Olivier Busquet’s Return: Borgata Summer Open Championship Victory

“After more than five years away, I feel like I never left.” These were the words of Olivier Busquet, a poker giant who made a stellar return to the live tournament scene with an unforgettable victory at the 2025 Borgata Summer Poker Open Championship.

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A Triumphant Comeback for Busquet

Olivier Busquet, a well-known figure in the poker world, marked his return by conquering the same stage where he won his first World Poker Tour (WPT) title in 2009. With an impeccable performance over four days, the New York native bested a field of 685 entrants, securing a prize pool of $1.64 million. His victory came with a handsome reward of $255,135 after negotiating a heads-up deal with Abe Gordon.

For Busquet, this victory adds another prestigious title to his already impressive career, which boasts over $9 million in live earnings, according to The Hendon Mob. The win also serves as a poignant reminder that, despite taking time off from the live poker circuit, he has certainly not lost his touch.

The Road to Victory: A Wire-to-Wire Performance

The 2025 Borgata Summer Poker Open Championship saw 685 players battle it out for the grand prize, with Busquet holding the chip lead from Day 2. By the time the final table was set, it was clear that he was in complete control, dominating the field throughout the event.

Key Eliminations:

• Ryan Dodd (New Jersey) was eliminated after losing a flip with ace-jack suited to Busquet’s pocket tens.
  
• Farid Jattin, the Colombian poker star, couldn’t turn his fortunes around after a series of flips and ultimately fell when his queen-nine suited couldn’t hold up against Sridhar Sangannagari’s ace-jack.
  
• Sridhar Sangannagari was the next to go after losing an all-in to Matthew Beinner. Despite a solid performance, Beinner’s ace-queen prevailed, and Sangannagari’s run ended in 4th place.
  
• Matthew Beinner finished 3rd after a strong run, losing out to Abe Gordon in a crucial hand.

After Beinner’s exit, Busquet and Gordon negotiated an ICM deal, with Busquet holding a significant chip lead (60%) at the time. Both players took home winners’ trophies, capping off a cordial and friendly negotiation.

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The Winner’s Words: A Family Affair

Busquet was quick to express his gratitude for the support of his family, who played a crucial role in his return to poker. “Big shoutout to my family. My beautiful wife, my daughter and my son. That’s who I play for,” he said.

As for his future in poker, Busquet is enthusiastic. “I ran incredibly well here. I enjoy live poker, the social aspect,” he explained. “This win feels great, and I’ll probably play more.”

Final Table Results: 2025 Borgata Summer Poker Open Championship

Conclusion: A Champion’s Return

Olivier Busquet’s return to the poker scene has been a highly successful one, and his victory at the Borgata Summer Poker Open Championship proves that he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level. Whether this marks the start of more live tournament appearances or remains a special chapter in his career, one thing is clear: Olivier Busquet is back and ready to dominate the poker world once again.

FAQs

1. What was the prize pool for the 2025 Borgata Summer Poker Open Championship?
   
   • The total prize pool was $1,644,000, surpassing the $1 million guarantee.
     
2. Who did Olivier Busquet strike a heads-up deal with?
   
   • Busquet struck a heads-up deal with Abe Gordon, who finished in second place.
     
3. What was Busquet’s chip lead going into the final table?
   
   • Busquet held a commanding chip lead of 60% going into the final heads-up battle.
     
4. How long had it been since Olivier Busquet’s last live cash?
   
   • Busquet had been away from live poker for over five years before recording a 12th-place finish at this year’s WSOP.
     
5. What does this win mean for Olivier Busquet’s career?
   
   • This win adds another prestigious title to Busquet’s already stellar career, reaffirming his skill and passion for the game.

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