The $125,000 buy-in Triton Poker Jeju no-limit hold’em event drew 69 elite entries, building a massive prize pool worth more than $8.6 million. In the end, it was Canadian pro Michael Watson who claimed victory, securing his fifth Triton trophy along with a career-best $2,130,812 payday.
With this win, Watson joins legends like Phil Ivey, Mikita Badziakouski, Bryn Kenney, Danny Tang, and Punnat Punsri in a six-way tie for second place on Triton’s all-time titles leaderboard. Only Jason Koon sits above them with a remarkable 12 Triton victories.
Watson’s latest triumph also pushed his lifetime earnings past $35.6 million, cementing his place among the world’s most accomplished high-stakes tournament players.
“Anytime you get a new career high score, it feels good,” Watson told Ali Nejad in his post-win interview. “It’s amazing to add another Triton title and finally top that $2M mark.”
A Triple Crown Champion
At 41 years old, Watson’s legacy extends far beyond Triton Poker. He is one of just 10 players in history to achieve poker’s coveted Triple Crown—winning a WSOP bracelet, a WPT Main Event, and an EPT title. He completed the trio in 2024 with an online WSOP bracelet victory.
Road to the Final Table
The star-studded field meant big names were bound to miss out. The money bubble burst with Alex Foxen in 12th, while his wife, Kristen Foxen, went on to make history with a career-best score.
Other notables who cashed included:
- Isaac Haxton (11th)
- Tom Fuchs (10th)
- Santhosh Suvarna (9th)
- Jesse Lonis (8th) – POY leader, earning $323,000
The official final table featured several Triton regulars, including Mikita Badziakouski, who notched his 49th Triton cash ($414,000), and Sean Winter, who finished sixth for $526,000.
Watson’s Clutch Run
Watson’s momentum surged after eliminating Artur Martirosian, spiking a flush against pocket queens. He later cracked Jun Obara’s top pair with a straight, and finally, he outlasted Kristen Foxen, who fell in third place for a record-setting $1,104,000.
Heads-up, Watson faced Stephen Chidwick, who had just taken down the $200K Short Deck event days earlier. Both agreed to an ICM chop, locking up over $2M each, leaving the Triton title and $58K on the side.
The duel ended in spectacular fashion when Watson rivered a straight flush to seal the win and deny Chidwick his second Triton trophy in a week.
Final Table Results
| Place | Player | Payout | POY Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Michael Watson | $2,130,812 | 720 |
| 2 | Stephen Chidwick | $1,927,188 | 600 |
| 3 | Kristen Foxen | $1,104,000 | 480 |
| 4 | Jun Obara | $849,000 | 360 |
| 5 | Artur Martirosian | $673,000 | 300 |
| 6 | Sean Winter | $526,000 | 240 |
| 7 | Mikita Badziakouski | $414,000 | 180 |
From Triton Poker to NYC Poker Nights
While Triton Poker delivers the biggest stages and million-dollar swings, the excitement of the game is alive at every level. In fact, NYC private poker clubs are growing in popularity, offering players the chance to experience real action in a safe, social setting. Whether you’re chasing your first big pot or preparing for a world-class tournament, NYC poker games provide the perfect environment to sharpen your skills.
Key Takeaways
- Michael Watson earns his fifth Triton title and $2.13M.
- Becomes part of the exclusive Triple Crown club.
- Moves into a tie for second place on the Triton title leaderboard.
- Heads-up ends with a dramatic straight flush against Chidwick.
- NYC private poker games continue to thrive, bringing poker excitement closer to home.
