In a stunning finish at the 2025 World Series of Poker (WSOP), Moshe Gavrieli claimed his first-ever gold bracelet in the $3,000 Limit Hold’em (6-Handed) event, denying Scott Bohlman his second bracelet of the summer. Gavrieli’s disciplined play and composure helped him secure the $200,303 top prize, marking a life-changing achievement for the house painter from Oakland, California.
A Dream Come True for Gavrieli
The final table of the $3,000 Limit Hold’em event saw 343 entries and a prize pool of $915,810. Despite entering the final day near the bottom of the chip counts, Gavrieli pulled off a remarkable comeback. He outlasted a challenging field of competitors, including Bohlman, who was in pursuit of his second WSOP bracelet of the year.
“I’m very excited. It’s a dream come true,” said Gavrieli after his win. “I feel I was just dominating him. I had it almost every time, except once when I bluffed and he caught me. But 99% of the time, I had real hands.”
Gavrieli credited his strategy and card distribution for the victory. Despite the win’s significance, he remained grounded, focusing on the journey ahead.
“Poker is my hobby, my sport, my competition,” he shared. “I just wanted to prove something, and now I did. This means everything to me.”
From House Painter to WSOP Champion
Gavrieli’s rise to poker fame came later in life. A house painter by trade, he began playing poker in his mid-30s in casual home games with friends.
“Shout out to my Israeli buddies,” he said. “We’ve been playing home games together for years. They’re my best friends, and they know me better than anyone. This win is for them, too.”
The idea of winning a WSOP bracelet seemed distant for Gavrieli until this tournament. “I never dreamed I’d win a bracelet,” he laughed. “I came out for five days just to play this tournament. I don’t even have a hotel or a flight home right now!”
While his poker career may remain a hobby, Gavrieli is clear about his future. “I’m a house painter. I’ve got a job, a girlfriend, and employees. I’ll come out here maybe once or twice a year to play, but that’s it. I’m going back to work,” he said. Despite this, Gavrieli recognized the importance of his victory. “This is the pinnacle of my poker career,” he added.
The Final Day Surge
Gavrieli’s path to victory was anything but easy. After starting the final day near the bottom of the chip counts, he played a patient, disciplined game. He avoided major confrontations with the bigger stacks early on and patiently built his chips.
A key turning point came when Gavrieli picked up pocket aces against Nicholas Tsoukalas’ queen-ten during four-handed play. Tsoukalas moved all-in on the turn, and Gavrieli made a quick call, ultimately winning the pot. That hand gave him a massive chip lead, and from there, Gavrieli never looked back.
A Dominant Heads-Up Performance
In the heads-up battle with Bohlman, who was aiming for his second bracelet of the summer, Gavrieli continued to press his advantage. With his chip lead, he applied constant pressure on Bohlman, forcing him into tough decisions. Though Bohlman fought valiantly, Gavrieli’s control of the game never wavered.
Bohlman, who had been an early favorite, struggled to shift the momentum, and in the end, Gavrieli’s consistent aggression and sharp decision-making sealed his victory.
$3,000 Limit Hold’em Final Table Results
- Moshe Gavrieli (United States) – $200,303
- Scott Bohlman (United States) – $129,183
- Ian Pelz (United States) – $85,431
- Nicholas Tsoukalas (United States) – $57,963
- Simeon Tsonev (Bulgaria) – $40,374
- Kerry Welsh (United States) – $28,893
- Andrew Bradshaw (United Kingdom) – $21,258
A Humble Champion
Moshe Gavrieli’s victory is a true underdog story. A man who started playing poker casually with friends now stands as a WSOP champion. His victory is a testament to perseverance, skill, and an undeniable love for the game.
“I’m just a house painter,” Gavrieli said. “But today, I’m a WSOP champion. This is the best feeling.”
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FAQs
- Who won the $3,000 Limit Hold’em event at the 2025 WSOP?
Moshe Gavrieli won the $3,000 Limit Hold’em (6-Handed) event at the 2025 WSOP, earning his first WSOP gold bracelet and a top prize of $200,303.
- How did Moshe Gavrieli manage his final-day comeback?
Gavrieli started the final day near the bottom of the chip count but played a disciplined, patient game, avoiding significant confrontations early and building his stack steadily. A key turning point came when he won a massive pot with pocket aces, giving him the chip lead.
- What does Moshe Gavrieli do for a living?
Gavrieli is a house painter from Oakland, California. Despite his victory, he plans to return to his day job and play poker as a hobby, competing in major events only once or twice a year.
