The World Poker Tour (WPT) recently crowned two champions in Las Vegas, both walking away with million-dollar paydays. Zak VanKeuren emerged victorious in the WPT Prime Championship after a stellar performance, dominating his opponents over seven hours of intense poker. The following night, Chase Bricker won the ClubWPTGold $5 Million Freeroll after winning his entry through a random drawing. This marked a historic moment as both players secured seven-figure winnings.
The WPT Prime Championship saw players battle it out from nine down to a winner, with Kevin Calenzo holding the chip lead. Former champion Justin Young was a major threat but was eliminated in ninth place after running into a cooler. VanKeuren’s masterclass in big-stack play propelled him to victory, eventually facing off against Jim Casement in the heads-up match. VanKeuren emerged victorious, winning a massive $1,162,350 and a seat at the 2025 WPT World Championship.
In the ClubWPTGold $5 Million Freeroll, 2000 Golden Passports were awarded, with 1,457 claimed. The final table featured notable players like Tyler Hancock and poker pros Patrick Eskandar and Daniyal Gheba. Chase Bricker, the eventual winner, had won his entry as a mystery bounty recipient. Gheba made a strong showing, eliminating several players before falling to Bricker in heads-up play. Bricker’s victory earned him $1,000,000, while runner-up Jason Christopher took home $250,000.
Both events showcased the excitement and competitiveness of high-stakes poker, with players from diverse backgrounds competing for life-changing prizes. The camaraderie among the final table players added to the overall experience, highlighting the shared journey of navigating through tough competition. With significant payouts and thrilling gameplay, the WPT events in Las Vegas were a testament to the skill and determination of the players involved.