Justin Zaki Claims Victory in the 2025 PokerGO Cup Finale
In an exhilarating conclusion to the 2025 PokerGO Cup, Justin Zaki captured the championship title with a remarkable performance in the final event, a $25,200 No-Limit Hold’em tournament. Zaki’s triumph not only secured him a substantial prize but also marked an impressive finish to an enthralling series that showcased some of the best talents in the poker world. While Zaki took the crown for the event, it was Joey Weissman who emerged as the highlight of the series, gaining recognition for his consistent performance throughout.
Weissman’s Stellar Series Run
Despite falling short in the final event, Weissman’s journey through the 2025 PokerGO Cup was nothing short of spectacular. He kicked off the series with a hard-fought battle against Michael Moncek in the first event, ultimately finishing as the runner-up. However, in a thrilling reversal, Weissman faced Moncek again in Event #2 and claimed victory, avenging his earlier defeat. His momentum continued as he notched two more second-place finishes, solidifying his reputation as one of the standout players of the series.
Weissman’s total of 758 points from his various finishes not only secured him the title of 2025 PokerGO Cup champion but also allowed him to temporarily seize the top position on the 2025 PGT leaderboard, pushing past formidable competitors like Eric Blair and Kristen Foxen.
Zaki Finishes Strong in the Final Event
On Thursday, the excitement culminated in the grand finale of the PokerGO Cup, held at the renowned PokerGO Studio in Las Vegas. A total of 59 players entered the event, with seven returning for the second day of play. Weissman, boasting a chip lead, was hotly pursued by Zaki and Sam Soverel. The action was fierce from the start.
Early Eliminations Set the Stage
The day witnessed rapid eliminations, beginning with Jesse Lonis, who exited in seventh place after losing a crucial flip to Clemen Deng. Michael Berk followed suit in sixth place, unable to defend his hand against Christian Roberts. Tensions peaked as the chip stacks fluctuated among the remaining players, with Weissman aiming to extend his lead.
Critical Showdowns and Chip Lead Changes
As the tournament progressed, Zaki capitalized on critical hands, taking control of the chip stack and capitalizing on Roberts’s ill-fated bluff attempt against his solid hand. Following a significant all-in bet, Zaki cemented his position at the top after winning a hand against Roberts, who was subsequently eliminated in fifth place.
Weissman struck back, however, eliminating Soverel with pocket aces against queens, then dispatching Deng to set up a heads-up showdown with Zaki.
The Heads-Up Battle
In a dramatic finale, Zaki and Weissman entered heads-up play with Zaki holding a slight edge. Both players quickly agreed to a deal, guaranteeing Zaki $417,000 for the win and Weissman $350,000 for second place. The climactic moments saw Weissman temporarily seize the lead, but Zaki soon went all-in with a hand that would solidify his win: A
10
against Weissman’s pocket tens.
The board ran out favorably for Zaki, completing a straight and leaving Weissman with dwindling chips. Shortly after, Zaki sealed his victory, capping his impressive tournament run.
2025 PokerGO Cup Final Results
The finale of the 2025 PokerGO Cup not only highlighted Zaki’s skill but also showcased the fierce competition among poker’s elite. The final standings of Event #8 are as follows:
| Place | Player | Prize |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Justin Zaki | $417,000 |
| 2 | Joey Weissman | $350,000 |
| 3 | Clemen Deng | $206,500 |
| 4 | Sam Soverel | $147,500 |
| 5 | Christian Roberts | $110,625 |
| 6 | Michael Berk | $81,125 |
| 7 | Jesse Lonis | $59,000 |
A Noteworthy Conclusion
With Zaki’s $417,000 prize included, his career earnings now surpass an impressive $6.6 million in live tournaments. With 74 World Series of Poker cashes and multiple high-stakes victories to his name, Zaki is undoubtedly reinforcing his status in the poker world.
The 2025 PokerGO Cup concluded with a flourish, leaving fans and players alike eagerly anticipating the next installment of this prestigious series. The stories of resilience and rivalry, particularly Weissman’s and Zaki’s, will surely resonate in the poker community as they prepare for what’s next on the poker horizon.
Images courtesy of PokerGO.
