Poker Star Ian Simpson Clinches Second Major Title of 2025
888poker ambassador Ian Simpson has made history. He is the first player to win both an 888poker LIVE Main Event and an 888poker UK Poker League (UKPL) Main Event title. Simpson’s victory at the UKPL Newcastle Main Event adds to his achievements. It marks his second major title of 2025.
Simpson’s Victory in the UKPL Newcastle Main Event
The £560 UKPL Newcastle Main Event attracted a highly competitive field of 344 players, all vying for a slice of the £163,400 prize pool. Simpson emerged victorious, taking home £34,800 and further solidifying his place among the poker elite. This triumph follows his stunning €888 buy-in win at the 888poker LIVE Madrid Main Event in January, where he secured €62,000. With these wins combined, Simpson’s total live tournament earnings now surpass $1.5 million.
A Battling Champion: Health Struggles and Poker Glory
Despite battling a mild virus or food poisoning during the tournament, Simpson showed remarkable resilience. In a candid Facebook post, he admitted that luck was on his side. He mentioned needing “at least three three-outers” to stay in the tournament. Also, he
thanked his supporters and competitors. He especially praised Sinead Davenport and Thomas Clack, who finished on the podium. He also acknowledged the struggles others face outside the poker table.
The Final Table: Intense Action and Thrilling Eliminations
Simpson’s road to victory was paved with intense moments and dramatic eliminations. The final table saw a series of high-stakes confrontations, beginning with Thomas Baggaley’s early exit. Baggaley, holding king-nine, was eliminated by George Wyatt’s ace-king. Alex Rizvi, the National Poker League (NPL) leader, also made it to the final table but was knocked out after his pocket tens ran into Ali Ahmed’s pocket kings.
Simpson’s key moments included eliminating Thomas Clack with pocket aces, propelling him into the heads-up match against Sinead Davenport. Simpson entered the heads-up phase with a strong three-to-one chip lead, a gap that proved too difficult for Davenport to overcome.
The Final Hand: A Heroic Comeback and Victory for Simpson
The heads-up battle reached an exciting climax. Davenport pushed all-in with ace-eight of clubs. Simpson called with ace-queen. Davenport hit an eight on the flop. However, Simpson had 14 outs to win. The river card delivered a deuce of spades, completing Simpson’s straight. Davenport finished in second place with £25,910. Simpson claimed the £34,800 first-place prize. This marked his second 888poker title of 2025.
Side Event Victories and Other Notable Results
In addition to the Main Event action, the UKPL Newcastle also featured several exciting side events. Alex Rizvi, fresh off his deep run in the Main Event, captured two side event titles, including the £220 KO Rumble and the £150 PLO 4/5/6 Card. Other noteworthy victories included Simon Cameron, who won the £250 Opening Voyage for £13,060, and Spain’s Adria Dalmau, who took home the £1,100 High Roller title for £17,120.
Looking Ahead: Can Simpson Complete a Remarkable Hat-Trick?
The excitement doesn’t stop with the UKPL Newcastle. The 888poker LIVE calendar continues to offer thrilling poker action, with the next 888poker UKPL event set for Reading at the Grosvenor G Casino from May 27 to June 1. But before that, between May 8 and 18, the 888poker LIVE tour heads to Barcelona, where a €888 buy-in Main Event is expected to draw some of the best names in the game.
Could Ian Simpson complete a remarkable hat-trick of titles in Barcelona? The poker world will be watching closely to find out.
