grind, but this event showcased what it means to lean on—or become—the whole team.

The Final Table: Brazil vs. France, Rails vs. Rails

Once the final nine teams were set, the tone shifted from focus to fireworks. The loudest and proudest? Team Kerber (Brazil) and Team Boujmala (France). Their supporters transformed the Horseshoe into a soccer-style arena, exchanging chants, cheers, and warnings with tournament staff. Eventually, WSOP officials had to relocate the feature table due to the intense atmosphere and its proximity to the $50K Poker Players Championship. Four teams remained. Two departed. And just like that, it was Brazil vs. France for the title.

The Final Hand: Brazil Clinches Victory

With a 2-to-1 chip advantage, Brazil’s Kerber went all-in on a queen-high board holding two pair. France’s Mahmouki called with a top-notch offer, but it wasn’t enough. The rail erupted as Brazil seized the title. Kerber, who had previously finished fourth in a quiet 2023 turbo final, described the contrast vividly.

“This was the full experience. The big rail. The big stage. We play poker for this moment.” His teammate Patricio echoed the sentiment: “It was fantastic. We’ve waited for this our whole lives.”

Final Table Results

FAQs

1. What is the WSOP Tag Team event?
The Tag Team event allows two players to register as a team. Each must play at least one round of blinds. No breaks are given—players must tag in between hands.

2. How many teams competed in 2025?
A total of 1,373 teams entered the event this year, generating a prize pool of $1,208,240.

3. Who won the 2025 WSOP Tag Team bracelet?
Brazilian duo Kelvin Kerber and Peter Patricio won, earning $184,780 and the bracelet.

4. Is this event popular with casual players?
Yes! The relaxed structure and team format make it a hit with both recreational players and poker influencers.

5. Can teams have more than two players?
In previous years, three or even four players per team were allowed, but in 2025, only two-player teams were permitted.

Follow Pokerbol – Your go-to source for everything poker. Get breaking updates, player stories, and tournament coverage delivered to your feed.

Picture Courtesy: WSOP