The poker community was buzzing this weekend as Patrick Leonard, the renowned UK online poker pro, seized a significant win at the 2025 Venetian DeepStack Championship. His victory at the UltimateStack event saw him break his trophy drought with a rewarding $164,108 prize, marking a high point in a summer filled with close calls and near-misses.
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A Rocky Start to a Resounding Finish
Leonard’s summer journey began with disappointment as he narrowly missed out on his second World Series of Poker bracelet in June. Despite a valiant run in the $25,000 WSOP heads-up championship, he was knocked out in the semifinals by Artur Martirosian, the eventual winner.
But Leonard’s perseverance paid off when he entered the $1,600 buy-in, $750,000 guaranteed UltimateStack event at the Venetian. The tournament attracted a healthy 737 entrants, swelling the prize pool to an impressive $1,046,540. With his eye on the prize, Leonard battled through the competition, eventually securing the top spot and capturing the coveted Venetian DeepStack gold coin.
The Final Table Drama
As the final table unfolded, the stakes were high. Leonard faced stiff competition from several well-established players, including former World Poker Tour Venetian main event champion Qing Liu and bracelet winner Mitchell Halverson.
The drama reached a boiling point as the final hand approached, and the PokerGO stream broadcasted the intense moments for viewers. Mitchell Halverson, who earned a $27,346 payout, was eliminated in seventh place, followed by Qing Liu, who took fourth for $62,957. Andrew Ostapchenko, fresh off his World Series of Poker $5,000 no-limit hold’em win, earned $85,472 with a third-place finish.
Though there was some mild controversy surrounding chip counts and table dialogue, Leonard stayed composed, earning the win and securing 912 Player of the Year points in the process. The victory also boosted him to 44th place in the Player of the Year rankings, cementing his place as one of the top players in 2025.
A Busy, Rewarding Summer for Leonard
Before his Venetian triumph, Leonard had kept a packed schedule, amassing several high finishes at the 2025 WSOP. He racked up seven top-100 finishes, including a 9th-place spot in a $1,500 mixed Omaha event and 8th in the $777 Lucky Sevens. His consistent performance throughout the summer earned him a respectable total of 912 POY points, propelling him further up the leaderboard.
This win not only ended Leonard’s summer on a high note but also added to his impressive 2025 campaign, which now includes two titles and eight final-table finishes in POY-qualified events.
The Final Table Breakdown
As the dust settled on the final table, the results were as follows:
- 1st: Patrick Leonard – $164,108 (912 POY points)
- 2nd: Derek Gregory – $117,624 (760 POY points)
- 3rd: Andrew Ostapchenko – $85,472 (608 POY points)
- 4th: Qing Liu – $62,957 (456 POY points)
- 5th: Michael Cervantes – $47,015 (380 POY points)
- 6th: Ran Ilani – $35,603 (304 POY points)
- 7th: Mitchell Halverson – $27,346 (228 POY points)
Conclusion: Leonard’s Strong Comeback
The Venetian UltimateStack victory is a testament to Leonard’s resilience and skill, proving that even after a challenging summer, persistence pays off. This win marks a significant moment in his poker career and serves as a reminder of the competitive nature of the game, where every tournament brings new opportunities.
FAQ:
- What was the prize pool for the Venetian UltimateStack tournament?
The prize pool reached $1,046,540 after 737 entries, surpassing the initial $750,000 guarantee. - Who was the runner-up in the Venetian UltimateStack?
Derek Gregory finished in second place, earning $117,624. - What controversy occurred during the final table?
There were minor disputes over chip counts and table dialogue, but Leonard addressed the situation, emphasizing the importance of accuracy. - How did Patrick Leonard perform in the 2025 WSOP before his Venetian win?
Leonard had several top-100 finishes, including a 9th place in a $1,500 mixed Omaha event and 8th in the $777 Lucky Sevens.