The 28-year-old auto body repairman joined on Day 1A, busting once before running deep on his second bullet. Kaminisky’s emotional rollercoaster peaked when he defeated freeroll qualifier Patrice Espinasse heads-up, earning €175,000 and the symbolic champion’s sword. Espinasse turned €0 into €127,500 — a story of its own.
Yoann Kaminisky (France) – €175,000
Patrice Espinasse (France) – €127,500
Jean-Yves Lestrade – €90,000
Thibault Dumontier – €63,800
Kaminisky cracked Aces to bust Oscar Genix (14th) and doubled through Malcolm Franchi (16th).
A pivotal set on the turn gave him the upper hand against Lestrade before finishing off Espinasse in a short heads-up.
His celebration roar echoed through the casino as he lifted the champion’s sword.
The champion said he would now buy a house with a pool for his son and step back from full-time poker.
Defending champion Jérémy Cauchard, who won the 2024 edition (€170,000), couldn’t repeat, finishing 9th (€35,700) after a dramatic clash with Espinasse.
What’s Next for Winamax: Next stops include the WSOP-C Aix-en-Provence (April 17th–21st), SISMIX Marrakech (May 20–25), and WPO Aix-les-Bains (September 16th–21st).
With a record turnout and a thrilling finale, the WiPT 2025 sets a new standard for European poker festivals.
The Untold Story of "Dogs Playing Poker" – From Advertising to Cultural IconThe world of art and pop culture is full of memorable images, but few have reached the legendary status of Dogs Playing P...
Poker chips are a crucial element of the game, as I'm sure we've discussed on other occasions. We always focus on the cards, on the decks, but the chips are unfairly relegated to second place, and...
Oak Cliff Card Club: Revolutionizing Poker with No Seat FeesLocated in Cockrell Hill, Texas, the Oak Cliff Card Club is making waves in the poker world with its innovative model that eliminates sea...