WSOP Paradise Super Main Event Shatters Prize Pool Record at $72.275M

The 2025 World Series of Poker Paradise Super Main Event has made poker history, with a record-breaking prize pool of $72.275 million eclipsing the $60 million guarantee. The final field of 2,891 players, drawn from around the globe, marked this event as the largest in the tournament's history outside of the Las Vegas WSOP Main Event. The prize pool ranks among the top eight in poker history and is the largest for any non-Vegas event.

The tournament's Day 2b brought the second money bubble of the event, lasting nearly two hours before two players were eliminated simultaneously according to reports. Robert Cowen and Aylar Lie shared the 202nd-place finish for $25,000 each, ending the day with 528 players remaining. The remaining field will combine with the 108 survivors from Day 2a for Day 3 on December 16.

Jean-Noel Thorel of France emerged as the chip leader heading into Day 3, with 20,950,000 chips (105 big blinds). Thorel's lead was closely followed by a trio of American bracelet winners: Faraz Jaka, Jesse Lonis, and Chad Eveslage. The top five chip counts collectively reflected a highly competitive field with multiple players in strong positions.

Controversial Hand and Notable Players

A controversial hand on Day 2b saw James Caputo's hand ruled dead in a pivotal moment, despite holding a nut flush. Caputo, who finished the day in 175th place, was left fuming as Ryan Depaulo and Andre Moreira both benefited from the ruling. The hand marked one of the most talked-about moments of the day and added a layer of drama to the event.

Daniel Negreanu, another notable player, earned $55,000 for finishing in 134th place. The poker legend faced off against fellow bracelet holders Benny Glaser and Jean-Robert Bellande at a "fun table" before being eliminated. Meanwhile, Hila Klein, who spent much of her day on one of the streamed tables, was busted by Bellande before the dinner break.

Record Prize Pool and Tournament Structure

The prize pool of $72.275 million was surpassed when registration closed on Day 2b, making this the largest single-tournament prize pool in the history of poker outside of the Las Vegas-based WSOP Main Event. The event drew over 2,000 entrants over six days, with the guarantee met midway through Day 1d and continued to climb from there.

The tournament's structure, with six starting flights and late registration, contributed to the massive turnout. Players from the Day 1a to Day 1d flights helped build the final field, with Day 2a and 2b each adding hundreds of new entries. The total prize pool now ranks the event as the eighth-largest in poker history and the second-largest outside of Vegas.

Looking Ahead to Day 3

With 528 players returning on December 16, the action is expected to intensify as the field moves closer to the final tables according to tournament coverage. The first-place prize, which will accompany the coveted WSOP bracelet, has yet to be officially announced. The top chip leaders, including Thorel and Kabrhel, will look to maintain their positions as the tournament enters its next phase.

PokerNews and the WSOP+ app will continue to provide coverage of the event, with day-by-day updates on the leaderboard, key eliminations, and strategic moves. With the record-breaking prize pool and a field full of top-tier players, the 2025 WSOP Paradise Super Main Event is set to remain a landmark moment in poker history.