Slovenian poker pro Blaz Zerjav has made headlines by capturing his first-ever World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet in the prestigious $25,000 High Roller event. The thrilling victory earned him a career-best payout of $1.73 million, cementing his place among the elite in the 2025 poker world.
A Breakthrough Win on Poker’s Biggest Stage
Zerjav battled through a tough field of 301 entrants, many of whom were seasoned High Roller regulars and former bracelet winners. The event, held at Horseshoe Las Vegas, tested even the most disciplined players with its deep structure and intense competition.
The final table was stacked with notable names, but Zerjav remained composed throughout, executing a masterclass in patience and aggression when needed. His victory represents a breakthrough moment not only for his career but for Slovenian poker as a whole.
Road to Victory: Key Moments
The turning point came late on Day 3 when Zerjav won a massive pot with pocket aces against pocket kings, catapulting him to the top of the chip counts. He maintained the lead deep into the final table, leveraging position and stack size to pressure opponents and avoid unnecessary confrontations.
In the heads-up duel, Zerjav faced American high-stakes specialist Brock Wilson. After nearly 90 minutes of back-and-forth action, Zerjav sealed the win with a flush on the river, prompting a roar of celebration from his rail.
Star-Studded Field Falls Short
This year’s $25K High Roller featured an elite lineup, including Jason Koon, Chris Brewer, Adrian Mateos, and Alex Foxen. Several of them made deep runs, but none could match Zerjav’s momentum and strategic precision in the late stages of the tournament.
Mateos, who entered Day 2 as one of the chip leaders, exited in 14th place. Foxen and Koon both reached the top 20, but couldn’t gain traction on the final day.
A Milestone for Slovenian Poker
Zerjav’s bracelet marks a historic moment for his home country, as he becomes the first Slovenian to win a WSOP High Roller event. The victory has ignited a wave of pride and excitement across Slovenia’s small but passionate poker community.
“Winning this bracelet is beyond my dreams,” Zerjav said in his post-win interview. “I’ve worked incredibly hard, and to do it in this field makes it even more special.”
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