In a stunning upset at the sun-soaked Atlantis Paradise Island in the Bahamas, Austrian poker pro Bernhard Binder claimed victory in the 2025 WSOP Paradise Super Main Event, pocketing a massive $10 million and the coveted gold bracelet. This record-shattering tournament drew 2,891 players and generated a prize pool of $72.25 million, the biggest ever outside Las Vegas. But how did this grinder from Austria outlast a field of sharks and deny a 78-year-old legend in the final showdown? The drama unfolded over days of high-stakes action.
The 2025 WSOP Paradise Super Main Event smashed expectations right from the start. Organizers set a $60 million guarantee, but entries poured in from around the world, pushing the total prize pool to an incredible $72.25 million. This marked the largest payout for any poker tournament held outside Las Vegas, proving the Bahamas as a rising hotspot for the game.
Players paid $25,000 each to enter, and the event ran from early December at the luxurious Atlantis Resort. By the end of registration, 2,891 hopefuls had signed up, creating intense competition. The World Series of Poker team announced the final numbers just days before the final table, highlighting how online qualifiers from sites like GGPoker contributed heavily. In fact, those online players alone walked away with over $25 million in winnings across the series.
This surge in participation shows poker’s growing appeal in tropical settings. Families and pros alike flocked to the Bahamas, blending vacation vibes with cutthroat strategy. One short paragraph here underscores the event’s scale.
Experts say the big pool came from a mix of high rollers and everyday grinders chasing dreams. The payout structure rewarded depth, with the top 372 spots cashing in. Minimum cash was $26,000, enough to make many smile.
Final Table Heats Up with Star Power
As the field thinned to the final eight, tension built under the bright lights of the Atlantis ballroom. Frenchman Jean-Noel Thorel, a 78-year-old business tycoon and poker regular, held the chip lead with 567 million in chips. Binder started the day with 211 million, but his steady play propelled him forward amid eliminations that kept fans glued to live streams on YouTube.
The final table featured a diverse group, including American Eric Wasserson and Brazilian Belarmino Souza. Wasserson, known for his aggressive style, bowed out in fifth place for $2.35 million. Souza followed soon after, taking fourth for around $3 million. Each bust-out brought cheers and gasps from the crowd.
Binder’s key moment came when he doubled up against Thorel in a multi-way pot. Holding a strong hand, he pushed all-in, forcing folds and building his stack to over 400 million. PokerNews reporters noted the electric atmosphere, with pros like Mario Mosböck praising Binder’s potential earlier in the week.
The eliminations continued rapidly. Terrance Reid from the US exited in third, earning $4.5 million after a bad beat. This left Binder and Thorel heads-up, with stacks nearly even at about 800 million each. Viewers worldwide tuned in, making the stream one of the most watched in WSOP history.
Intense Heads-Up Duel Seals the Victory
The heads-up match between Binder and Thorel turned into a battle of wits and nerves. Thorel, with decades of high-stakes experience, started strong, winning early pots to build a slight edge. But Binder, the 32-year-old Austrian, stayed calm and waited for spots to strike.
In one pivotal hand, Binder raised to 20 million with ace-jack on the button. Thorel called from the big blind with ace-three. The flop came king-four-deuce, all diamonds, giving Binder a flush draw. Thorel checked, and Binder bet big. Thorel folded, handing Binder a crucial pot that shifted momentum. This play not only boosted Binder’s chips but showcased his bold aggression, key to his $10 million win.
Play dragged on for hours, with blinds escalating to 3 million-6 million. Thorel, a high roller known for events like the Triton series, pushed back hard. Yet Binder’s focus paid off when he cracked Thorel’s aces with a flush on the river in the final hand. Thorel, gracious in defeat, earned $6.5 million for second place.
The crowd erupted as Binder slipped on the gold bracelet. WSOP officials presented the trophy amid fireworks outside the resort. This victory denied Thorel his first bracelet after years of close calls.
Binder’s Rise and Poker World Impact
Bernhard Binder entered the poker scene as a tournament grinder, building his bankroll through European circuits. Before this win, his biggest score was a mid-six-figure cash in a Vienna event last year. Now, at 32, he’s a millionaire and rising star. His journey from online tables to Bahamas glory inspires grinders everywhere, showing persistence pays off in poker.
The event’s success boosts WSOP’s global reach. Paradise Island now rivals Vegas for prestige, drawing more sponsors and players. GGPoker, a major backer, saw its qualifiers shine, with over $25 million in total earnings from the series. This could lead to bigger guarantees in future years.
For fans, the win highlights poker’s mix of skill and luck. Binder’s strategy involved tight play early and loose aggression late, a lesson for aspiring pros. Data from the Global Poker Index shows Binder jumping into the top 100 rankings post-win, based on results up to December 2025.
Here’s a quick look at the top payouts from the final table:
| Place | Player | Prize |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Bernhard Binder (Austria) | $10,000,000 |
| 2nd | Jean-Noel Thorel (France) | $6,500,000 |
| 3rd | Terrance Reid (USA) | $4,500,000 |
| 4th | Belarmino Souza (Brazil) | $3,200,000 |
| 5th | Eric Wasserson (USA) | $2,350,000 |
This table breaks down how the riches flowed, emphasizing the event’s high stakes.
The Bahamas win also spotlights poker’s economic side. The tournament injected millions into local tourism, with hotels booked solid. For players like Binder, it means financial freedom and more doors open in the pro circuit.
As the confetti settled, Binder’s triumph in the 2025 WSOP Paradise Super Main Event stands as a testament to underdog spirit in the high-stakes world of poker. From a massive field to that final river card, every moment built to this emotional peak, reminding us that dreams can turn real with a bit of luck and a lot of grit.
