WSOP Day 11: Jeff Madsen's Milestone Triumph and the Foxen Showdown

Jeff Madsen Ends 11-Year Wait

The resolution came in one of the series' most challenging events, as the final 10 players from an original field of 656 entries battled for the Dealers Choice title.

Although American Philip Wess entered the final day with a commanding stack holding a third of all chips in play, he eventually bowed to the immense expertise of the poker veteran.

The final showdown for the title lasted about 30 minutes, with the decision unfolding in the less traditional Pot-Limit Double Draw High format. Wess went all-in with a flush draw against Madsen's pair of queens. As Madsen completed a set, the last card left Wess's flush unfinished, landing him in second place. Jeff Madsen's stellar final table performance secured him a prize of $161,057 and his fifth gold bracelet.

Madsen's triumph is especially sweet, marking the 20th anniversary of his debut in high-stakes poker when, in 2006, he became the youngest Player of the Year in WSOP history at the time.

“I feel like I've played my best poker in the last ten years. It's an emotional moment for me, and I still feel like I'm dreaming,” Madsen admitted, breaking an 11-year bracelet drought.

He also shared his ambitions, openly discussing his motivation to reclaim the prestigious PoY title: “Winning Player of the Year twenty years after the first one would be crazy and exceptional in some way. Why not? Let's go for it!”

Event #20 Results: $1,500 Dealers Choice

Foxen vs. Foxen in the $25K High Roller

The prestigious $25K High Roller saw a dramatic fight for Day 3 spots. After late registration closed, the total entries settled at 345, creating a massive prize pool of $8,107,500.

After Day 2, only 22 elite players remain, led with a significant lead by Israel's Barak Wisbrod.

The day also featured the tense yet popular moment of the money bubble bursting, proving unlucky for David Coleman. He exited in 53rd place (the last without a payout), running into Jesse Lonis's aces.

An extraordinary focus was on the family showdown at one table where Alex and Kristen Foxen were momentarily seated together. While Alex was eliminated just shy of the money, Kristen delivered a commanding performance, placing her in the top six.

Continuing the battle for a gold bracelet and the $1,773,083 top prize are other poker stars like Joey Weissman, Jesse Lonis, Nick Schulman, Zdenek Zizka, and Brian Rast, who must fight for survival from 21st place at the start of Day 3.

Top 10 Stacks After Day 2 – Event #19: $25,000 High Roller No-Limit Hold'em

Arieh Aims for Gold

The second day of the gripping PLO Hi-Lo event saw the player field drastically narrowed down. Out of the original 1,093 entries, only 13 players remain, vying for the gold bracelet and top prize of $235,377. Leading the pack is Canadian Frederic Normand, closely followed by German contender Tobias Hausen.

One of the most watched players in the final day is undoubtedly Josh Arieh, who previously won the prestigious $10K PLO Hi-Lo Championship in 2021, now within reach of his eighth WSOP title.

However, the road to victory won't be easy, with other bracelet holders like Ryan Hoenig, Michael Rodrigues, Ryan Hansen, and Dennis Weiss still in the mix.

Meanwhile, legends such as Benny Glaser, Eli Elezra, Robert Mizrachi, and Anthony Zinno had to bid farewell to the tournament just short of the finale.

Event #21 Standings: $1,500 Pot-Limit Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better

Recently Crowned Champion Kihara Keeps Momentum

The day kicked off with one of the most anticipated events for classic poker enthusiasts – the Seven Card Stud Championship. The $10,000 buy-in tournament attracted 97 players on the first day, guaranteeing top-quality play from an elite field. As late registration remains open until the start of Day 2, final entry numbers and the prize pool are yet to be confirmed.

By the end of Day 1, 47 players remained, with Japan’s Naoya Kihara leading the charge. Kihara is showcasing incredible form, having just hours before won his second career bracelet in the 2-7 Lowball Championship, and now securing the chiplead in another prestigious event.

The Stud Championship consistently draws the biggest names in poker history, evidenced by the list of those advancing. Icons like Eli Elezra, Jennifer Harman, and the Mizrachi brothers, Robert and Michael, are through to Day 2.

On the flip side, the opening day was a disappointment for several favorites. Stars like Daniel Negreanu, Shaun Deeb, Chance Kornuth, and Todd Brunson had to exit earlier than expected, halting their march toward the title.

Top 10 Stacks After Day 1 – Event #23: $10,000 Seven Card Stud Championship

Relentless Grind in the Monster Stack

The massive Event #18: $1,500 Monster Stack experienced its highest influx during the third starting flight 1c, which saw 2,896 entries. After ten levels of play, 1,002 players bagged chips, with Swiss Sandro Carucci leading the pack. The total registrations have already surpassed 6,600 entries, and the prize pool is nearing the $10 million mark.

Parallel with flight 1c, the second branch of Day 2 – Day 2b took place, where only 126 players survived a grueling day. American Jason Funke emerged as the chipleader. Other notables advancing include seasoned Belgian pro Kenny Hallaert, Jason Daly, and Stephen Song.

Holley's Dominant Start in Big O

The popular Event #22: $1,500 Big O (Five Card P Hi-Lo 8 or Better) confirmed high interest in this format, drawing 995 entries. At the end of Day 1a, 133 players secured their stacks, already assured of a payout. The current prize pool exceeds $1.3 million, and a substantial increase is expected after the second starting flight 1b.

American John Holley built a commanding lead. With solid chips, Viktor Blom remains in the top ten, still seeking his first bracelet.

Sources: WSOP, WSOP Live, X