Players are already becoming instant millionaires just days into the series
The 2025 World Series of Poker (WSOP) is already delivering big moments, with two $1 million mystery bounties claimed just days into the popular $1,000 Mystery Millions event. The tournament, known for its unique structure, adds suspense by awarding random bounty prizes to players who eliminate opponents—some worth life-changing amounts.
One of those million-dollar prizes went to Thomas Zanot, a name already familiar to the gambling world. In 2023, Zanot hit a $6.4 million Pai Gow jackpot on a $5 bet in Las Vegas. Now, just over two years later, he’s back in the spotlight after pulling one of the top bounty prizes at the WSOP.
On Day 2 of the Mystery Millions event, players began claiming bounty envelopes for every knockout they scored. Out of 1,045 envelopes in play, most contain the minimum $1,000 prize, but a select few are worth much more—two with $1 million, one with $500,000, and several others ranging from $25,000 to $100,000.
Zanot, after sending a player to the rail, approached the chest of envelopes and pulled one of the top two. Lightning had struck twice for the self-described “PaigowKing,” once again netting him a seven-figure payday at the tables.
The first $1 million envelope, however, had already been claimed earlier that same day. Tyler Montoya, a 23-year-old poker player, hit the jackpot on just the seventh envelope drawn. His immediate reaction captured the mix of disbelief and excitement such a moment brings. Whether it goes to paying bills or celebrating with flair, that kind of win leaves an impression.
The Mystery Millions event continues, with 20 players still chasing the $1 million tournament prize and a few high-value bounties still in the mix, including a $25,000 envelope. The unpredictability of it all keeps both players and fans locked in.
