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Brad Owen, one of poker’s most popular vloggers and a WPT Global Ambassador, has officially taken his shot in the $50,000 Poker Players Championship (PPC) at the 2025 World Series of Poker.

The Californian, who boasts over 780,000 YouTube subscribers, joined the star-studded Day 1 field in Level 2, around 5:30 p.m. local time. Not only is this the joint largest buy-in of his career, but it also marks his debut in what many consider the second most prestigious tournament on the WSOP schedule.

Letting the Fans Join the Ride

For Owen, taking his seat in the PPC was a dream come true, even if it wasn’t always part of the plan.

“I don’t think there’s any tournament more prestigious than this one,” Owen told PokerNews shortly after sitting down. “Nine different variations of poker, against the best in the world, massive buy-in. So, this is kind of the dream I didn’t even know I had until recently.”

But for Owen, it’s not just about testing himself in the toughest mixed-game event on the calendar. As one of the most recognizable faces in poker, he knows he can help shine a spotlight on formats that don’t always get the same attention as No-Limit Hold’em.

“I just hope I can help contribute to growing the game,” he said. “I’ve had so much fun playing mixed. All these guys have been really friendly to me. They know I’m the least experienced player in the field, but I can get a lot of eyeballs on it. So, they’re more than happy to have me at the tables.”

Owen also gave his legion of fans a chance to get in on the sweat, selling 70% of his action to supporters at a markdown, something few players at this level ever do.

“It’s just a cool way for me to give the fans a sweat,” he explained. “I sold 70% of myself at a markdown, 0.9. These guys are better than me. I’m not trying to fleece my audience. I always try to take the best care of them I can, and I’m just grateful they’re supporting me with this journey.”

What Do His Chances Look Like?

While most know Owen for his exploits in the No-Limit Hold’em streets, the popular vlogger has taken a serious interest in mixed games over the last year—and it’s already paying dividends.

In December, Owen topped a 138-entry field in the $2,200 H.O.R.S.E. at the WPT World Championship for $60,530, giving him his first and only major title in the mixed-game arena. The experience he gained should have him well prepared as H.O.R.S.E. covers five of the nine disciplines played in the PPC.

While Owen will still be up against some of the most seasoned mixed-game players in the world, his steady progression—and recent success—shows he’s more than just a Hold’em specialist. He’s already racked up nine cashes at the 2025 WSOP, including three in non-Hold’em formats: 91st in the $1,500 Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better, 225th in the $1,000 Pot-Limit Omaha, and 54th in the $3,000 Nine-Game Mix.

That said, the PPC is a different beast entirely, and making a deep run here would undoubtedly be a career milestone for the player with $1,163,147 in live earnings according to The Hendon Mob

What is the Poker Players Championship?

The PPC is one of the most prestigious events on the WSOP schedule, second only to the Main Event in status. First introduced in 2006, the $50,000 buy-in tournament has run every year since, with the exception of 2020 due to COVID-19.

Widely regarded as the ultimate test of all-around poker ability, the PPC features a rotation of nine games: No-Limit Hold’em, Seven Card Stud, Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better, Razz, Pot-Limit Omaha, Limit Hold’em, No-Limit 2-7 Single Draw, Seven Card Stud Hi-Lo 8 or Better, and 2-7 Triple Draw.

The winner not only collects one of the most sought-after WSOP bracelets but also has their name etched on the Chip Reese Memorial Trophy, named after the legendary inaugural champion.

Originally called the $50,000 H.O.R.S.E. World Championship from 2006 to 2009, the PPC boasts one of the most impressive lineages in poker. Daniel Negreanu is the defending champion, having ended an 11-year bracelet drought last summer by defeating Bryce Yockey heads-up to claim the title.

Michael Mizrachi and Brian Rast share the record for most PPC titles with three apiece, while Dan “Jungleman” Cates remains the only player to win the event in back-to-back years (2021 and 2022).

All Poker Players Championship Winners

Calum has been a part of the PokerNews team since September 2021 after working in the UK energy sector. He played his first hand of poker in 2017 and immediately fell in love with the game. Calum has written for various poker outlets but found his home at PokerNews, where he has contributed to various articles and live updates, providing insights and reporting on major poker events, including the World Series of Poker (WSOP).

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