Before the 2025 UK Poker Championships (UKPC) at Dusk Till Dawn, few had heard of Jake Betts. According to The Hendon Mob Database, Betts had managed just seven cashes between September 2019 and December 2024, totaling a modest $5,260. But that all changed when he delivered a career-defining performance, securing an incredible £85,270 and the UKPC Main Event trophy.
A Monumental Victory for Jake Betts
Jake Betts was among the 1,332 hopefuls who entered the £560 UKPC Main Event, contributing to a staggering £639,360 prize pool that shattered the £500,000 guarantee. The top 197 finishers shared the prize money, with big names like Leon Louis, Daniel Rudd, Kully Sidhu, Patrice Brandt, and Brandon Sheils making deep runs before bowing out on Day 2.
When the field was whittled down to 23, each player had secured at least £3,000. However, the real battle began when Joshua Boulton was eliminated in 10th place, setting the stage for a high-stakes final table where every player was guaranteed a minimum payday of £9,500.
Final Table Action Heats Up
Callum Gordon, who had just returned from the WSOP Circuit in Marrakech, was the first to bust at the final table, marking his first UK live score of 2025. Shortly after, Steven Edgar, playing in his first-ever live event, secured an eighth-place finish for £12,000.
Other notable finishes included:
- 7th Place: Martin Donoghue – £15,000
- 6th Place: Ben Miller – £20,000
- 5th Place: Nikolai Mumut – £26,455
- 4th Place: Dale Wilson – £35,000
Dale Wilson, who won the £250 No-Limit Hold’em Christmas Cup in December 2024 for £8,645, saw his career-best payday soar to £35,000 with this deep run.
Cristinel Costin, another rising star, finished third for £47,500, breaking his previous record of £43,700 from the Grosvenor Behemoth Main Event.
Jake Betts vs. David Lloyd – The Epic Heads-Up Battle
With Cristinel Costin out of the way, Jake Betts found himself heads-up against seasoned pro David Lloyd, a player with over $360,000 in live tournament earnings. On paper, Lloyd had the experience advantage, but Betts was determined to prove that poker isn’t just about stats—it’s about seizing the moment.
The two finalists agreed to a deal, reducing the pay jump from the original £101,500 vs. £67,500 split. Lloyd ultimately secured £83,730 for his runner-up finish, while Jake Betts walked away with £85,270 and the prestigious UKPC Main Event trophy.
High Roller Triumphs and UKPC Masters Announcement
The UKPC wasn’t just about the Main Event—there were plenty of other high-stakes showdowns. Simon Higgins stole the spotlight in the £1,100 High Roller, besting 172 players to win £37,420 and pushing his total live tournament earnings beyond $1.6 million.
Christopher Vernon also made waves, winning the £230 Opener for £19,350—his first five-figure payday since 2022. Interestingly, five of Vernon’s six biggest cashes have all come at Dusk Till Dawn, proving that this venue is his lucky ground.
What’s Next? The UKPC Masters 2025
Poker fans, mark your calendars! Dusk Till Dawn has confirmed the return of the UKPC Masters, running from May 16-26, 2025. While the full schedule is yet to be released, one major highlight is already making waves—the £1,100 Main Event, which boasts a massive £1 million guaranteed prize pool. Online satellites and Day 1s at GGPoker will be available, giving players across the globe a shot at poker glory.
Jake Betts – A Name to Watch in 2025
From an unknown grinder to a UKPC champion, Jake Betts has officially made his mark in the poker world. His journey from small cashes to a life-changing victory is a testament to perseverance, skill, and the unpredictable magic of poker. Will Betts continue his hot streak in future tournaments? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—he’s no longer just another name on the Hendon Mob Database.
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