The 2025 World Series of Poker Europe (WSOPE) has concluded in grand fashion with Lukas Timko of Czechia securing his first-ever WSOP bracelet. Timko’s remarkable win in the €1,000 No-Limit Hold’em Closer event capped off an exciting festival at King’s Resort in Rozvadov, where players battled for the prestigious title and a guaranteed €1,000,000 prize pool.
Timko, who had previously only recorded a live cash of under $10,000, achieved a career-defining moment with his victory over a field of 645 players, taking home a €158,000 prize. His head-to-head showdown with fellow Czech player Michal Schuh was an intense battle, and despite Schuh’s efforts, Timko’s skillful play and strategic moves led him to victory.
Let’s break down the key moments of the event, from the final table drama to Timko’s path to the bracelet.
Final Table Results: The Road to Glory
Final Table Payouts:
| Position | Player | Country | Prize (EUR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lukas Timko | Czechia | €158,000 |
| 2 | Michal Schuh | Czechia | €105,000 |
| 3 | Mariusz Klabisch | Poland | €71,500 |
| 4 | Asaf Adato | Israel | €49,700 |
| 5 | Dorian Melchers | France | €35,300 |
| 6 | Leonardo Ludovisi | Italy | €25,600 |
| 7 | Dennis Schaefer | Germany | €18,900 |
| 8 | Paul Covaciu | Romania | €14,300 |
| 9 | Shaun Deeb | United States | €11,025 |
The €1,000 No-Limit Hold’em Closer event was the final opportunity to secure a bracelet during the 2025 WSOPE, and the final day saw 16 players remaining in contention for the title. The day was packed with action, knockouts, and dramatic moments. The atmosphere was tense as the players fought not only for the prize money but also for the coveted WSOP hardware.
Final Day Action: Key Eliminations and Chip Shifts
The action heated up immediately, with Asaf Adato entering the final day as the chip leader, closely followed by Dennis Schaefer and Timko. However, it was Shaun Deeb, one of the most decorated players in the field, who was hoping to claim his ninth bracelet, adding to his impressive list of accomplishments.
Unfortunately for Deeb, his pursuit of bracelet number nine came to a sudden end. He was eliminated in the early stages of the final table after Michal Schuh turned a set in a flip situation, leaving Deeb without enough chips to recover.
The play tightened as the final table progressed. Adato, who started strong, saw his chip stack fluctuate, but he regained some momentum after doubling up twice through Schaefer. Meanwhile, Mariusz Klabisch, who had been a mid-stack player, made a series of remarkable moves to climb the ranks. He knocked out Paul Covaciu in eighth place and scored another impressive double-up to eliminate Schaefer in seventh.
However, Klabisch’s luck began to turn when Timko hit two river cards in quick succession, ultimately sending Dorian Melchers to the rail in fifth place and vaulting Timko into the chip lead.
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The Dramatic Three-Way Battle
The remaining players—Timko, Klabisch, and Schuh—entered a heated three-way battle, with Timko holding the slight advantage over Klabisch, while Schuh trailed in third. Schuh, known for his deep runs and experience, made a dramatic comeback, doubling up through Klabisch and briefly asserting himself as the chip leader.
The action was relentless, with the players trading chips back and forth, but the pivotal moment came when Timko made a powerful move against Klabisch, knocking him out in third place after a daring river play. Klabisch had managed to get his chips in with an ace, but Timko’s pocket pair held, leaving only Timko and Schuh to battle it out for the bracelet.
Heads-Up Showdown: Timko Claims the Bracelet
Timko entered heads-up play with a commanding 5:1 chip advantage over Schuh. The two Czech players, who had both fought valiantly to reach this point, exchanged blows throughout the heads-up segment. Schuh mounted a valiant attempt to make a comeback, flopping top pair on an earlier hand to chip away at Timko’s lead.
But Timko’s persistence paid off. In the final hand of the tournament, Schuh held ace-king, while Timko had a low pocket pair. The chips went in, and despite Schuh’s calls for a favorable run-out, Timko’s pocket pair held firm, earning him the victory and his first WSOP bracelet.
As the final card was dealt, Timko’s emotion was evident. He embraced Schuh, congratulating him on a well-played tournament, and then collected his well-deserved prize of €158,000.
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Timko’s Road to the Top
For Lukas Timko, this victory was more than just a financial windfall. It marked the culmination of years of hard work and dedication to the game of poker. Before his win, Timko’s largest live cash was under $10,000, and his ability to navigate through a tough final table filled with seasoned professionals is a testament to his poker skills.
His victory also solidified his place in the history books as a WSOP champion, and his €158,000 payday represents a career milestone. With the bracelet now in hand, Timko is ready to take on new challenges and prove that his win was no fluke.
The Final Table Highlights: The Standouts
- Lukas Timko: A solid performance from start to finish, Timko weathered the ups and downs of the tournament and ultimately emerged as the winner. His crucial river hits and composure in critical moments were key to his success.
- Michal Schuh: Despite falling short in the heads-up battle, Schuh’s deep run and his strategic gameplay kept the audience captivated. His experience and skill were evident throughout the tournament.
- Mariusz Klabisch: Klabisch’s rise from the middle of the pack to the chip leader was a story of resilience. His luck with key river cards allowed him to keep pushing forward, even in unfavorable situations.
- Asaf Adato: Although Adato did not make it to the final two, his early leadership and aggressive play made him a key figure throughout the final day of the tournament.
Conclusion
The 2025 World Series of Poker Europe came to a thrilling conclusion with Lukas Timko’s incredible victory. His triumph in the €1,000 No-Limit Hold’em Closer event not only earned him a prestigious WSOP bracelet but also cemented his place in the poker world as a rising star.
For poker fans, Timko’s victory serves as a reminder that anything can happen at the WSOP, and even the most unlikely players can rise to the occasion. With this milestone under his belt, Timko is sure to be a player to watch in future poker events.
FAQS
1. Who won the 2025 WSOPE €1,000 No-Limit Hold’em Closer event?
Lukas Timko from Czechia won the event, claiming his first WSOP bracelet and a €158,000 prize.
2. How many players participated in the €1,000 No-Limit Hold’em Closer event?
The event attracted 645 players, all vying for the prestigious WSOP bracelet.
3. What was the prize for the winner of the €1,000 No-Limit Hold’em Closer event?
The winner, Lukas Timko, earned €158,000 for his victory.
4. Who did Lukas Timko defeat in heads-up play to win the bracelet?
Timko defeated his fellow countryman Michal Schuh in heads-up play to claim the title.
5. What is the significance of Timko’s victory at the WSOP?
Timko’s victory marked his first-ever WSOP bracelet and a career-best score, propelling him into the poker spotlight.
Courtesy: WSOP