Chang Lee Wins First Bracelet for $1.95 Million in WSOP $25K High Roller

The South Korean high-stakes cash game player made his World Series of Poker debut in Event #26: $25,000 High Roller 8-Handed No-Limit Hold-em—only the second live event of his career. And somehow, three days later, he was the last man standing, capturing his first WSOP bracelet and a staggering $1,949,044 payday.

The 2025 WSOP $25K High Roller drew a record 392 entries, creating a $9,212,000 prize pool. It took 25 hour-long levels over three intense days to reach a winner, with Lee navigating through a minefield of pros, bracelet winners, and seasoned high-roller regulars.

But Lee’s performance has already stolen early headlines—even before the 2025 WSOP Main Event kicks off. By the time he defeated Andrew Ostapchenko heads-up, there was no doubt left. This wasn’t beginner’s luck. This was calculated, fearless poker—and now Chang Lee’s name is etched into WSOP history.

WSOP Event #26: $25,000 High Roller Final Table Results

Final Table Recap

Webster Lim fell first with A♠6♦ against Byron Kaverman’s A♣J♠. Kaverman’s luck ran out shortly after when Mathew Frankland’s K♠Q♥ made top pair to send him out in eighth.

Orpen Kisacikoglu shoved A♣7♦ into Andrew Ostapchenko’s A♠K♦ and was out in seventh. Joe McKeehen’s K♣Q♠ lost to Lee’s A♠J♠, sending the former champ out in sixth.

Ostapchenko continued climbing, busting Masato Yokosawa in fifth with Q♣3♦ against J♥5♣. Frankland bluffed into third pair and exited fourth.

Elijah Berg shoved J♦8♠ over Ostapchenko’s Q♣4♣ and couldn’t fade the flush, finishing third.

Chang Lee’s Grit and GTO Approach

So, how did a first-timer take down one of the toughest fields of the summer?

“I really studied the GTO,” Lee said post-win. “Four days ago, I flew in from South Korea. I was super jetlagged and tired but I wanted to win this tournament.”

Lee busted on Day 1 after a brutal string of coolers, including losing with top set twice to backdoor straights. But he rebought late and came back strong on Day 2, finishing 11th in chips.

On Day 3, he found his rhythm.

He played aggressively, often targeting tight players with big bets. After bluffing Mathew Frankland in a big spot, he flipped over his cards—an intentional show of control.

Lee also had luck when it counted. With 16 players left, he got it in with queens against kings—and rivered a straight to stay alive. He remained near the top of the chip counts from that point on.

Heads-Up Recap: Two Styles, One Winner

Lee and Ostapchenko entered heads-up with nearly even stacks—31.5 million to 27.2 million. But their styles at the table couldn’t have been more different.

Ostapchenko, a seasoned grinder with over $4.9 million in career earnings, played methodically and tried to wear Lee down. He landed the first major blow with aces full to retake the lead, but Lee stayed patient.

Then came the final hand, and it was nothing short of wild.

• Lee: K♥4♥
• Ostapchenko: A♦K♠
• Preflop: Lee raised to 1.35M, Ostapchenko three-bet to 5.5M, Lee called.
• Flop: 6♣5♥3♥ – Lee flopped a combo draw.
• Turn: K♦ – both players hit top pair.
• River: 4♠ – Lee made two pair.

Ostapchenko shoved the river for 10.1 million. Lee snap-called. Just like that, it was over. No theatrics. Just a firm handshake, a quiet nod, and a rail that barely knew what hit them.

What’s Next for Poker’s Newest Star?

When asked if he’ll play more events this summer, Lee was noncommittal.

I need to check the stream, see if my play was good or not. I have to decide—cash games or tournaments?

Whatever he chooses, it’s clear the poker world will be watching. Lee’s breakout wasn’t just about the money or the bracelet—it was about composure, guts, and defying the odds.

A few days ago, nobody knew his name. Now, he’s the face of the most unpredictable–and impressive–bracelet win of the 2025 WSOP so far.

And if he’s back, he’ll be on everyone’s radar.

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