Michael Nia Triumphs at the 2025 L.A. Poker Classic Main Event
In an exhilarating conclusion to the 2025 L.A. Poker Classic, Michael Nia emerged victorious in the $10,000 no-limit hold’em main event, cementing his legacy in the world of poker. The tournament culminated in the early hours of February 27, with Nia, at 71 years of age, not only securing the prestigious title but also a hefty prize of $308,270. This remarkable win took place at the Commerce Casino in Southern California, making the event even more special for the local poker enthusiast.
A Journey to Victory
Hailing from Southern California, Michael Nia’s poker journey has been nothing short of impressive. Before this monumental win, he had accumulated nearly $897,000 in career tournament earnings, boasting eight tournament titles. The $308,270 he earned from the L.A. Poker Classic represents the highest payout of his career. It significantly eclipses his previous best score of $57,530, achieved during a $2,000 six-max event at the same series in 2013.
While this victory marked a significant milestone in Nia’s poker career, it also earned him a substantial 720 points in the Card Player Player of the Year (POY) standings, propelling him closer to the top 100 of the 2025 POY race sponsored by Global Poker. Notably, this represented Nia’s first qualifying score of the year.
Tournament Structure and Competitors
The main event attracted a competitive field of 145 entries, resulting in a robust prize pool of $1,348,500. The payout structure ensured that the top 19 finishers were compensated for their efforts, with the final three participants receiving six-figure payouts. Notable poker professionals graced the tournament, including previous World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet winners, showcasing the event’s prestige.
As the tournament progressed, several high-profile players fell short of the final table. Tyler Cornell (16th), Jonathan Cohen (12th), and Jonathan Pastore (9th) all made deep runs but were unable to secure a top-three finish. Anthony Hu, with pocket kings, couldn’t withstand Nia’s flopped straight, leading to his exit in 8th place with a payout of $42,140.
The Final Table Showdown
The final table witnessed intense action, with Nia finding himself in a commanding position as the chip leader. Elvyn Bello, who eventually finished in 2nd place for $300,000, also had a significant impact on the dynamic of the final table. Bello eliminated Cecile Ticherfatine in 7th place and continued to build his stack.
Faraz Jaka, a notable player with past accolades, grappled with his chip position. After an up-and-down battle, he ultimately finished in 3rd place with a reward of $138,900. Jaka began the three-handed play as the short stack but managed to reclaim some ground before being eliminated by Nia, who secured a winning straight.
Michael Nia’s pivotal hands included a critical elimination of Frank Brannan, whose A-3 was no match for Bello’s pocket aces. In the heated final showdown, Nia called Jaka’s all-in with a hand of 7-5, while Jaka held K-4. The board revealed A-9-8-6-7, clinching the victory for Nia with a straight.
Final Table Results
Here is a summary of the final table results:
| Place | Player | Earnings | POY Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Michael Nia | $308,270 | 720 |
| 2 | Elvyn Bello Santos | $300,000 | 600 |
| 3 | Faraz Jaka | $138,900 | 480 |
| 4 | Frank Brannan | $84,320 | 360 |
| 5 | Adam Weinraub | $65,400 | 300 |
| 6 | Gevork Kasabyan | $54,010 | 240 |
| 7 | Cecile Ticherfatine | $47,200 | 180 |
| 8 | Anthony Hu | $42,140 | 120 |
| 9 | Jonathan Pastore | $37,230 | 60 |
Conclusion
Michael Nia’s triumph at the 2025 L.A. Poker Classic stands as a testament to his skill, resilience, and deep understanding of the game. As he continues to navigate through the world of competitive poker, his win not only enhances his earnings but also solidifies his place among poker’s elite. For poker enthusiasts and aspiring players alike, Nia’s journey serves as a source of inspiration, demonstrating that passion, persistence, and experience can lead to remarkable achievements even later in life.
With the tournament concluded and the excitement still in the air, one can only speculate about what the future holds for Michael Nia and the subsequent events of the poker calendar. Whether he will maintain his momentum or adapt his strategy as the competition intensifies remains to be seen, but one thing is for certain: the poker world will be watching closely.
Photo credit: Commerce Casino X account and poker blog / Danny Maxwell.
