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WSOP Main Event (2025): An In-depth Review of Day 8 by Aytan Eldarova

Analyzing key moments from Day 8 of the Main Event, featuring insights from expert strategist Aytan Eldarova.

Day 8 Analysis of WSOP Main Event by Aytan Eldarova (2025)
Day 8 Analysis of WSOP Main Event by Aytan Eldarova (2025)

WSOP Main Event (2025): An In-depth Review of Day 8 by Aytan Eldarova

In a thrilling conclusion to the 2025 World Series of Poker (WSOP) $10,000 No-Limit Hold’em Main Event, Michael Mizrachi of the United States emerged as the champion, capturing the prestigious diamond-encrusted bracelet and a top prize of $10,000,000. John Wasnock, also from the United States, finished in second place, earning $6,000,000.

The final table, held on Day 8, featured a diverse international field, with Braxton Dunaway (USA, $4,000,000), Kenny Hallaert (Belgium, $3,000,000), Luka Bojovic (Serbia, $2,400,000), Adam Hendrix (USA, $1,900,000), Leo Margets (Spain, $1,500,000), Jarod Minghini (USA, $1,250,000), and Daehyung Lee (South Korea, $1,000,000) rounding out the final nine.

One key moment from the final table stood out in Mizrachi’s post-victory comments. In a hand that Mizrachi described as "crazy," he found himself in a precarious situation. "I thought he had the ace of clubs, then I thought he was drawing dead. And then they said, no, no, he has two pair. I didn’t even realize that," Mizrachi said, highlighting the high-pressure atmosphere and the emotional rollercoaster of the final table battle.

The hand in question involved Wasnock, who held A♦Q♦, and Mizrachi, who shoved all-in with A♠J♦. The board ran out 3♦10♦A♣ (8♥), giving top pair to both players, but Wasnock's stronger kicker and flush draw potential proved decisive.

Another noteworthy moment came when Kenny Hallaert checked back on the flop (8♠8♦K♦) and the turn (2♣) with pocket sixes, only to make a bet of 1.5M on the turn. This play exemplified the risks of non-all-in 3-bets vs short stack shoves when deeper stacks remained behind, as well as the power of ICM-aware re-shoves from big stacks punishing capped ranges.

The 2025 WSOP Main Event drew a massive field of 9,735 players, making Mizrachi's triumph all the more impressive. This victory marks another major achievement for the veteran poker pro, solidifying his legacy in WSOP history.

In the high-pressure atmosphere of the final table, sports strategy played a crucial role, as seen in Michael Mizrachi's close call with John Wasnock, where a hand of poker could have determined the outcome. Kenny Hallaert's check-back of his pocket sixes on the flop and turn, followed by a 1.5M bet on the turn, showcased the intricacies and risks involved in non-all-in 3-bets versus short stack shoves when deeper stacks remained.

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