The 2025 BetMGM Championship, part of the Aria Poker Classic, reached its unforgettable climax with a wild comeback by Nguyen Le, who turned a one-chip nightmare into an epic victory, securing the $777,777 first-place prize in the most significant poker event in its history.
With a record-breaking prize pool of $5,929,600 and an astonishing 1,853 entries, this year’s event marked a turning point for both Aria and BetMGM, exceeding all expectations and cementing the Championship’s place as a poker mainstay.
From the Brink of Elimination to Victory
The road to the final table was anything but smooth for Le, who entered Day 3 with a massive chip deficit. With just one big blind left and 11 players remaining, Le was practically out of the tournament. However, he refused to go down without a fight.
“When I was back to one chip, I just thought, I’ve got to do what I need to do — try to ladder and survive,” said Le, reflecting on his improbable comeback. “I didn’t think I could make it that far. But I just kept doubling. Kept thinking of rivers. Three hours ago, I was barely alive, and now I feel great.”
Le’s journey from desperation to dominance was a testament to his resilience, quick thinking, and ability to seize every opportunity. He steadily climbed back, first stealing blinds, then doubling up, and eventually accumulating 25 big blinds. A massive river jam against Andrew Moreno and a set on the river against Hassan El Hakim pushed his stack higher, setting him up for a chip lead at the final table.
The Final Table and the Deal
The final table was a fast-paced affair, with the first three eliminations coming in just 15 minutes. Lars Kamphues, Michael Rossitto, and Aleksandras Rusinovas were all knocked out, with each player walking away with a respectable prize — $153,280 for Kamphues, $200,065 for Rossitto, and $248,510 for Rusinovas.
As play slowed, El Hakim fell in fourth place for $320,198. With just three players left, Nguyen Le, Asish Ghosh, and Yaniv Peretz paused the action to discuss a potential deal. They agreed to an ICM chop, guaranteeing a solid payout for all, but leaving $45,000 and the trophy to be contested.
After Peretz was eliminated in third for $590,348, the final heads-up battle between Le and Ghosh was set. The two players were almost even in chips, but after a series of intense exchanges, the match came down to one pivotal moment. Ghosh, holding only king-high, attempted a bluff on the river, but Le held top pair and read the situation perfectly. His decisive call was the turning point, and Ghosh’s bluff failed. Le’s win was secured, and he was crowned the 2025 BetMGM Champion.
A Champion’s Reflection
This victory was more than just a prize — it was a statement. Le had already tasted success earlier in the year, having won the Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship for $425,000. But this win at the BetMGM Championship felt different.
“You’ve got to be lucky to get this far, especially from fields like this, with over 1,800 people. But it feels amazing,” said Le, reflecting on his win.
Looking ahead, Le didn’t seem ready to rest on his laurels just yet. “My friend is coming into town tomorrow for the Main, so maybe we’ll do a little dinner celebration,” he teased. “Or maybe I’ll just rest and watch the fireworks.”
Final Table Results
- Nguyen Le – $777,777*
- Asish Ghosh – $752,282*
- Yaniv Peretz – $590,348*
- Hassan El Hakim – $320,198
- Aleksandras Rusinovas – $248,510
- Michael Rossitto – $200,065
- Lars Kamphues – $153,280
- Nicholas Schuler – $123,098
- Joe Serock – $97,245
A Landmark Event for BetMGM and Aria
The 2025 BetMGM Championship was a defining moment for both BetMGM and Aria, not only in terms of the record-breaking prize pool but also in its ability to attract top talent and offer an exhilarating poker spectacle. What started as a modest event four years ago with a $1,000,000 prize pool has now become a premier fixture in the poker calendar.
As the poker world continues to evolve, tournaments like the BetMGM Championship prove that the game is in a golden era. With new champions like Nguyen Le emerging, the excitement and stakes in the world of poker are higher than ever.
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FAQ
Q1: What was the prize pool for the 2025 BetMGM Championship?
The prize pool for the 2025 BetMGM Championship totalled a record-setting $5,929,600.
Q2: How many players entered the 2025 BetMGM Championship?
The event attracted 1,853 entries across two starting flights.
Q3: How much did Nguyen Le win?
Nguyen Le won the $777,777 first-place prize after an incredible comeback.
Q4: Did the final table players make a deal?
Yes, the final three players — Nguyen Le, Asish Ghosh, and Yaniv Peretz — agreed to an ICM chop, with $45,000 and the trophy still up for grabs.
Q5: What happened to Asish Ghosh at the final table?
Asish Ghosh was the last player eliminated in heads-up play, taking home $752,282 for second place.
Image Courtesy: POKER ORG
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