Day 40 at the 2025 WSOP

The poker world’s most prestigious tournament series reached a pivotal moment on Day 40 of the 2025 World Series of Poker at the Horseshoe and Paris Las Vegas. While the massive $10,000 Main Event continued to dominate the tournament floor, several compelling storylines emerged across multiple events, including a hard-fought bracelet victory and positioning for poker history.

Gorodinsky Conquers the Mixed Games Mountain

The day’s lone bracelet winner was Mike Gorodinsky, who emerged victorious in Event #82: $10,000 Eight Game Mixed Championship after an unscheduled fourth day of play. The mixed games specialist demonstrated his versatility across eight different poker variants in this demanding format.

Gorodinsky’s victory in the mixed games event adds another significant accomplishment to his tournament resume. The event required an additional day to complete the heads-up finale, testament to the determined play from both finalists who battled through the grueling mixed game rotation.

Main Event Reaches Massive Proportions

The centerpiece of Day 40 was undoubtedly the conclusion of Day 1d in the Main Event, the final starting flight for poker’s most coveted tournament. The numbers tell an impressive story of growth and participation that continues to elevate the World Series of Poker’s flagship event.

Day 1d attracted 4,997 entries, bringing the total field to a staggering 8,694 players. This massive turnout generated a prize pool of $80,854,200, with late registration still open for the early stages of Day 2. The tournament’s growth trajectory reflects the continued global appeal of the Main Event and the dreams it represents for poker players worldwide.

Riva Arthur emerged as the Day 1d chip leader, accumulating 401,200 chips through five levels of play. Her stack of 502 big blinds positions her well as the tournament progresses into Day 2. Arthur’s performance exemplifies the aggressive, skilled play required to build a meaningful stack in the Main Event’s early stages.

The day saw its share of notable eliminations, including poker legend Phil Ivey, whose tournament ended when his two pair was outdrawn on the turn by Joseph Cheong. Ivey’s early exit demonstrates the variance inherent in tournament poker, where even the game’s greatest players can face elimination despite making correct decisions.

However, numerous accomplished players successfully navigated Day 1d to advance. Nick Pupillo bagged 263,500 chips, while Greg Mueller secured his Day 2 seat with 226,500. Two-time 2025 WSOP bracelet winner Blaz Zerjav continued his stellar series with 156,800 chips, and PokerStars founder Isai Scheinberg accumulated 115,000 chips.

Defending champion Jonathan Tamayo survived with 103,700 chips, keeping alive his hopes of becoming the first player to successfully defend a Main Event title since Johnny Chan accomplished the feat in 1987-1988. Other former champions advancing included Huck Seed (77,100), Joe McKeehen (64,600), and Ryan Riess (17,900).

Deeb Positioned for Poker History

Perhaps the most compelling storyline entering the day’s conclusion involves Shaun Deeb, who finds himself three spots away from his eighth WSOP bracelet in Event #84: $1,000 No-Limit Hold’em. Deeb’s substantial chip lead of 21,200,000 positions him favorably to make poker history while simultaneously extending his lead in the Player of the Year rankings.

The significance of Deeb’s position cannot be overstated. An eighth bracelet would place him among the most successful players in WSOP history, while his second bracelet of the series would further cement his dominance in the 2025 Player of the Year race. Currently leading Martin Kabrhel in the POY standings, Deeb’s deep run ensures he’ll maintain his advantage regardless of the final outcome.

Deeb holds more than 21,200,000 chips, with second-place Zdenek Zizka holding 12,500,000 chips. Jeffrey Thoney rounds out the final three with 3,800,000 chips. The 1,873-entry field generated a prize pool of $1,648,240, representing a notable increase from the previous year’s $1,253,120.

Freezeout Final Four Set

Event #83: $2,500 Freezeout No-Limit Hold’em reached its final four players, creating an intriguing conclusion to what began as a 25-player Day 2 field. The freezeout format eliminates rebuys and re-entries throughout the tournament.

Breno Drumond emerged as the chip leader with 18,500,000, holding a significant advantage over his three remaining opponents. Preston McEwen sits in second place with 12,700,000 chips, while accomplished high-stakes player Cary Katz holds 8,500,000 chips in third place. Jaehoon Baek rounds out the final table with 5,800,000 chips.

The freezeout format creates unique dynamics at the final table, as players cannot rebuy their way back into contention after elimination.

The Road Forward

Day 40 exemplified the World Series of Poker’s ability to create compelling narratives across multiple events simultaneously. From Gorodinsky’s mixed games mastery to Deeb’s pursuit of poker history, the day showcased the diverse skills and storylines that make the WSOP the premier poker tournament series.

The Main Event’s massive field size continues to demonstrate poker’s global appeal, while the various side events provide opportunities for specialists to showcase their skills in different formats. The freezeout structure offers a pure tournament experience, while the mixed games championship celebrates poker’s rich tradition across multiple variants.

As the series progresses, these storylines will continue to evolve, creating the dramatic moments and historic achievements that define the World Series of Poker. The combination of established champions, emerging talents, and massive prize pools ensures that each day brings new opportunities for poker greatness.

The convergence of skill, strategy, and fortune that defines tournament poker was on full display during Day 40, setting the stage for the dramatic conclusions and historic moments that lie ahead in the 2025 World Series of Poker.

TO YOUR SEAT!