- Leo Margets becomes the first female player ever to secure a seven-figure payday from the WSOP Main Event.
- She becomes the first woman in 30 years to reach the WSOP Main Event final table.
- Kenny Hallaert returns to the final table with strong chip position and ambassador credentials.
- The final table includes amateurs and legends, showcasing poker’s evolving diversity.
- Sponsors Winamax and PokerStars gain positive visibility amid recent industry controversies.
Leo Margets has made poker history by becoming only the second woman ever to reach the final table of the 2025 WSOP Main Event. The Winamax ambassador’s achievement marks the first time a woman has reached the final nine in three decades, since Hall of Famer Barbara Enright finished 5th in 1995.
With the ninth-place finisher guaranteed at least $1 million, Margets becomes the first female player ever to secure a seven-figure payday from the WSOP Main Event. The Barcelona native enters the final table in 5th position with 33 big blinds, putting her in strong contention for poker’s most prestigious title.
Margets brings impressive credentials to the final table. She already holds a WSOP bracelet from winning the $1500 Closer in 2021 and captured an EPT title in Monte Carlo’s €1100 Women’s event the same year. Her live tournament earnings exceed $2 million, placing her 16th on Spain’s all-time money list and 25th globally among female players.
The 2025 Main Event run will easily become her largest career score, regardless of her final placement. Her previous best cash pales in comparison to the guaranteed $1 million minimum payout.
Kenny Hallaert returns to familiar territory with healthy chip stack
Joining Margets at the final table is Kenny Hallaert, the PokerStars ambassador and live events advisor who finds himself in remarkably familiar territory. The Belgian pro enters the final table in 4th position with 50 big blinds, marking his second WSOP Main Event final table appearance.
Hallaert’s previous final table experience came in 2016 when he finished 6th for $1.46 million as part of the November Nine format. His journey to that final table and subsequent ambassador role with PokerStars in 2024 positioned him perfectly for this return performance.
The tournament director turned player brings nearly $6 million in live earnings to the table, ranking third on Belgium’s all-time money list. His online success is equally impressive, with almost $7 million in winnings on PokerStars under the screen name SpaceyFCB, including three SCOOP titles.
Hallaert’s dual role as both brand ambassador and live events advisor makes his final table appearance particularly valuable for PokerStars’ marketing efforts. His experience and professional approach to the game exemplify the qualities poker rooms seek in their representatives.
Chip leader and contenders round out star-studded final table
Amateur player John Wasnock from Washington enters as chip leader, bringing an underdog story to poker’s biggest stage. Close behind sits one of the game’s legends, Michael “The Grinder” Mizrachi, who already claimed the $50,000 Players Championship bracelet earlier this series.
Mizrachi’s presence adds significant star power to the final table. Ranked 69th on the all-time money list with $19 million in earnings, he represents the establishment guard against the mix of ambassadors and newcomers.
The final table composition reflects modern poker’s diverse landscape. Online poker giants Winamax and PokerStars benefit from prominent representation through their ambassadors, while amateur players like Wasnock prove that poker’s biggest stage remains accessible to all skill levels.
The timing couldn’t be better for both sponsors. Following the Millionaire Maker scandal earlier in the series and PokerStars’ successful free streaming partnership with PokerGO, having ambassadors at the Main Event final table provides positive exposure for both brands.
Players take a scheduled rest day Monday before reconvening Tuesday, July 15th. The champion will be crowned by Thursday, July 16th, with all eyes on whether Margets can complete her historic run or if Hallaert can improve on his previous sixth-place finish.
