Xiaosheng Zheng Remains Calm to Triumph in $2,200 IPO Challenge
In an exciting turn of events at the Merit Poker Dolce Vita Series, Xiaosheng Zheng, a player from China, clinched the top prize of $225,000 in the prestigious $2,200 IPO Master tournament held at the Crystal Cove Hotel and Casino.
Zheng's journey to victory was marked by strategic plays and precision, as he outplayed his opponents throughout the tournament. One of his most notable moments came in the fifth place showdown against Joan Crespi from Spain, where he called Crespi's small blind shove with ace-king and held against nine-six to secure a crucial knockout.
Gerard Carbo Santamaria, a player from Spain, staged a remarkable comeback despite being in a critical chip situation with just two big blinds. Santamaria doubled up twice in quick succession to recover his stack and reached heads-up play with a shot at the title. However, it was Zheng who emerged victorious in the final hand, calling Santamaria's button shove with ace-jack suited and winning when a flop delivered both an ace and a jack.
The tournament, which had a prize pool of $1,343,200, also saw notable performances from Khalil Jabra from Lebanon, who finished in sixth place and earned $45,500, and Mahmut Sanli from Turkey, who finished in third place and earned $100,600.
The event, which had a $1 million guarantee, paid out the first prize of $225,000 to the winner. The final 15 players were active on July 31, 2025, with Mahmut Sanli leading into the final stages.
The prize payouts for top places were: 1st: $225,000 2nd: $150,000 (Gerard Carbo Santamaria, Spain) 3rd: $100,600 (Mahmut Sanli, Turkey) 4th: $74,000 (Damir Zhugralin, Kazakhstan) 5th: $58,000 (Joan Crespi, Spain) 6th: $45,500 (Khalil Jabra, Lebanon) 7th: $36,500 8th: $29,500 9th: $23,500 10th-12th: $18,500 13th-15th: $14,500
A total of 730 players entered the tournament. For more comprehensive player profiles and complete official final table placements, consulting the official Merit Poker or PokerNews 2025 Dolce Vita Series coverage would be recommended.
Zheng, the tournament winner, maintained a patient and composed approach at the final table, demonstrating his mastery of the game and securing his place as a formidable competitor in the world of poker.
Sports news outlets are abuzz with the latest big win at the Crystal Cove Hotel and Casino, where Xiaosheng Zheng won the prestigious $2,200 IPO Master tournament at the Merit Poker Dolce Vita Series in a nail-biting finale against Gerard Carbo Santamaria. Meanwhile, in the world of casinos, but outside the poker scene, one can start their day by checking the latest lucky winner's report or follow football match updates.
