From Soccer to Poker Glory: Harvey Castro Crowned WPT Player of the Year
Harvey Castro, a 23-year-old former college soccer player, has been named the World Poker Tour (WPT) Season 23 Player of the Year. Despite not winning a single tournament in 2025, his consistent high finishes across major series secured him the prestigious title.
Castro's standout performance came at the WPT Prime Lodge Championship, where he claimed victory for $225,020. This win placed him alongside poker legends like Daniel Negreanu, Jonathan Little, and Faraz Jaka. His success continued with a runner-up finish in the WPT Rolling Thunder Championship, earning him $165,000 and 1,850 points toward his Player of the Year campaign.
Throughout 2025, Castro competed in multiple high-profile tours, including the World Series of Poker Circuit, the PokerGO Tour, and the PokerAtlas Tour. His total earnings reached $411,320 across four cashes, though he did not secure a tournament win in any of these series. Kharlin Sued took second place behind Castro in the WPT Rolling Thunder, with Schuyler Thornton finishing third.
Castro had previously shared his commitment to poker in an August 2023 interview with PokerOrg. His dedication paid off as he outlasted tough competition to claim the season's top honour.
The Player of the Year award caps off a remarkable season for Castro, who transitioned from college soccer to poker prominence. His strong finishes and strategic play across multiple tours have cemented his reputation as one of the game's rising stars. The title also confirms his place among the best in a highly competitive field.
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