There’s something electric about watching legends return to form under the brightest lights in poker. The 2025 World Series of Poker has already been packed with unforgettable moments, but Event #20: $25,000 Pot-Limit Omaha/No-Limit Hold’em Mix brought back the kind of old-school grit fans live for. And at the center of it all? None other than Ben Lamb — the former WSOP Player of the Year, back in the hunt for another bracelet as he leads the final six players heading into an unscheduled Day 4.
This high-stakes hybrid event, combining the brutal dynamics of PLO with the strategic edge of NLHE, was set to conclude in three days. However, with deep stacks, thoughtful play, and a $1,320,000 top prize up for grabs, organizers opted to extend the event into an extra day. For poker purists, it’s a blessing in disguise — more action, more drama, and one of the strongest final tables of the summer so far.
The Road to Day 4: Elite Talent, Massive Fields
Event #20 attracted 377 entries, creating a prize pool of $8,830,750. That’s not just a massive turnout for a mixed discipline format — it’s a statement. The popularity of hybrid formats is growing rapidly in both live and online poker, and this event stands as a testament to that trend. With high-stakes pros and seasoned mixed-game crushers all taking their shots, the three-day schedule always felt optimistic.
By the end of Day 3, the final table had played through several intense levels, but with deep stacks still in play and no clear winner in sight, play was paused. The six remaining players will return with millions in chips and a clear shot at the seven-figure score.
Ben Lamb: A Familiar Name Back on Top
At 39, Ben Lamb is no stranger to WSOP deep runs. Known for his fearless aggression and adaptability across formats, Lamb has made multiple WSOP Main Event final tables (2011, 2017) and earned WSOP Player of the Year honors back in 2011.
But in recent years, Lamb hasn’t been in the headlines as often. That’s what makes this resurgence so special. Heading into Day 4, he holds 8,210,000 chips, the top stack among the final six. Lamb’s calm demeanor, experience under pressure, and mastery of both PLO and NLHE make him the favorite — not just on paper, but psychologically too. He’s chasing his second bracelet and a legacy-defining win.
The Final Six: Names to Watch
The road to the top won’t be easy for Lamb. The remaining lineup is as stacked as it gets — both in chips and resumes:
Justin Saliba – 7,915,000
A rising star and accomplished online grinder, Saliba brings a balanced and analytical approach. He’s already made waves in the high roller scene and now sits just behind Lamb in chips.
Elior Sion – 6,215,000
The British mixed-game specialist is a former bracelet winner, having taken down the 2017 Poker Players Championship. His ability to adjust between formats makes him a dangerous opponent at any table.
Max Kruse – 5,615,000
Yes, the former German footballer. Kruse has transitioned from professional soccer to serious poker, proving his mettle on international stages. Don’t underestimate his competitive spirit.
Jeremy Ausmus – 4,775,000
One of the most consistent players of the modern WSOP era, Ausmus has five bracelets to his name and a deep run in nearly every series he’s played. He’s the most decorated player left in the field.
Ren Lin – 1,625,000
Though short-stacked, Lin is an explosive player capable of turning the tables quickly. He’ll need a double-up early on Day 4 to stay alive, but he’s not out by any means.
What’s at Stake: Prestige and a Million-Dollar Score
Here’s a look at the remaining payouts for the final six:
| Place | Prize (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,320,945 |
| 2 | $880,621 |
| 3 | $616,370 |
| 4 | $437,608 |
| 5 | $316,226 |
| 6 | $233,297 |
For most of these players, the money is significant, but it’s the bracelet and the bragging rights that matter most. The $25,000 PLO/NLH Mixed event is seen as a real test of versatility and stamina — the kind of event that separates the one-game grinders from true all-rounders.
Mixed Formats on the Rise
The success of this event also signals a broader shift in the poker world. For years, Hold’em was the undisputed king. But events like this show that mixed games and hybrid formats are capturing more attention, especially at the high-stakes level. They reward depth, creativity, and a broader understanding of the game — exactly the traits that longtime fans and serious players admire.
Players like Elior Sion and Jeremy Ausmus thrive in these environments, but it’s also bringing in new blood, like Justin Saliba and Max Kruse, who are proving that today’s poker elite need to master more than just Hold’em.
Final Day Preview: What to Expect
When the action resumes, blinds will be 100,000/150,000 with a 150,000 big blind ante, and the format will alternate between PLO and NLHE. This structure guarantees huge pots and dynamic shifts in momentum.
Expect Lamb and Saliba to leverage their chip leads early, while Ausmus and Sion look to capitalize on their experience. For Ren Lin, it’s do-or-die from the first hand.
Will we see Lamb complete his comeback and capture bracelet #2? Can Saliba earn a career-defining title? Or will Jeremy Ausmus add yet another chapter to his legacy?
Final Thoughts
The 2025 WSOP is living up to its reputation as the greatest poker festival in the world, and Event #20: $25,000 PLO/NLH Mixed is a shining example of why. With a final table full of killers, a seven-figure payday at stake, and the drama of an unscheduled extra day, poker fans around the globe have one more must-watch showdown on the horizon.
Whether you’re a fan of Ben Lamb’s old-school toughness, the precision of Saliba, or the mixed-game brilliance of Sion and Ausmus — this final table has something for every kind of poker fan.
Stay tuned for full coverage of the Day 4 finale.
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PokerNews – WSOP 2025: Extra Day for $25K PLO/NLH Mixed Event