The 2025 World Series of Poker Europe (WSOPE) Main Event has come to an end — marking not only the crowning of a new champion but also the end of an era. This was the final WSOPE held at King’s Resort in Rozvadov, and the venue’s farewell couldn’t have been more fitting. German player Daniel Pidun claimed the gold bracelet and the €1,140,000 first prize, sealing his victory with pocket aces against Austria’s Gerald Karlic in the final hand.
A German Triumph and a New Chapter in WSOP History
Pidun topped a 659-entry field to take home his first WSOP bracelet. The German amateur player, who previously won the EPT Berlin Main Event in 2013, added another major title to his name. The victory was also a family milestone: his brother Thomer Pidun won a WSOP title back in 2022, making them the seventh pair of brothers in WSOP history to both hold bracelets.
“It feels amazing. I just knew I was going to win — I don’t know why, but I felt it,” said Pidun after his triumph.
Despite his success, Pidun isn’t a full-time poker player. He and his brother run a mobile parts business and only play one or two major tournaments each year. “I guess we’re doing something right,” the new WSOPE Main Event champion added with a smile.
The Final Table Story
The eight-handed final table guaranteed each player at least €110,000, but the seven-figure top prize made every hand count.
- Matthias Gude started as the short stack and was the first to bust (8th – €110,000).
- Catalin Pop fell next when his Ace-King couldn’t hold against pocket tens (7th – €145,000).
- Claudio Di Giacomo and Max Neugebauer both ran into Karlic’s strong run — the defending champion Neugebauer exited in 6th place (€195,000).
- Teemu Jaatinen, who qualified through a €20 satellite, finished in 4th place for an incredible €370,000 score.
- Murilo Garcia of Brazil, who reportedly entered the tournament after having a dream about it, took 3rd place for €525,000.
The heads-up battle between Pidun and Karlic lasted over three hours. The Austrian held the lead for much of the duel, but Pidun turned the tables — and ultimately sealed the victory with pocket aces against Karlic’s pocket jacks.
Final Table Results
| Place | Player | Country | Prize (EUR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Daniel Pidun | Germany | €1,140,000 |
| 2. | Gerald Karlic | Austria | €757,000 |
| 3. | Murilo Garcia | Brazil | €525,000 |
| 4. | Teemu Jaatinen | Finland | €370,000 |
| 5. | Claudio Di Giacomo | Italy | €265,000 |
| 6. | Max Neugebauer | Austria | €195,000 |
| 7. | Catalin Pop | Romania | €145,000 |
| 8. | Matthias Gude | Germany | €110,000 |
WSOPE Moves to Prague
With the conclusion of the 2025 WSOPE Main Event, Rozvadov’s chapter in WSOP history has officially closed. The series will move to Prague in 2026, where the Hilton Hotel will host the event.
“I have many great memories here. King’s Resort was special, but I’m looking forward to seeing what’s next in Prague,” Pidun said in his post-win interview.
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