Xuan Liu Makes Triton History as Kristen Foxen Crosses $10M in Montenegro
Canadian poker pro Xuan Liu made history in Montenegro by winning the WPT Global Slam for $860,000 and becoming the
Xuan Liu Makes Triton History as Kristen Foxen Crosses $10M in Montenegro
Canadian poker pro Xuan Liu made history in Montenegro by winning the WPT Global Slam for $860,000 and becoming the first woman to win the Triton Poker Series. Her win included plenty of drama, including a comeback from a nearly 4:1 chip deficit heads-up against Daniel Dvoress. Meanwhile, fellow Canadian Kristen Foxen became the second woman in history to surpass $10 million in live tournament earnings.
The 2025 Triton Poker Super High Roller Series took place at the luxurious Maestral Resort & Casino in Budva, Montenegro. With a prize pool nearing $4 million, the event attracted top players from around the world and led to one of Triton’s most memorable final tables.
Key Details of the Event
- Event: $25K WPT Global Slam — 2025 Triton Poker Series Montenegro
- Location: Maestral Resort & Casino, Budva, Montenegro
- Buy-in: $25,000
- Entries: 155
- Prize Pool: $3,875,000
- First Prize: $860,000
Final Table Results
| Place | Player | Country | Prize ($USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Xuan Liu | Canada | $860,000 |
| 2nd | Daniel Dvoress | Canada | $579,000 |
| 3rd | David Peters | United States | $398,000 |
| 4th | Kristen Foxen | Canada | $325,000 |
| 5th | Tom Fuchs | Germany | $259,000 |
| 6th | Mike Watson | Canada | $199,000 |
| 7th | Zhang Yu | China | $144,500 |
| 8th | Paulius Plausinaitis | Lithuania | $105,000 |
| 9th | Theodore McQuilkin | Grenada | $86,500 |
Liu Claims Title in First Triton Appearance
Despite being a WPT Global ambassador and experienced pro, Liu arrived in Montenegro with no prior Triton results and a single tournament in mind. “I told myself I was going to make it count,” Liu said afterward to PokerNews. “This is beyond my wildest dreams.” She did exactly that.
Liu entered the final day third in chips, stayed steady as the table thinned, and outlasted big names like Mike Watson and Kristen Foxen, both of whom exited before the final three. That left Liu heads-up with Triton veteran Daniel Dvoress, who held a commanding lead—61 big blinds to her 16.
But Liu didn’t flinch. She doubled up early with 5♦ 5♥ against Dvoress’ A♠ Q♠ to flip the momentum. One hand later, she called Dvoress’ final shove with 7♠ 6♠ and flopped a pair of sevens to close it out against his 10♣ 3♦.
“This is what the beauty of poker is all about,” Liu said. “Anybody can get lucky on any given day.”
The $860,000 win marked the biggest score of her career. It also secured her place in Triton history as the tour’s first female champion. As a result, Liu now has more than $3.1 million in live earnings to her name.
Kristen Foxen Surpasses $10 Million in Earnings
Fourth-place finisher Kristen Foxen earned $325,000. The result made her the second woman to earn over $10 million in live tournament cashes. The PokerStake-backed pro is one of the most consistent players in high rollers. Despite that, she came close to capturing her first Triton title before bowing out in a key hand against Liu.
Liu’s K♣ J♦ dominated Foxen's K♦ 8♠ after she moved all-in. Nothing on the board saved her hand, and Liu eliminated her, leaving just three players in the running.
“We should’ve gotten heads-up. It would’ve been so good for poker,” Liu said after the hand.
A Milestone Moment for Women in High-Stakes Poker
Liu’s title and Foxen’s earnings milestone mark a landmark moment in the world of high-stakes poker. It reflects the growing presence of women in elite tournament fields.
“I think this is going to happen more and more,” Liu said. “I know so many talented women playing small and mid-stakes. In a few years, they’ll be playing high stakes too.”
As Liu hoisted the Triton trident and Foxen climbed into eight-figure territory, it marked a standout week for Canadian women in poker — and a clear signal that the game’s balance of power is shifting.
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