Huck Seed Returns to the WSOP: Poker Legend Chases Gold After a Decade in the Shadows

“I’m starting to feel like half—or maybe three-quarters—of the rust is off.” – Huck Seed

Las Vegas, June 5, 2025 – Poker fans witnessed a nostalgic and emotional moment this week at the 2025 World Series of Poker (WSOP), as a towering figure from the golden era of the game returned to the felt. Huck Seed, the 1996 WSOP Main Event Champion and Poker Hall of Famer, is back. And while the game has changed, his ambition hasn’t.

After nearly a decade away from the WSOP spotlight, Seed has re-entered the arena with a surprising vigor, quietly grinding the $10,000 Dealer’s Choice Championship (Event #18) and bagging his first WSOP cash in nearly a decade in Event #15. But what brought this old-school icon back to the world’s biggest poker stage?

A Legend Reunites with an Old Friend

Before Huck Seed even played a hand, he created one of the most memorable moments of the series: a heartfelt embrace with fellow Full Tilt Poker legend Gus Hansen. The two hadn’t crossed paths in years, and their reunion inside the Horseshoe Events Center was a reminder of just how much history the WSOP holds.

“There’s nothing quite like running into Gus,” Seed said with a smile. “We’ve been through a lot over the years.”

Humble Reflections on a Historic Win

Back in 1996, Seed won the WSOP Main Event, topping a field of 295 players and pocketing a then-life-changing $1 million. But if you ask him about it, don’t expect a boast.

“Most of the players were pretty lost back then,” he said. “It wasn’t really that big of an accomplishment.”

Of course, poker historians would strongly disagree. Beating Bruce Van Horn heads-up, that win launched Seed into poker stardom. While he may downplay it now, it’s hard to ignore the significance of that bracelet. It remains his largest tournament payday, though he’s also known for having won millions in cash games and legendary prop bets.

So, Why Now?

Seed’s surprise return to WSOP wasn’t spurred by nostalgia alone. It was Phenom Poker, a new crypto-backed, community-owned poker site, that rekindled his love for the game.

“This wasn’t the usual corporate setup,” Seed explained. “Phenom Poker felt different—good games, a real community, all the mixed formats I love. It reminded me why I loved this game in the first place.”

That “crypto experiment,” as he calls it, reignited the spark. Seed spent the last three months playing daily—online and live—gradually shaking off the rust. It wasn’t easy. He admits to being out of sync at first, but he’s feeling sharper now.

“The first month was rough, but I’ve played every day for a week here, and things are starting to click,” he shared.

First WSOP Cash Since 2016

His return was validated when he cashed in Event #15: $1,500 Mixed Pot-Limit Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better, finishing 59th out of 1,239 players for $4,525. Modest by his standards, but symbolic nonetheless.

Still, it wasn’t all smiles.

“They didn’t get me—I gave it away,” Seed said of his bustout, visibly frustrated. “I just made a mistake.”

Such self-awareness is classic Huck Seed. Always introspective, rarely boastful.

An Eye on the Present, Not the Past

When asked if seeing his 1996 championship banner stirred any emotions, Seed shrugged.

“No, not really,” he said. “It’s just a piece of fabric. I’m more focused on what’s in front of me.”

And what lies ahead is a WSOP grind against the new-school generation of GTO-savvy crushers. But Seed, 56, isn’t writing himself off.

“It’s my first week back. I need more hours with the young guys before I can judge,” he said. “But I like my chances. I think I’ve got better than 20-to-1 odds to win a bracelet this summer.”

Coming from one of the most prolific prop bettors in poker history, that’s not a statement to take lightly.

Can Huck Seed Hang with the Modern Game?

Today’s poker landscape is full of solvers, streams, and sharp analytics. For old-schoolers like Seed, adapting is a tall task. But he’s embracing the challenge.

“It’s tougher now. No doubt,” he admits. “But I’ve put in the work lately. I’m not just showing up. I’ve been playing, studying, getting reps in.”

It’s that work ethic, paired with decades of experience and mental toughness, that makes Seed a dangerous wild card. And make no mistake—he’s not here just to reminisce.

Final Thoughts: Poker Needs Its Legends

In an age where the WSOP is flooded with hoodie-wearing grinders and headset-toting online phenoms, seeing Huck Seed return reminds us of poker’s roots—where heart, intuition, and character meant as much as theory and charts.

Whether he captures bracelet #5 or not, Huck Seed’s comeback adds soul to the 2025 World Series of Poker. For fans and players alike, it’s a rare chance to witness greatness—not just in trophies or dollars, but in resilience and love for the game.

So, can Huck Seed make magic happen again?

If history has taught us anything—it’s never wise to bet against him.

About BetterPokerNews

BetterPokerNews brings you real-time coverage, expert analysis, and inspiring stories from the world of professional poker. Follow us for the latest on WSOP 2025, online poker trends, and poker legends chasing greatness.

Source Poker Legend Huck Seed is Back Chasing WSOP Bracelets After a Decade Away – PokerNews

PC Pokernews and Rachel Kay Winters