As the world ushered in 2025 with celebrations and fireworks, Andras “probirs” Nemeth, a prominent figure in the online poker scene, quietly clinched a major victory. Competing in the $2,025 No-Limit Hold’em New Year Special on PokerStars, Nemeth emerged victorious from a field of 149 entrants, taking home an impressive $62,970.
A High-Stakes Start to the Year
The $2,025 buy-in event was the crown jewel of the PokerStars New Year Series, boasting a $300,000 guaranteed prize pool. This exclusive tournament attracted 149 entrants, with payouts reserved for the top 17 players.
The competition was fierce, with “tomfoxpoker” bowing out in 18th place, becoming the unlucky bubble boy. Those who survived earned at least $4,818, with the final table offering prizes in the five-figure range.
Among the early exits from the final table was Manuel “BigFudge95” Fritz, who finished ninth. Fellow Austrian Christian “WATnlos” Rudolph and Bulgaria’s Ognyan “cocojamb0” Dimov followed, leaving the table with eighth and seventh-place finishes, respectively.
Nemeth’s Road to Victory
Nemeth’s path to glory wasn’t without challenges. The Hungarian poker ace faced formidable opponents, including Finnish star Tomi “elmerixx” Brouk, who exited in fifth place, and Germany’s “Sintoras,” who departed in fourth. Ukraine’s Vlad “VladTheSlaye” Martynenko secured third place, pocketing $37,737.
Heads-up action saw Nemeth square off against Lithuania’s “Eimantasa.” In a battle of skill and strategy, Nemeth ultimately prevailed, relegating his opponent to a $48,747 consolation prize while claiming the $62,970 top spot.
This win adds to Nemeth’s decorated poker resume, following a €67,980 triumph at the European Poker Tour (EPT) Prague in December 2024.
Other Highlights from PokerStars’ New Year Series
Nemeth wasn’t the only big winner in the PokerStars New Year Series. Rayan “Beriuzy” Chamas grabbed headlines by winning the $202.50 edition of the New Year Special. Chamas bested a 2,205-strong field to secure a $64,976 payday.
The series also saw victories from other notable players:
- Simon “C. Darwin2” Mattsson: Won a $530 No-Limit Hold’em PKO event for $19,040.
- “I Attack95”: Took down the $1,050 Thursday Thrill, earning $43,867, including bounties.
Additionally, smaller buy-in events drew significant participation, providing opportunities for players at various levels to compete.
| Event | Entrants | Prize Pool | Champion | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $22 NLHE Heads-Up Total KO | 1,581 | $31,620 | AlgirdasKu | $3,019 |
| $33 NLHE 6-Max Deep Stack | 2,723 | $85,000 | nilas91 | $12,362 |
| $320 NLHE 6-Max Deep Stack | 319 | $100,000 | sprase1999 | $18,765 |
What Makes PokerStars a Favourite?
PokerStars continues to dominate the online poker landscape, thanks to its innovative tournament formats, lucrative guarantees, and strong community support. The New Year Series is a testament to its popularity, offering players across the globe a platform to test their mettle against some of the best in the business.
For casual players and seasoned pros alike, PokerStars remains a go-to destination for competitive and entertaining gameplay. With events catering to a wide range of buy-ins and formats, it ensures there’s something for everyone.
