Poker Player Yilong Wang Claims First Title in $3K No-Limit Hold'em Event at 2025 World Series of Poker; Indian Kunal Patni Ends in 5th Place
In the 2025 World Series of Poker (WSOP), a significant event unfolded as Yilong Wang clinched victory in Event #68: the $3,000 No Limit Hold'em tournament, securing his first-ever WSOP gold bracelet and a substantial payday of $830,685[1][4].
The final table saw a strong showing from Indian poker players, with Kunal Patni and Paawan Bansal reaching the final nine. Patni made a commendable run, eventually finishing in 5th place for $224,833, while Bansal finished 9th for $77,760[1][2].
The final hand of the tournament saw Wang against Israeli contender Ran Ilani, who had led much of the final table but ultimately finished second with a career-best payout of $553,692. Wang's winning hand was a set, which held despite some turn and river cards that offered possible chop outs[1].
Wang's victory was particularly impressive given that he started the final table with a short stack. He mounted a steady comeback during heads-up play, eventually overcoming Ilani[1]. The journey from cash game grinder to WSOP champion is not fully documented, but Wang's success in such a major tournament after rallying from a short stack speaks volumes of his strategic skill and resilience[1][4].
The final table was marked by a long stretch without eliminations, and Wang's win came when he spiked a six on the river to make a winning hand[1]. Other notable departures included Fabrizio Gonzalez in 7th place, Ren Lin in 3rd place, and a quick succession of eliminations for Seunghyun Nam, Patki, and Kolev[1].
Wang's poker journey began in 2011 while he was studying in London[1]. His win at the 2025 WSOP stands as a testament to his perseverance and skill, transitioning successfully from cash game grind to tournament glory on poker's biggest stage[1][4].
| Aspect | Details | |----------------------------|-------------------------------------------------| | Event won | 2025 WSOP Event #68: $3,000 No Limit Hold'em | | Prize money | $830,685 | | Significance | First WSOP bracelet, major career milestone | | Final opponent | Ran Ilani (2nd place, $553,692) | | Style of win | Comeback from short stack to first place | | Indian players at final table| Kunal Patni (5th place, $224,833) | | Paawan Bansal (9th place, $77,760) | | Notable departures | Fabrizio Gonzalez (7th place), Ren Lin (3rd place), Seunghyun Nam, Patki, Kolev | | Starting point | 2011, while studying in London |
[1] Source: PokerNews [4] Source: WSOP.com
After the extended period without eliminations, Yilong Wang's win in the 2025 WSOP Event #68: $3,000 No Limit Hold'em tournament was a surprising turn of events. Kunal Patni and Paawan Bansal, both Indian poker players, made it to the final nine, with Patni finishing in a commendable 5th place and Bansal in 9th.
