The 2025 World Series of Poker Main Event in Las Vegas saw an unexpected face emerge among the four finalists: Kenny Hallaert, a Belgian professional from Hansbeke. A performance that confirms his status as a poker icon in Belgium.
Who is Kenny Hallaert?
Born on 14 November 1981 and a former electrician, Hallaert has been making a name for himself on the world poker scene since 2004. He totals more than $5.4 million (around €4.5 million) in live winnings, including a 6ᵉ place finish in the 2016 WSOP Main Event. Blending passion and professionalism, he also officiates as a tournament director in Belgium, combining a sense of the game with organisational rigour.
Course and dynamics of the final table
The 2025 Main Event, with its 9,735 entrants and a prize pool of $90.5 million (around €78 million), the 3ᵉ biggest in WSOP history, has placed Hallaert in 4ᵉ position on the final table. Tonight, he will play three Americans: Michael Mizrachi, John Wasnock, and Braxton Dunaway.
Hallaert draws his strength from experience:
“I have the small advantage of knowing how things work here. I know what to expect in terms of atmosphere. Usually, at a final table, there are between 5 and 30 people watching. Here, there are hundreds of people here, hundreds of thousands, if not millions, watching at home. The spotlight is so much on you. But you have to forget about that and stay focused on what you’re doing.”
His baggage includes meticulous work with coaches and the analysis of carpets from the last six finals, reinforcing his strategy and stress management.
Financial and symbolic stakes
Assured of a minimum of one million dollars (around €860,000), Hallaert can aim for the jackpot: the champion wins 10 million dollars (€8.6 million). In addition to this prize, he is playing for the most prestigious bracelet in world poker, the ultimate accolade for any player.
Kenny Hallaert:
“There’s a lot of money in it, of course, but becoming world champion would mean so much more. It’s something you can’t put a price on. It’s different from winning any other tournament. If I can do it one day, it’s a surreal dream come true, a dream I never thought possible, and now I’m so close.”
As the final table continues, Belgium follows this historic moment. Hallaert embodies a blend of resilience and professional preparation.
“I’ve had a very good run. The aim is obviously to reach the final table, but even on days 6 and 7, I managed to keep that mentality of playing one hand at a time. It wasn’t until there were only two tables left that I thought ‘Whoa, I’m getting close.’ But even then, I was able to keep playing one hand at a time.”