East Durham Poker Card Room

Bate Triumphs in Season 3 Thriller

After months of calculated bluffs, high-stakes folds, and relentless competition, Alan Bate has officially been crowned the 2025 Season 3 League Champion.

?The victory marks a milestone moment for the East Durham Poker veteran, who finally secured the title after a grueling three-way battle that kept the league table in a state of constant flux until the final hand was dealt.

?While the league featured a deep field of talent this year, the narrative of Season 3 was defined by a cinematic tug-of-war between three standout players: Alan Bate, Attila Laszlo, and Kevin Johnston.

?Throughout the season, the top spot was a revolving door. On numerous occasions, the lead swapped hands as all three players traded blows at the final tables. Entering the final game of the season, the margins were razor-thin, leaving the title up for grabs.

However, Bate’s consistency under pressure proved to be the deciding factor, as he eventually pulled away to clinch the championship by a 60-point margin.

?For Bate, this victory carries a sense of poetic justice. Long-time members of the club will remember the heartbreak of 2023, where Bate finished as the runner-up in Season 3, losing out to Michael Williams.

?Having come so close two years ago, Bate’s ascent to the top step of the podium this year cements his status as one of the most formidable strategists in the local scene.

?"Alan has always been a top-tier competitor," noted one league regular. "Seeing him battle through Attila and Kevin, two players who were at the top of their game, shows just how much this title was earned, not given."

?Despite the adrenaline of the win, the new champion is looking forward to some well-earned downtime.

Speaking after his trophy presentation, Bate confirmed he will be stepping away from the felt for the upcoming Season 1 of 2026.

?In true champion fashion, he couldn’t resist a playful jab at his rivals.

While he stated he was "over the moon" with the result, he joked that his sabbatical is a selfless act:

?"I have to give the other players an opportunity to win for a change," Bate laughed.

?With the reigning champ taking a hiatus, the field is wide open for 2026. Attila Laszlo and Kevin Johnston will undoubtedly be looking to turn their podium finishes into a title, but for now, the spotlight remains firmly on Alan Bate.