66666666On the dusty summer evening of July 1, 2025, with wind storms sweeping through the streets of Las Vegas, poker players inside the Horseshoe and Paris casinos were facing a storm of their own. While the city outside braced itself against nature, inside, legends battled for gold, glory, and immortality. But it wasn’t just the big names like Phil Hellmuth and Daniel Negreanu who made headlines on Day 36 of the 2025 World Series of Poker (WSOP). It was also the underdog stories—like Michael Wang, who clawed back from just two-thirds of a big blind to win one of the summer’s toughest tournaments.
Let’s take a closer look at all the major action, comebacks, and drama from WSOP Day 36.
Michael Wang Pulls Off the Comeback of the Series
They say all you need is a chip and a chair. Michael Wang proved that sometimes, even less will do.
Wang was down to just two-thirds of a big blind—essentially written off—after losing a crucial hand to Erik Seidel in Event #74: $10,000 Pot-Limit Omaha Championship. But what happened next will be talked about for years. In a display of grit, run-good, and elite decision-making, Wang battled back against a stacked field to win his third WSOP bracelet and a whopping $1,394,579 in prize money..
This was no fluke victory. Wang had to navigate a treacherous final table and overcome none other than poker legend Erik Seidel in the final stages. What makes the win even more spectacular is how close Wang was to elimination early on Day 3. His triumph shows exactly why poker remains the most dramatic card game in the world—it’s never over until the last card is dealt.
Aaron Kupin Denies Negreanu in Mixed Big Bet Finale
Event #76: $2,500 Mixed Big Bet had poker fans on the edge of their seats as Daniel Negreanu made his fifth final table of the series. Hopes were high for the GGPoker ambassador to snag his long-awaited eighth WSOP bracelet, but it wasn’t meant to be.
Negreanu played a solid game but eventually bowed out in fourth place, leaving the path open for Aaron Kupin and Marco Johnson to battle for the title. In the end, it was Kupin who emerged victorious, winning $206,982 and his first-ever WSOP bracelet. The win also adds valuable points to Kupin’s tally in the $25K WSOP Fantasy League.
Kupin’s win was significant not only for the personal milestone but also because it halted Negreanu’s upward momentum at this year’s series—reminding everyone that the WSOP is never short on heartbreak.
Phil Hellmuth Eyes Bracelet #18 in $10K Stud Hi-Lo Championship
4zThe biggest headline heading into Day 37? Phil Hellmuth is still in contention for his record-extending 18th WSOP bracelet.
The “Poker Brat” bagged 906,000 chips, putting him in fourth place out of the final 15 players remaining in Event #77: $10,000 Seven Card Stud Hi-Lo 8 or Better Championship. It’s another deep run in what has been an impressive series for Hellmuth—nine cashes and two final tables already in the bag.
Leading the charge are Qinghai Pan (1,581,000), Jordan Siegel (1,245,000), and Andrey Zhigalov (1,135,000), but with Hellmuth in striking distance, few would bet against him. Other notable names still in the hunt include Luke Schwartz, Viktor Blom, and Alex Livingston.
With $411,051 up top and a bracelet at stake, all eyes will be on Hellmuth as play resumes.
Martin Kabrhel Among Final Five in Mini Main Event
In Event #75: $1,000 Mini Main Event, only five players remain. Leading the charge is Alexander Yen with 189.5 million chips, but Czech poker pro Martin Kabrhel is right behind with 166.5 million.
Kabrhel is already a three-time bracelet winner, known as much for his table antics as his skill. If he wins, it would be his fourth bracelet and cement his status as one of Europe’s most successful poker players.
The final table also includes Vadzim Lipauka, John Ishak, and Bartlomiej Swieboda, who are all chasing the $843,140 top prize.
Prasad Vemulapalli Leads Massive Field in PokerNews Deepstack Championship
The $600 PokerNews Deepstack Championship (Event #78) drew a jaw-dropping 5,667 entries, generating a $2.85 million prize pool. Leading the Day 1 survivors is Prasad Vemulapalli with 1,542,000 chips.
Also making it through were PokerNews qualifiers like Tanner Martinelli and Waheed Feda, showcasing how satellite paths can lead to WSOP dreams. Among the 635 Day 2 survivors are bracelet winners such as Kathy Liebert, Tommy Nguyen, and Ismael Bojang.
With $302,165 awaiting the winner, the Deepstack Championship is proving once again to be one of the best low buy-in events of the series.
Arthur Morris Leads the $100K Pot-Limit Omaha High Roller
In Event #79: $100,000 PLO High Roller, Arthur Morris bagged a monstrous 4,055,000 chips to lead the final 36 players into Day 2. The event drew 88 entrants with late registration still open on Day 2, and many top pros are still in contention.
Chasing Morris are names like Daniel Negreanu, Maxi Lehmanski, and Eelis Parssinen, while poker elites such as Jason Koon, Seth Davies, Alex Foxen, and Isaac Haxton are also still in the mix.
With one of the largest buy-ins and a stacked field, this event promises fireworks.
What’s Next on WSOP Day 37?
Here’s what to watch out for on July 2:
- Event #81: $10,000 WSOP Main Event World Championship kicks off! The first of four Day 1 flights begins at 12:00 p.m. local time. Last year’s champ Jonathan Tamayo will be the player to beat.
- Event #75: Mini Main Event will crown a champion.
- Event #77: $10K Stud Hi-Lo will determine if Phil Hellmuth claims bracelet #18.
- Event #78: PokerNews Deepstack Championship continues with 635 players left.
- Event #79: $100K PLO High Roller continues with late registration open for two more levels.
- Two new events debut: Event #80: $800 Summer Celebration and Event #82: $10K Eight-Game Mixed Championship.
Final Thoughts
Day 36 of WSOP 2025 was one of the most electrifying days of the summer. From Michael Wang’s underdog comeback to Hellmuth hunting down #18, this is poker at its finest. With the Main Event now officially underway, the excitement is just getting started. The next few days will define legacies, crown champions, and maybe even make history. Stay tuned as the 2025 World Series of Poker enters its most thrilling phase.
About BetterPokerNews
At BetterPokerNews, we bring you timely, international coverage of the biggest poker stories—from the WSOP to online poker updates, high-stakes action, player spotlights, and strategy tips. We exist to serve poker lovers worldwide with news that cuts through the noise and brings the felt closer to you.
sources: pokernews