The Amateur Poker Association & Tour (APAT) brought its highly anticipated 2025 World Championship Of Amateur Poker (WCOAP) to Dusk Till Dawn in Nottingham last week, and it was nothing short of spectacular. Poker enthusiasts from across the globe filled the venue, all chasing medals, bracelets, and their place in poker history. Among the crowd, one man rose above them all — Peter McCusker, who clinched the title of 2025 APAT World Amateur Poker Champion, bagging £13,000, a WCOAP bracelet, and an APAT gold medal.
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The Significance of WCOAP
Often called “the World’s” by the APAT community, the WCOAP is a dream destination for every amateur poker player. It is not just about the prize pool but about prestige. Every winner earns a place in the poker community’s collective memory, thanks to APAT’s medal system. The gold, silver, and bronze medals are cherished, but nothing compares to the WCOAP bracelet awarded in the Main Event. For many, this is their shot at poker immortality.
A Record-Breaking Main Event By Peter McCusker
The 2025 WCOAP Main Event saw 475 players join the field, creating a prize pool of £79,800. The structure allowed 71 players to make the money, with payouts starting at £350. A final table seat guaranteed at least £1,800, while the ultimate prize awaited the winner.
2025 APAT WCOAP Main Event Final Table Results
| Rank | Player | Prize |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Peter McCusker | £13,000 |
| 2 | Jonathan Rees | £8,500 |
| 3 | Kevin Smith | £5,500 |
| 4 | Mark Langdale | £4,000 |
| 5 | Anonymous | £3,300 |
| 6 | Nick Bowyer | £2,800 |
| 7 | Gary Colclough | £2,400 |
| 8 | Edward Johnson | £2,100 |
| 9 | Edward Tilbrook | £1,800 |
Peter McCusker: Road to Glory
The final table was stacked with talent and stories. Former champion Nick Bowyer reached back-to-back final tables, bowing out in sixth. The bubble of the medal positions burst for Mark Langdale, who finished fourth. Bronze went to Kevin Smith, marking his deepest APAT run since 2017. The heads-up clash between McCusker and Jonathan Rees was intense. Rees, a Welsh APAT veteran with 12 cashes, aimed for his second victory but fell short. McCusker triumphed, marking his first-ever Hendon Mob cash in style.
Other Big Winners at WCOAP 2025
While McCusker stole the spotlight, other events crowned champions:
- Daniel Williams – PokerNews’ own Commercial Manager won the £140 6-Max Championship for £4,000, a bracelet, and gold.
- Jonathan Raab – Mystery Bounty Shootout Champion (£2,253).
- Ky Hutchison – PLO8 Champion (£3,745).
- Jonathan Douglas-Davies – Double winner: 2-7 Triple Draw (£2,640) and Mixed Triple Draw Lowball (£777).
APAT once again delivered a blend of competitiveness, camaraderie, and unforgettable poker moments.
What’s Next for APAT Players?
Poker fans don’t have to wait long for more action. The APAT schedule continues with:
- APAT Weekends Portsmouth – September 5-7, 2025.
- APAT Weekends Glasgow – September 19-21, 2025.
- APAT German Amateur Poker Championships – October 1-5, 2025, at Grand Casino Asch.
For McCusker and many others, these upcoming stops are opportunities to add more medals and memories.
The 2025 APAT WCOAP proved once again why it is regarded as the pinnacle of amateur poker. From McCusker’s fairy-tale victory to the triumphs of seasoned APAT regulars, the event highlighted the growing strength and passion within the poker community. With new champions crowned and fresh stories written, the future of amateur poker looks brighter than ever. As APAT heads to its next stops, one thing is clear — the dream of holding that coveted bracelet is alive and thriving for players everywhere.
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FAQs
Q1. Who won the 2025 APAT World Amateur Poker Championship?
Peter McCusker emerged as the champion, winning £13,000, a bracelet, and a gold medal.
Q2. How many players competed in the 2025 WCOAP Main Event?
A total of 475 players entered, generating a £79,800 prize pool.
Q3. When is the next APAT event?
The next APAT stop is APAT Weekends Portsmouth, running September 5-7, 2025.