Christopher Staats Denies David Jackson in WSOP $1,500 6-Handed NLH for $414,950
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Three years ago, Christopher Staats won his maiden bracelet in the 2022 WSOP Online $3,200 NLH High Roller 6-Max. Today, he adorned his wrist with his second piece of gold after claiming victory in Event #13: $1,500 6-Handed No-Limit Hold’em at the 2025 World Series of Poker.
The popular short-handed format attracted 2,354 entries, with only 11 players returning on Day 3 at the Horseshoe and Paris Las Vegas to battle it out for the $414,950 up top. After flying under the radar for most of the day, Staats closed out the tournament by defeating two-time bracelet winner David Jackson to capture the lion’s share of the $3,124,935 prize pool.
Staats had nothing but praise and respect for his formidable opponent following the back-and-forth heads-up match. "David Jackson is an awesome player that I've respected a lot for a long time and couldn't have had a better person to battle with."
Event #13: $1,500 6-Handed No-Limit Hold’em Final Table Results
| Place | Player | Country | Prize (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Christopher Staats | United States | $414,950 |
| 2 | David Jackson | United States | $276,562 |
| 3 | Shundan Xiao | China | $197,869 |
| 4 | Damarjai Davenport | United States | $143,206 |
| 5 | Eshaan Bhalla | United States | $104,858 |
| 6 | Oscar Johansson | Sweden | $77,688 |
Taking a Step Back
When asked how he was feeling following his career-best score, there were two words that came to mind - "overwhelmed and happy." He followed up by explaining that his "brother made it just in time for the heads up match" and that "it was really important to have him here."
He went on to explain that just three months ago he didn't even think he would be out here at the WSOP this year. "I left here last summer (after) traveling 15 years. I just took a break, got a job in a warehouse, waking up at 3:30 a.m. for six months and I just needed to check out. I don't think people understand how much putting into this game involves traveling away from your family and your kids to get at the highest level. You sacrifice a lot."
Regarding the decision to travel to the desert and knowing that he was ready, Staats mentioned "like I said, I was working in a warehouse. I thought I would take the summer off and I think that just ignited the fire and the fun and the love I have for the game. When I was working that job, I just felt like I was losing my identity. All my skill sets are wrapped around this game and it just really felt like I needed to be in this space. I really felt coming into the summer like this was going to be special."
Family and Faith
In terms of reclaiming his identity and getting back in the action, Staats talked about how poker has always had a huge impact on his life, even when he was much younger playing the game with both of his grandmothers. He continued by mentioning his kids - "They're the greatest gift. I've had that fire and that passion for this game and chasing it, really thinking that I could use this game to do better for my kids. At the end of the day I do it for them. I do it so I can have freedom and independence that you can't get anywhere else. They're my driving force to why I do it."
He also went on talk about his faith and the importance of staying present and grounded. "I fought sobriety and I'm now sober for two years. I was lost and Jesus found me in a parking lot of the casino and changed my life. I give him all the glory, honor, and praise. I'm just grateful and thankful."
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Eyes on the 25k 6-Max
When asked about his plans for the rest of the summer, Staats replied "I can't wait to get back home to my kids. I might play one more event and the 25k 6-Max is the one I got my eyes on. I may just run it. And then I'm gonna go home and be with the kids and do some summer stuff. Then I'll be back out here before the Main (Event)."
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