The payday was the biggest to date for the former backgammon grandmaster
Zdenek Zizka captured the spotlight at the BSOP Super High Roller Series after winning the R$500,000 (US$100,000) Main Event for a career-best R$6,000,000 (US$1.2 million). The Czech player outlasted a tough 36-entry field and finished the job in a heads-up battle against Brazilian standout Felipe Boianovsky. While others at the table drew attention for their personalities, Zizka stayed quiet, focused, and efficient throughout the final session.
His calm style created a sharp contrast with Martin Kabrhel, whose table talk echoed across the room. Zizka kept his emotions in check and relied on disciplined decisions to build momentum. When the final hand fell his way, the young pro said he was still processing the result and what the title would mean for his growing poker career.
Before poker, Zizka was already known internationally as a backgammon prodigy. He became a grandmaster, wrote a strategy book, and finished runner-up in the 2022 world championship. His shift into poker came only recently, with his first recorded tournament cash appearing two years ago. Until this year, he had never earned more than $20,000 in a single event.
Everything changed in 2024 and 2025. Zizka won a WSOP bracelet by defeating Shaun Deeb in a $1,000 event, reached three WSOP Europe final tables, and topped $1 million in cashes before arriving in Brazil. His BSOP title added nearly the same amount again, cementing him as one of the fastest-rising names in the game.
The final table brought several dramatic moments. Gabriel Tavares went out early when his queens lost to Kabrhel’s kings, and Ottomar Ladva followed after running into a set from Zizka. Four-handed play saw Zizka pick off a key river bluff and build a comfortable lead. The loudest reaction of the day came when Kabrhel celebrated flopping a set, only for a turn card to send him out in fourth.
Three-handed action swung sharply until Zizka tripled up with pocket sevens to reach heads-up. Boianovsky entered with a small lead, but Zizka’s pressure and a timely call turned the match around. The final hand saw Zizka’s tens hold against ace-nine, securing the title.
Zizka said he plans to return to Brazil next year, now as the defending champion.
