John Riordan Triumphs in 2025 Super High Roller Bowl PLO — A Defining Moment in Modern Poker Tournaments
The world of poker tournaments witnessed another thrilling chapter as the 2025 Super High Roller Bowl $100,000 Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO) event concluded with a commanding performance by John Riordan. The two-time World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet winner outlasted 37 of the game’s elite to capture the coveted SHRB championship ring and a top prize of $1,250,000 after three intense days of high-stakes four-card poker.
A Career-Defining Victory for Riordan
For Riordan, this victory marks the biggest win of his career, pushing his lifetime tournament earnings beyond $7.2 million. Before this massive payday, his largest previous cash was $210,180 from a WSOP Circuit Main Event title at the Palm Beach Kennel Club back in 2011.
He also claimed two WSOP Online bracelets in no-limit hold’em: one in 2021 ($68,284) and another in 2023 ($112,228). Yet, this Super High Roller Bowl win feels particularly meaningful for Riordan, who expressed deep satisfaction after the final hand:
“To get a high buy-in, high first-place victory against the toughest people means everything. I play a lot of big buy-ins and never had any big results. It’s a really good feeling and honestly, getting compensated for it is fantastic.”
Riordan’s Path Through Elite Poker Tournaments
Although primarily known for his success in no-limit hold’em, Riordan’s passion has always leaned toward Pot-Limit Omaha, one of the most action-packed variants featured in modern poker tournaments.
“PLO is my favorite game. It’s fun, unpredictable, and you see so many flops. It’s not just about pre-flop decisions — it’s chaos, and that’s what makes it beautiful,” he shared.
Riordan had come close in several high-profile PLO events before this win, including a third-place finish in the $25,000 Poker Masters PLO event (2022) and another podium at the 2023 WPT World Championship PLO event at Wynn Las Vegas.
Inside the Action: Day-by-Day Highlights
The $3.7 Million Prize Pool and the Money Bubble
The $100,000 buy-in event built a massive $3.7 million prize pool, with only the top seven finishers securing payouts. The tension peaked on Day 2, as the bubble burst when Dylan Weisman became the last player eliminated before the money after a dramatic confrontation with Sam Soverel, one of the event’s most aggressive competitors.
Once Weisman exited, the remaining players were guaranteed at least $150,000.
Early Cashes: Bleznick and Yockey Fall
Defending champion Jared Bleznick was the first player to make the money, busting in 7th place ($150,000) after his nut-flush draw failed to improve against Soverel’s made straight.
Two-time WSOP bracelet winner Bryce Yockey followed shortly in 6th place ($225,000). Despite entering the event fresh off two victories at the PGT PLO Series II, Yockey’s run ended when his rivered set of jacks fell to Soverel’s turned flush.
Play paused for the night with five players remaining and Soverel holding a commanding chip lead.
Soverel’s Dominance and Final Table Drama
Day 3 began with Russia’s Artur Martirosian on the short stack. His aggressive shove with A♠Q♦9♠8♣ ran into Soverel’s A♥K♦5♠2♦, which flopped trip deuces and turned a full house. Martirosian earned $300,000 for 5th place, raising his career tournament earnings to nearly $34.3 million.
Next to fall was Finland’s Joni Jouhkimainen, who moved all-in with pocket aces only to see Soverel hit a flush on the river. Jouhkimainen collected $400,000 and increased his lifetime total to $13.1 million.
Riordan’s Comeback and Simao’s Exit
The three-handed battle between Riordan, Soverel, and Joao Simao lasted over two and a half hours. Despite Soverel initially holding over 75% of the chips in play, Riordan mounted a remarkable comeback, doubling up twice and regaining momentum.
Brazilian pro Joao Simao eventually crashed out in 3rd place ($550,000) when his pocket kings couldn’t withstand Soverel’s running full house. This marked Simao’s third-largest live score, boosting his lifetime earnings to $11.3 million.
The Final Showdown: Riordan vs. Soverel
When heads-up play began, Soverel led with 7.6 million chips to Riordan’s 3.4 million. The dynamic shifted quickly as Riordan clawed back, first with a full house (sixes full of sevens) and then with a timely wheel straight.
In the final hand, Soverel raised with 10♦9♠6♠5♥, and Riordan three-bet with A♣K♣10♠7♠. The flop came 6♥5♣4♣, giving Soverel top two pair and Riordan a strong club draw. After heavy betting, both players went all-in. The Q♣ turn sealed it for Riordan with the nut flush, and the 3♠ river confirmed his $1.25 million victory.
Soverel earned $825,000 for his runner-up finish, surpassing $28.3 million in lifetime tournament winnings. This marked his 12th final table of the year and moved him to second place in the 2025 PokerGO Tour points race.
Final Table Results — 2025 Super High Roller Bowl PLO
| Place | Player | Prize | POY Points | PGT Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | John Riordan | $1,250,000 | 480 | 400 |
| 2 | Sam Soverel | $825,000 | 400 | 248 |
| 3 | Joao Simao | $550,000 | 320 | 165 |
| 4 | Joni Jouhkimainen | $400,000 | 240 | 120 |
| 5 | Artur Martirosian | $300,000 | 200 | 90 |
| 6 | Bryce Yockey | $225,000 | 160 | 68 |
| 7 | Jared Bleznick | $150,000 | 120 | 45 |
Photo Credit: PokerGO Tour / Antonio Abrego
The Bigger Picture: Why Poker Tournaments Like This Matter
The Super High Roller Bowl continues to set the standard for elite poker tournaments, combining prestige, massive buy-ins, and a showcase of the world’s best talent.
For professionals like John Riordan, events like this aren’t just about the money—they represent mastery, patience, and the courage to compete against the sharpest minds in poker.
As the poker tournament scene evolves with more PLO-focused events, fans can expect even greater action, unpredictability, and stories of redemption like Riordan’s unforgettable 2025 SHRB victory.
