There’s something magical about the Grand Victoria Casino in Elgin, Illinois. The casino, perched along the scenic Fox River, often plays host to familiar poker faces chasing rings and glory. But this time, the 2025 WSOP Circuit stop brought a refreshing twist to the script. It wasn’t the veterans or the usual suspects dominating headlines. Instead, 14 first-time WSOP gold ring winners emerged, turning the spotlight onto new blood and reshaping the narrative of this year’s live poker scene.
At the heart of the action was Joey Gargiulo, a relatively unknown grinder who pulled off the biggest win of his career. His $171,165 victory in the $1,700 WSOP-C Main Event wasn’t just a payout—it was a powerful statement. Joey navigated a battle-tested field of 652 entries, staying calm under pressure and delivering precise aggression when it mattered most. His reward? A career-defining gold ring and the attention of the poker world.
Joey Gargiulo: From Grinder to WSOP Main Event Champion
Before this series, Joey Gargiulo wasn’t a household name in poker circles. But that changed when he walked into Grand Victoria’s poker room and played the tournament of his life. After days of calculated play, he emerged as the last man standing, collecting $171,165 for his victory.
Gargiulo’s path to the top wasn’t easy. The final table was stacked with tough competition, including WSOP Circuit regulars and local crushers. But Gargiulo’s sharp reads and unwavering composure saw him rise through the ranks, culminating in a well-earned title. With this victory, he not only walked away with life-changing money but also earned a seat into the prestigious 2025 Tournament of Champions, reserved for WSOP ring and bracelet winners.
Kevin Saul Adds Gold Ring to Storied Poker Career
While the series was largely dominated by new names, there was one seasoned shark who stood out—Kevin “BeL0WaB0Ve” Saul. Known for his deep runs and online prowess, Saul finally claimed his first WSOP Circuit gold ring by taking down the $600 No-Limit Hold’em event.
It was a long time coming for Saul, whose poker resume includes over $4 million in live tournament earnings, highlighted by a win at the Bellagio Cup III for nearly $1.3 million back in 2007. Despite his storied career, the WSOP-C ring had always eluded him—until now.
In typical Saul fashion, his win came through calculated aggression, dominating post-flop scenarios, and leveraging years of experience against younger competition. For Kevin, this win was less about money and more about finally checking off an elusive milestone.
WSOP Grand Victoria: A Breeding Ground for New Talent
The WSOP Circuit Grand Victoria 2025 was more than just a series of poker tournaments—it became a launching pad for a new generation of poker talent. Over 14 events, each one brought fresh faces into the poker spotlight, and none of them had previously tasted WSOP ring success.
Standout moments from the festival included:
- Steven Borden’s victory in Event #1 ($400 NLH) for $18,025 and his first ring.
- Cody Brinn’s win in Event #4 ($400 NLH 6-Max) for $16,836.
- Taylor Hart’s triumph in Event #5 ($400 PLO) for $15,103.
- Stephanie Ngyuen’s breakthrough in the Ladies Event, where she won $4,583 and became another first-time ring winner.
The diversity of winners and game formats—from No-Limit Hold’em to Pot-Limit Omaha—highlighted the expanding talent pool in U.S. poker.
Path to the Tournament of Champions
Every gold ring handed out during the Grand Victoria stop came with more than bragging rights. Winners also locked up seats into the 2025 WSOP Tournament of Champions, the exclusive $1 million freeroll that will once again cap off the season in style.
For many, like Joey Gargiulo and Steven Borden, this means a chance to sit shoulder-to-shoulder with bracelet winners and the game’s elite in Las Vegas. The road to poker glory may have started in Elgin, but for these grinders, the journey is just beginning.
Final Thoughts: The Rise of the New Guard
The WSOP Circuit’s stop at Grand Victoria Casino was a breath of fresh air. While legends like Kevin Saul reminded us of their staying power, it was the rise of first-timers like Joey Gargiulo that gave the series its emotional punch. This event reminded the poker world that every player has a shot at greatness—and sometimes all it takes is one good run to make history.
As the 2025 WSOP-C rolls on, eyes will now turn to upcoming stops to see which new heroes will emerge. But for now, Elgin belongs to its newly crowned champions.
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