Philip Sternheimer has officially joined the ranks of World Series of Poker champions. The British high-stakes poker pro earned his first WSOP bracelet after triumphing in Event #36: $10,000 Pot-Limit Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better Championship at the 2025 WSOP in Las Vegas. His long-awaited victory was sealed with a dominant performance at a star-studded final table, where he outlasted 259 entries and secured a top prize of $763,087.
A Career-Defining Victory
Sternheimer has long been respected on the high-roller circuit, frequently participating in elite tournaments around the world. However, a WSOP bracelet had eluded him—until now. The victory marks a significant milestone in his career and solidifies his status among poker’s elite.
Throughout the event, Sternheimer displayed excellent discipline and deep understanding of the split-pot variant. He navigated a tough field that included some of the game’s sharpest mixed-game specialists, maintaining composure and consistency across three days of action.
The Road to the Final Table
The $10,000 PLO Hi-Lo Championship drew a competitive field of 259 entries, generating a prize pool of over $2.4 million. Players from across the globe, including bracelet winners and mixed-game experts, came prepared for battle in this complex and technical format.
By the time the final table was set, Sternheimer found himself up against experienced opponents such as Robert Cowen, James Chen, and Shaun Deeb. With the stakes high and every decision carrying weight, Sternheimer played fearlessly, gradually accumulating chips and applying pressure when it mattered most.
Final Table Highlights
At the final table, Sternheimer showcased a blend of patience and aggression. In the closing stages, he delivered several key knockouts, including eliminating runner-up Robert Cowen in a dramatic heads-up duel. The final hand saw Sternheimer scoop both the high and low halves of the pot with a well-timed nut hand, triggering a wave of celebration from his supporters.
The final payouts included:
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1st – Philip Sternheimer: $763,087
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2nd – Robert Cowen: $470,944
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3rd – John Esposito: $329,133
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4th – James Chen: $234,326
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5th – Shaun Deeb: $169,724
Reaction from the Winner
After the win, Sternheimer was visibly emotional. In his post-game interview, he shared how meaningful the bracelet was to him.
“I’ve been coming to the WSOP for years. To finally win one of these—especially in such a tough field—means the world to me,” he said.
He credited his success to years of practice, strategic study, and learning from past tournament experiences. Sternheimer also thanked his friends and family for their unwavering support throughout his poker journey.
What’s Next for Sternheimer?
With his first WSOP bracelet now in hand, Sternheimer is expected to enter more championship events throughout the remainder of the 2025 WSOP schedule. His victory in a notoriously skill-intensive format like PLO Hi-Lo suggests that further success could be on the horizon.
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