“It’s not just about the bracelets, it’s about consistency and timing.” These words by Shaun Deeb, reflecting his long-standing philosophy, never seemed truer than in the 2025 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Player of the Year (POY) race. 

Deeb, who has now won the prestigious title for the second time, battled against a fierce wave of competitors, most notably Benny Glaser, who came within inches of stealing the crown from him in a photo finish.

With the stakes higher than ever and one of the tightest POY races in recent memory, Deeb’s grit and determination were on full display throughout the series, as he managed to hold on, surpassing some of poker’s best players in a dramatic final stretch.

Glaser Makes It Interesting

For a while, it seemed as if Benny Glaser had the POY title wrapped up. The British poker prodigy had a spectacular summer, winning an impressive three bracelets in June alone, including triumphs in high-profile events. His stellar performance shot him to the top of the POY standings, and it seemed like he would cruise to the finish line.

But Deeb wasn’t going to let his lead slip easily.

“Everyone talks about big wins, but for me, it’s always been about being consistent, finishing strong. That’s how you win the long game,” Deeb remarked after his victory.

In early July, the competition took a sudden turn when Deeb seized control of the lead with his win in Event #79: $100,000 Pot-Limit Omaha High Roller. This victory earned Deeb a career-best $2,957,227 and a seventh gold bracelet, which elevated him to the top of the leaderboard. His win wasn’t just significant for the cash, but for the points that put him ahead of Glaser at a critical moment in the race.

Shaun Deeb vs. Glaser: The Final Countdown

With Deeb holding a slight lead in July, the stage was set for the dramatic conclusion. Glaser, having accumulated three bracelets, still had one crucial advantage: the opportunity to add more cash to his total. The new WSOP POY scoring system only counts a player’s 10 best finishes, which left Deeb in a tight spot—he needed to replace some of his weaker finishes in the remaining events to preserve his lead.

Glaser, ever persistent, continued to cash in multiple events, but Deeb wasn’t far behind. With each additional cash, Glaser narrowed the gap. Deeb, meanwhile, was sweating it out, hoping his earlier successes would hold up against Glaser’s late push. As the final day of the series arrived, Glaser had one last shot at redemption in Event #97: $1,500 The Closer. He managed to battle through the early stages but was eliminated in 114th place—70 spots short of securing enough points to overtake Deeb.

“It came down to the final day, and I could feel the pressure. Benny almost caught me, but I knew I had to hold on,” Deeb said after securing the title.

Glaser’s attempt at a comeback wasn’t over yet. He entered the last event of the series, the $1,000 Super Turbo, hoping for a miracle finish. However, his efforts were in vain, and he was quickly knocked out. That meant Deeb had officially locked up the 2025 WSOP Player of the Year award, with a final score that left Glaser just shy of the mark.

The Final Standings: Shaun Deeb, Glaser, Mizrachi, and More

With the 2025 WSOP officially in the books, the final Player of the Year standings saw Shaun Deeb emerge victorious, just ahead of Benny Glaser, who finished in second place. Despite Glaser’s outstanding performance, Deeb’s consistency and late victories proved to be the deciding factor. Other notable players in the top 10 included Martin Kabrhel (3rd), Michael Mizrachi (4th), and Daniel Negreanu (7th), who each added significant achievements to their poker resumes during the series.

Michael Mizrachi, who won both the Main Event and the Poker Players Championship—two of the most prestigious titles in poker—was a serious contender for the POY title. However, his limited deep runs outside of those two victories meant he couldn’t keep pace with Deeb’s consistency.

Deeb’s Legacy and the Road Ahead

Shaun Deeb’s victory in 2025 marked his second WSOP Player of the Year title, having previously won in 2018. But this win feels especially sweet, as it was earned in one of the closest, most competitive races in the history of the event. “This one means a lot,” Deeb said in his post-victory interview. “There’s a whole new generation of players who are hungry, and it feels great to prove that I’m still at the top.”

With a legacy that includes over $10 million in career earnings, seven WSOP bracelets, and a reputation for consistently showing up in poker’s biggest events, Deeb has solidified his place among the greats. His latest victory only strengthens his case for a future induction into the Poker Hall of Fame.

Looking ahead, Deeb’s focus is on continuing to compete at the highest level while mentoring the next generation of players. “Poker isn’t just about being lucky; it’s about the mental game. That’s where you find your edge,” Deeb reflected.

Benny Glaser’s Remarkable Summer

While Glaser didn’t win the Player of the Year award, his three-bracelet summer is one of the best individual performances in WSOP history. “I’m proud of what I accomplished,” Glaser said after the series. “Shaun deserved the win, but I’ll be back next year stronger than ever.”

The Top Ten Finishers

1. Shaun Deeb – POY Winner
   
2. Benny Glaser – 2nd Place
   
3. Martin Kabrhel – 3rd Place
   
4. Michael Mizrachi – 4th Place
   
5. Daniel Negreanu – 5th Place
   
6. Brian Rast – 6th Place
   
7. Chris Ferguson – 7th Place
   
8. David Peters – 8th Place
   
9. Stephen Chidwick – 9th Place
   
10. Alex Foxen – 10th Place
    

FAQs

1. What made the 2025 WSOP Player of the Year race so exciting?

The 2025 POY race was thrilling due to the fierce competition between Shaun Deeb and Benny Glaser, who both had strong performances throughout the series. Glaser’s late surge made the race a photo finish.

2. How many bracelets did Benny Glaser win in the 2025 WSOP?

Benny Glaser won three bracelets during the 2025 WSOP, including impressive wins in major events, but it wasn’t enough to secure the Player of the Year title.

3. What were the key events that helped Shaun Deeb win the POY title?

Deeb’s key victory was in Event #79, the $100,000 Pot-Limit Omaha High Roller, where he earned his seventh bracelet. He also had several final table appearances that helped him maintain his position at the top of the leaderboard.

4. What did Michael Mizrachi achieve during the 2025 WSOP?

Michael Mizrachi won two prestigious tournaments: the Main Event and the Poker Players Championship. However, his limited deep runs outside of these wins kept him from securing the POY title.

5. Will Shaun Deeb compete in future WSOP events?

Yes, Shaun Deeb plans to continue competing at the highest level of poker and has his eyes set on future victories, including another potential Player of the Year award.

Image Courtesy: POKERORG