Online Poker in May 2025: Top Winners, Major Events, and Expert Tips

Overview: Growth and Excitement in Online Poker

Online poker in 2025 is thriving like never before, featuring a diverse array of tournaments and an expanding, energetic player base. New and longstanding events continually draw both professional and recreational players, while technological advances connect global communities and enhance game experiences. This comprehensive review explores May 2025’s biggest winners, the most notable tournament action, and strategic advice straight from today’s poker icons.

Record Player Pools and Multi-State Poker Markets

May 2025 marked a milestone for U.S. online poker, largely due to Pennsylvania’s recent integration into the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA). This move unites players from Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Michigan into combined player pools, significantly boosting both participation and prize funds.

Justin Vaysman from Pennsylvania was among those who benefited, cashing in at the final table of a $1,000 Six Figure Sunday event during the May Millions series. The opportunity to compete against a wider field and for larger prizes was evident in his success.

Michael Bohmerwald of New Jersey also made headlines with a second-place finish in the $2,500 super high roller, scoring $34,632, followed swiftly by another live runner-up finish at Parx Casino for $57,662. Bohmerwald, a veteran with more than $2 million in career winnings, reflected on the impact of the merged market.

Bohmerwald summed up the advantages and challenges posed by the market changes:

– Larger and more dynamic player pools.
– Higher prize guarantees.
– More frequent satellite tournaments, particularly leading into major events like the WSOP.
– Longer tournament schedules, potentially tough for recreational players with day jobs.

A recent series of deep runs in online and live tournaments solidified his reputation as a formidable competitor with a strong presence both virtually and at the felt.

Unique Prizes & Unexpected Wins: Stories from the Virtual Felt

Tournaments this spring delivered more than just monetary rewards. New Jersey streamer Anthony “EataHoagie” Cicali triumphed in a BetMGM March Mayhem event for $1,700, but the real treat was a cleverly curated box of branded swag. The package featured a customized basketball jersey, a signature cap, a satchel, a keychain, and a water bottle, making the victory memorable beyond the prize payout.

Standouts from the Spring Championship of Online Poker (SCOOP)

The Spring Championship of Online Poker (SCOOP) continued to spotlight the biggest names in online poker, with players collecting impressive titles and substantial winnings across North America and worldwide.

Noteworthy achievements from May 2025 include:

– Simon “C. Darwin2” Mattsson clinched his record-setting 12th SCOOP title (third in 2025), strengthening his standing as one of the event’s all-time greats. His résumé boasts $1.9 million in live tournament earnings and a massive $2.8 million win from GGPoker’s 2022 WSOP Online main event.
– Ole Schemion took the $1,000 Deuce to Seven Triple Draw title for $16,418, marking his 10th SCOOP championship. With over $10 million in live earnings, Schemion’s dominance stretches across formats and continents.
– Denis Strebkov also entered the ten-title club, earning his landmark win in the $530 HORSE six-max and tacking on another victory in a $55 Deuce to Seven event.

Twitch, Community, and the Road from Fan to Champion

The influence of live streaming platforms continued to make waves within the poker world in May 2025. The Irish Poker Open provided a shining example, turning casual viewers into contenders.

Irish player Bernard “Benny” Norris started as a spectator, following PokerStars ambassador Ben “Spraggy” Spragg’s Twitch sessions during his recovery from an accident. Inspired, Norris eventually took to the tables himself and parlayed a win in a one-cent tournament into a $2,500 package to the Irish Poker Open—a testament to the community-driven opportunities now pervasive in online poker.

Pro Poker Insights: Strategic Tips from Daniel Negreanu & Phil Hellmuth

Top poker professionals often share invaluable advice on social media, offering guidance to those looking to sharpen their skills.

Daniel Negreanu, a seven-time WSOP bracelet winner, emphasized the art of deception in poker. He highlighted the power of unpredictable bet sizing as well as the value of mixing up one’s table presence—sometimes acting strong with a weak hand and vice versa, echoing the game’s psychological depth.

Phil Hellmuth provided viewers with a detailed breakdown of his “biggest bluff ever,” involving a high-stakes hand against tech billionaire Stanley Tang and Chamath Palihapitiya. The hand underlined not only the nerve required for timely bluffs but also the risks involved. Hellmuth’s takeaways encourage players to sometimes veer from their instincts, especially when the consequences are high and the table dynamic demands bold moves.

Get Started with Free Online Poker Today

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Conclusion: The Ever-Evolving Online Poker Scene

Online poker in May 2025 stands as a testament to the game’s ongoing evolution. From record-setting prize pools and fan-driven community stories to expert tactical advice, the digital felt remains a thrilling and inclusive arena for players of all levels. Whether you’re inspired by this month’s big winners or eager to try your hand risk-free, the opportunities in online poker have never been more accessible or rewarding.