Poker Player Yilong Wang Secures First Victory in $3K No-Limit Hold'em Event; Indian Kunal Patni Ends Up in 5th Place at the 2025 WSOP Tournament
In a nail-biting finale at the 2025 World Series of Poker (WSOP), China's Yilong Wang sealed a historic victory in Event #68: $3,000 No-Limit Hold’em, taking home his first-ever WSOP bracelet and a prize of $830,685.
Wang's journey to poker success began in 2011, during his university days in London, where he honed his skills in cash games. After years of persistent play, both online and live, Wang made a strategic shift towards tournament poker in 2017. His patience paid off at the 2025 WSOP, where he outlasted a field of 2,338 players to claim the coveted title.
The final table was marked by several significant moments. Ren Lin burst the bubble by eliminating Hamid Toghyan, while Kunal Patni and Paawan Bansal, two Indian players, made a stellar run to the final nine. However, it was Wang who stole the show with his remarkable comeback. Starting as one of the short stacks, he displayed strategic aggression and made well-timed value bets to mount a steady ascent.
Play slowed down significantly at the final table, but Wang's momentum continued. He outlasted Kunal Patni, who finished in 5th place for $224,833, and Paawan Bansal, who earned $77,760 for a 9th-place finish. The heads-up match against Israeli contender Ran Ilani proved to be the most challenging, with Ilani holding a nearly 2-to-1 chip advantage. However, Wang's resilience and tactical excellence shone through, as he overcame the deficit to secure the win.
Wang's victory more than doubled his career live earnings, bringing them to $1.58 million—a significant leap from his previous best live cash of $113,119. This win marks a turning point in Wang's career, and he hinted at possibly stepping back from professional play to start a new project in China. However, he plans to continue participating annually in the WSOP Main Event in Las Vegas.
India's Kunal Patki and Paawan Bansal's deep runs at the final table are a sign of India's rising prominence in poker, and their performances are a testament to the country's growing talent pool. Wang's journey from cash games in London to winning a WSOP bracelet is a story of persistence and gradual success, demonstrating that with dedication and skill, even the most improbable dreams can become a reality.
Sports and tournament poker witnessed a significant shift in China, as Yilong Wang, a former university student in London, claimed the $3,000 No-Limit Hold’em title at the 2025 World Series of Poker (WSOP). His victory, which came with an $830,685 prize and a WSOP bracelet, is a testament to the transformative power of persistence and dedication in sports.
