Las Vegas, Nevada – June 1, 2025
In a poker world where headlines are earned through bracelets, bluffs, and bankroll swings, Thomas Zanot has once again etched his name into the annals of gambling lore—this time by pulling the coveted $1 million mystery bounty at the 2025 World Series of Poker (WSOP). The Arizona native-turned-Vegas resident stunned the poker community during Event #1: $1,000 Mystery Millions, but for Zanot, this may not even be the most extraordinary moment of his career.
The Moment That Shook the Paris Ballroom
It was Day 2 of the Mystery Millions tournament, a hyper-popular event that has now become a staple at the WSOP. This year, the event attracted a jaw-dropping 19,654 entries, creating not just a massive prize pool but also a field thick with anticipation for the elusive bounty envelopes that would change lives in an instant.
As the mystery bounty portion kicked in, two $1 million envelopes lay hidden, waiting to be drawn. One was already snapped up by Tyler Montoya earlier in the day. Montoya’s post-bounty celebration had its own Vegas flair, as he quipped to PokerNews:
“If you’re a stripper at the strip club, you should be working tonight.”
While Montoya’s stay in the tournament was short-lived—he busted about an hour later—his one-hour swing turned him into a millionaire, even exceeding the event’s eventual first-place prize.
Then came Zanot.
“Let’s Go!” — The Fist Pump Heard Round the Strip
When Thomas Zanot pulled the second and final $1 million envelope, the roar in the Paris Ballroom was unmistakable. Microphone in hand, he celebrated with a clenched fist and a now-viral scream:
“Let’s go!”
To many watching, it seemed unreal. But this wasn’t the first time Lady Luck smiled on Zanot. In fact, for followers of his gambling journey, it felt like déjà vu.
From Pai Gow to Poker Fame: The 2023 Flamingo Miracle
In January 2023, Zanot sat at a Pai Gow Poker table at the Flamingo Las Vegas, grinding away with a $5 side bet chip—one of many small wagers he’d made across several hours and hundreds of hands. After roughly 11 hours of play and a loss of around $375, lightning struck.
Holding the 8♠ 9♠ 10♠ J♠ Q♠ A♠ and the Joker (which counts in Pai Gow), Zanot completed an improbable seven-card straight flush, clinching the $6.4 million Pai Gow progressive jackpot—the largest such jackpot awarded in Las Vegas in early 2023.
It was a life-altering win, and one that became part of Vegas gambling folklore. But unlike most viral jackpot winners who fade into obscurity, Zanot has stayed in the game—and in the spotlight.
Still Alive for More Glory
At the time of writing, Thomas Zanot is still in contention in the Mystery Millions event. That means the story isn’t over just yet. If he manages to take down the tournament outright, he could walk away with another $1 million (or more), making this not just a lucky pull but potentially one of the most profitable WSOP events in a single year for any player.
It’s the kind of story that poker dreams—and promotional reels—are made of.
Not Just a Jackpot Guy: Zanot’s WSOP History
For those unfamiliar with his poker resume, Zanot is no newcomer to the felt. His live tournament earnings exceed $1.3 million, with cashes across multiple major events. But it’s not just his results that grab headlines—Zanot’s presence at the table has also made waves.
During the 2024 WSOP Main Event, he made headlines for a very different reason—calling out a player for alleged angle shooting from across the table. Although he wasn’t directly involved in the hand, Zanot didn’t hesitate to speak up, a move that caused quite a stir among players and floor staff.
Security had to intervene, and Zanot was issued a one-round penalty, served after the 75-minute dinner break. Whether you see him as a passionate protector of poker ethics or a lightning rod for controversy, one thing’s certain: Thomas Zanot brings the heat—on and off the table.
Mystery Millions: A Modern WSOP Marvel
The Mystery Millions event has become a cornerstone of the modern WSOP experience. Combining the traditional MTT structure with bounty-based surprises, it delivers electrifying moments that appeal to both grinders and recreational players.
In 2025, the format reached new heights. With 19,654 entries, the tournament shattered previous records and proved again why the WSOP in Las Vegas remains the mecca of live poker.
These bounty envelopes—ranging from a few hundred dollars to the monumental $1 million—have redefined what it means to win in poker. It’s not always about taking home the bracelet; sometimes, it’s about pulling the right envelope at the right time.
The Luckiest Gambler Alive?
With a $6.4 million Pai Gow hit in 2023 and a $1 million WSOP bounty pull in 2025, Thomas Zanot is staking his claim as one of the luckiest gamblers on the planet.
Yet, luck alone doesn’t explain his continued success at the tables. Zanot’s story is also one of persistence, deep knowledge of games, emotional resilience, and the willingness to play through variance—traits that define successful professionals in poker and beyond.
In a game where luck and skill constantly dance around each other, Thomas Zanot has shown he can do more than just catch lightning in a bottle—he can hold on to it.
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Source:
PokerNews – “Poker Player Who Hit $6.4M Pai Gow Jackpot Pulls $1M WSOP Mystery Bounty” by Jon Sofen
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