As the 2025 World Series of Poker hits full stride, the spotlight isn’t just on the bracelet events—it’s also on the annual $25K Fantasy Draft, where some of poker’s top minds gather to build dream teams of elite grinders. Held live in Las Vegas, this high-stakes fantasy league mixes competition with camaraderie as team captains bid on the best players they believe will dominate the WSOP schedule.
The excitement, the strategy, and the rivalries make the $25K Fantasy Draft one of the most anticipated non-playing events of the summer.
A Draft Unlike Any Other in Poker
Unlike casual fantasy sports leagues, the WSOP $25K Fantasy Draft is a serious endeavor. Each team has a budget of $200 to build a roster of eight players. Points are earned based on actual WSOP performances across a wide variety of events, from low buy-ins to high rollers and mixed games.
The draft is streamed live and followed closely by poker fans and insiders. This year’s event brought in even more attention due to several high-profile team owners and new names entering the fray, adding an extra layer of intrigue.
Notable Draft Picks and Bidding Wars
The 2025 draft saw fierce bidding for proven performers like Shaun Deeb, Daniel Negreanu, and Phil Ivey. These poker veterans always bring strong ROI in fantasy scoring due to their high volume and deep runs.
Up-and-comers also drew attention, with players like Jeremy Becker and Landon Tice going for more than expected after recent breakout performances. The auction format led to several bidding wars, including a heated exchange over Ben Lamb that sent social media buzzing.
Top team owners like Maria Ho, Josh Arieh, and Matt Glantz showed up well-prepared, balancing big-ticket stars with value picks to round out their rosters.
Strategy Behind the Selections
Each team captain approaches the draft with a unique philosophy. Some focus on specialists in mixed games, where fewer participants can mean higher fantasy value. Others go for volume—players who enter 60+ events throughout the series and consistently make deep runs.
High rollers who only play a handful of events can also be worth the investment if they make a final table or two. As always, the most successful teams tend to find undervalued picks who outperform expectations.
Behind the scenes, captains pore over past WSOP stats, live tournament results, and even travel schedules to avoid drafting players who may skip certain events.
What Happens After the Draft?
Once teams are finalized, all eyes turn to the felt. Every deep run, final table, and bracelet win can swing the standings. Updates are posted regularly throughout the WSOP, and fans can track how their favorite team or player is doing in real time.
Beyond the fantasy standings, the draft itself serves as a barometer for who the poker world believes is poised for a big summer. It’s not just fun—it’s a snapshot of current respect levels in the game.
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