Austrian Poker Pro Bernhard Binder Claims $10 Million Victory at WSOP Paradise
The 27-year-old Binder defeated Jean-Noël thorel in a grueling heads-up battle to secure the largest prize in the $25,000 Super Main Event, solidifying his position as a rising star in the world of high-stakes poker.
The 2025 World Series of Poker Paradise culminated in a historic showdown on December 19th, as Bernhard Binder of Austria triumphed over veteran French player Jean-Noël Thorel after nearly four hours of intense heads-up play. Binder’s victory earned him a staggering $10,000,000, while Thorel secured $6,000,000 – the largest tournament prize ever awarded to a French player. The event, held at the WSOP Paradise venue, followed Johan “YohViral” Guilbert’s bracelet win the previous day and quickly became a focal point of the poker world.
Thorel began the final table as the chip leader, poised to potentially achieve what many considered the greatest performance in French poker history. Though, Binder proved a formidable opponent, demonstrating remarkable resilience and skill throughout the tournament. The final table also featured notable players including bracelet winner Eric Wasserson, known for a controversial slowroll earlier in the tournament, who remained a threat, poker personality Terrance Reid, and Natasha Mercier, a longtime grinder and wife of poker superstar Jason Mercier.
“[Thorel] is a unique opponent, and playing heads-up against him is intricate because more unexpected things happen than with many othre players,” Binder shared with PokerNews after his win, acknowledging the challenge posed by his opponent.
Throughout the tournament, Binder demonstrated a knack for crucial eliminations. He eliminated Franco Spitale in eighth place, skillfully navigating a rivered straight against his opponent’s flush. Peter Chien fell in seventh place, victim to a runner-runner flush, despite holding a dominant hand. Mercier’s run ended in fifth place after a heartbreaking King on the river dashed her hopes against Thorel’s King-Eight.Wasserson followed in sixth,falling to Binder’s relentless pressure. Reid than exited in fourth place, unable to overcome Binder’s flopped flush. Belarmino De Souza’s third-place finish set the stage for the epic heads-up battle between Thorel and Binder.
The heads-up match proved to be a tactical affair, with neither player willing to commit to all-in confrontations until the stacks were shallow. Ultimately, Thorel moved all-in with King-Queen, but Binder’s Ace-Eight held, securing his victory.
Binder’s rail was a vibrant display of support, comprised of fellow Austrian pros sporting “Team Binder” t-shirts and chanting songs inspired by DJ Ötzi. “It’s the best.The absolute best.If I had been here alone and won, it wouldn’t even be a fraction of what it means today to celebrate with so many people,” Binder said, emphasizing the importance of his support system. He specifically highlighted the presence of Samuel Mullur, a close friend and fellow bracelet winner from the 2023 WSOP Paradise in the Bahamas, stating, “It’s amazing to have such good friends.”
Despite finishing second in a field of 2,891 participants,Thorel’s $6,000,000 prize significantly boosted his career earnings,cementing his position atop the All-Time Money List for France with over $27 million in total winnings and professional.
