The two-time WSOP bracelet winner added another $301,000 to his tournament cashes
Justin Saliba came out on top at the $15,000 No-Limit Hold’em Poker Masters event No. 9, overcoming a final table stacked with elite players. The tournament, which attracted 67 entries, generated a $1,005,000 prize pool. For his victory, Saliba earned $301,000 and added another major title to his growing résumé, now sitting with nearly $11.4 million in career earnings.
The two-time WSOP bracelet winner also picked up 432 Card Player Player of the Year points, moving him up the standings with his first title of 2025. On top of that, the win brought him 241 PokerGO Tour points, placing him inside the top ten of the purple jacket race, with Alex Foxen still leading the overall series.
The final day began with six contenders, Kristen Foxen holding the chip lead. Early on, Jesse Lonis knocked out Sam Laskowitz when his pocket nines held against ace-ten. Shortly after, PokerGO founder Cary Katz hit the rail in fifth place after running into Saliba’s ace-jack. Katz added another $75,500 to a career total now over $41.3 million.
Chris Hunichen was next to exit in fourth place, unable to win a flip with pocket threes against Foxen’s ace-eight. His elimination secured him $100,500, pushing his career winnings past $20 million. At that point, Saliba began to gain momentum, particularly after winning a critical pot against Foxen with pocket eights.
Lonis eventually bowed out in third after shoving king-queen into Saliba’s ace-ten. The board ran out to give Saliba a straight, ending Lonis’ run for $135,500. Lonis has had an extraordinary 2025, reaching 23 final tables and surpassing $27 million in career earnings.
Heads-up began with Saliba holding a commanding chip lead over Foxen. She managed to fight back but ultimately could not overcome the deficit. On the final hand, her middle pair was no match for Saliba’s top pair with ace-king. Foxen earned $196,000 as runner-up, while Saliba captured his first Poker Masters trophy.
