WSOP Weekly Recap: Schulman, Koon, and Baker Secure Coveted Bracelets
Inside This Week’s World Series of Poker Highlights
As the World Series of Poker heads into its third week at Horseshoe and Paris Las Vegas, the tournament has seen some of the biggest names in the game reinforce their legacies. Nick Schulman, Jason Koon, and David “ODB” Baker each captured new WSOP bracelets in standout performances, while both established veterans and emerging stars continue to shape the narrative of this prestigious event.
This round-up covers:
– Nick Schulman’s latest title and his strategy for winning high-stakes events
– Jason Koon’s emphatic $50,000 High Roller victory and its impact on his career
– David Baker’s fourth bracelet and his enduring passion for poker
– Highlights from other impressive winners at the series
– Poker community reactions and expert insights
– A look ahead at the upcoming key WSOP events
Nick Schulman Clinches Seventh Career Bracelet in No-Limit 2-7 Lowball Draw
Nick Schulman has become a dominant force at the WSOP in recent years, adding a remarkable seventh bracelet to his collection by winning the $10,000 No-Limit 2-7 Lowball Draw Championship. Schulman claimed $497,356 in prize money after navigating a field of 233 entries and a grueling heads-up battle that lasted nearly eight hours against Darren Elias, one of poker’s most respected players yet to win a bracelet himself.
“First of all, Darren Elias who I was heads-up with is probably the toughest no-limit deuce player I’ve ever faced,” Schulman said after his victory. “It’s a little emotional because I was content to lose to him—he deserved it—but it feels amazing. I’m a little bit overwhelmed with this one.”
Schulman’s expertise in deuce-to-seven lowball is unquestioned—he has now won this particular event three times (2009, 2012, 2025). The New York native and PokerGO broadcaster now holds $23.8 million in career live tournament earnings and stands shoulder-to-shoulder on the all-time bracelet list alongside legends such as Benny Glaser, Billy Baxter, Daniel Negreanu, John Hennigan, Men Nguyen, and Scott Seiver.
Jason Koon and David ‘ODB’ Baker Add to Their WSOP Legacy
Several other household names made strong statements last week. Jason Koon, representing West Virginia, captured the prestigious $50,000 High Roller title and collected close to $2 million in winnings. He outlasted top professionals such as Andrew Lichtenberger, who finished in second place with $1.3 million.
“I’ve dedicated my entire life to being very good at this game,” Koon reflected after his win. “You’re playing against people with decades of experience. Somehow, we’re still here, playing the biggest games and winning. It’s an amazing feeling.”
Meanwhile, David “ODB” Baker earned his fourth bracelet by winning the $5,000 Seniors High Roller, emerging victorious and earning $646,845. Baker maintained a commanding chip lead in the final stages and secured the win, adding another accolade to his extensive poker resume.
Reflecting on his journey through the game and the meaning behind each bracelet, Baker shared:
“All my bracelets have their own story. The first one, I beat an old friend—finally got the monkey off my back. The second came after my LAPC win, and growing up as a Limit Hold’em player made that one extra meaningful. My third was special after rebounding from a painful loss in the same event years earlier. This latest win is still about the bracelet, but also about the money—$650,000 is significant.”
Additional Standouts: Racener, Sternheimer, and Online Surges
The week’s action brought several more notable victories:
– John Racener seized his third WSOP bracelet in the $1,500 No-Limit Hold’em Super Turbo Bounty, collecting $247,595 and solidifying his status as a tournament closer.
– Ian Johns dominated the $10,000 Limit Hold’em Championship, achieving his fourth bracelet and earning $282,455. Johns, who previously won this event in 2016, credited his years of experience both online and live for his enduring success.
“The satisfaction of getting it done after so many years is fantastic. I was obsessed with Limit Hold’em starting at 18, and it’s great to see that work pay off,” Johns said.
– England’s Philip Sternheimer celebrated his first career WSOP bracelet after topping the $10,000 Pot Limit Omaha Hi‑Lo Championship for $763,087. The high emotion of his victory was widely shared on social media.
– Online, Jonathan Little finally claimed his inaugural WSOP bracelet in a $1,000 No Limit Hold’em event, winning $90,663. Little, a two-time WPT champion, called it the result of perseverance after many deep runs.
Viktor Blom: Online Icon Closing in on Breakthrough WSOP Bracelet
Viktor “Isildur1” Blom is widely known for his fearless online play and willingness to battle in the world’s largest poker pots. Starting with just $2,000 on Full Tilt Poker in 2008, Blom built his bankroll into millions and became legendary for his high-stakes duels.
While Blom has amassed nearly $3 million in WSOP cashes, a bracelet has remained elusive—though 2025 is shaping up to be his closest attempt yet. He finished runner-up to Ian Johns in this year’s $10,000 Limit Hold’em Championship for $282,455, and also made final tables with a sixth-place in the $50,000 High Roller ($348,068) and a fourth in the $10,000 Omaha Hi-Lo Championship ($152,315). As of the latest update, Blom was again a finalist in the $10,000 Big O Championship and is well-positioned to finally claim WSOP gold.
Upcoming Tournaments: What’s Next at the WSOP
As the WSOP rolls on, several marquee events are set to capture the spotlight in the coming week. Here’s what players and fans can look forward to:
| Event | Date | Format |
|---|---|---|
| Event 53: Millionaire Maker No-Limit Hold’em | June 18 | $1,500 Buy-In |
| Event 55: H.O.R.S.E. Championship | June 18 | $10,000 Buy-In |
| Event 57: High Roller Pot-Limit Omaha | June 20 | $50,000 Buy-In |
| Event 59: Battle of the Ages | June 22 | $1,000 Buy-In |
| Event 64: Super Seniors | June 24 | $1,000 Buy-In |
| Event 66: Poker Players Championship | June 24 | $50,000 Buy-In |
Poker fans can follow all the drama and learn how to catch live action in the official viewing guide for the 2025 WSOP.
Conclusion: Experience, Strategy, and Determination Shine at the Series
The 2025 World Series of Poker has already delivered unforgettable stories and milestone achievements. With elite players like Nick Schulman, Jason Koon, and David Baker adding to their iconic resumes—and online legends like Viktor Blom making historic runs—the event continues to inspire the poker world. As more bracelets await their champions in the days ahead, the blend of skill, passion, and perseverance on display elevates the game for professionals and fans alike.
Title Image Credit: Poker Go
