Wilklow scored his biggest pot to date as the WSOP set a new prize pool record
Michael Wilklow secured his first World Series of Poker (WSOP) gold bracelet in dramatic fashion by winning the 2025 Mystery Millions event at the Horseshoe and Paris Las Vegas. Wilklow outlasted a massive field of 19,654 entries to take home a life-changing $1,000,000 top prize and poker’s most coveted trophy. The $1,000 buy-in event generated a prize pool exceeding $17.2 million, making it one of the largest in WSOP history.
The final day of play saw 20 contenders return, but it didn’t take long for the field to shrink. Rapid eliminations characterized the early hours, with players eager to climb the payout ladder. Wilklow quietly maneuvered through the chaos before making his move during the final table.
A key turning point came when Wilklow doubled through Michael Acevedo with ace-ten cracking ace-king. That hand fueled a dominant run, allowing him to eliminate multiple opponents and enter heads-up play with confidence.
While Acevedo, a respected author and strategist, fought hard, Wilklow maintained control. One of the standout moments came when he made a sharp call with fourth pair, reading Acevedo’s bluff perfectly.
The final hand was fittingly dramatic—Wilklow turned a full house while Acevedo completed a straight on the river. The pot sealed the win, triggering a loud celebration from Wilklow’s rail.
Reflecting on his performance, Wilklow credited his focus and preparation. He quit drinking the year prior and said it helped his stamina and mental clarity throughout the grueling tournament. Although he didn’t start the day with a firm strategy, he reviewed his heads-up notes during breaks, a move that paid off during the final duel.
Wilklow’s previous biggest live tournament cash was just a fraction of this result, making his WSOP victory not only a breakthrough moment in his poker journey but also a financial milestone.
