Chicago Native Dan Piazza Wins NTRA National Horseplayers Championship

[Wandering Eyes]

Dan Piazza, a financial advisor from Chicago, won the 26th NTRA National Horseplayers Championship at the Horseshoe Las Vegas held from March 14-16, and took home $825,000, an Eclipse Award as 2025 Horseplayer of the Year and earned a return trip to next year's NHC, according to a press release late Sunday from the NTRA.

Sticking to his strategy throughout the contest, Piazza prevailed by amassing a mythical bankroll of $356.52.

“I didn't try to do anything different and didn't get me out of my comfort zone,” he said. “That strategy put me up Friday and on Saturday; it was the same thing Sunday.”

The 2025 NHC began Friday morning with 800 entries from 623 players, and was reduced to 80 entries after Saturday. Bankrolls amassed during Day 1, Day 2, and the Semifinals rolled over to the Final Table, with the 10 finalists settling the NHC score in seven “mandatory” assigned races.

“Thank you to all the incredible participants at this week's National Horseplayer Championship,” said Tom Rooney, NTRA President and Chief Executive Officer. “Their passion, skill, and dedication to our sport is truly inspiring. This event serves as a reminder of the vital role that horseplayers play in supporting the racing industry year-round.”

The official top 10 finishers at the 2024 NHC and prize money won are:

Dan Piazza, $825,000 (score, $356.52)
Tom Boyd, $250,000 ($342.22)
Ray Hassan, $200,000 ($328.36)
Dean Malizia,$150,000 ($311.40)
Dylan Donnelly, $125,000 ($298.86)
Len Hanson, $90,000 ($292.24)
Greg Bone, $85,000 ($289.88)
Peter Dresens, $80,000 ($289.50)
Alex DeVito, $75,000 ($275.28)
Sean Nolan, $65,000 ($273.56)

The 2025 NHC featured cash and travel awards totaling $4.878,415 million. The tournament results can be at NTRA.com.

“I only missed one mandatory race.”

The @NTRA #NHC2025 Champion is Dan Piazza! He spoke with @IceColdExacta about how he did it which includes the @Equibase Race Lens. pic.twitter.com/Dwanajhvdj

— FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) March 16, 2025

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