**Gannon Buhr Triumphs as Anthony Barela Falters: Top 10 Highlights from the 2025 Northwest Disc Golf Championship**

The final moments of the 2025 Northwest Disc Golf Championship were so dramatic that they eclipsed much of the preceding action over the four days. Here’s a rundown of the top 10 storylines from the tournament.

**1. Barela’s Heartbreaking Finish**

Anthony Barela's unforgettable performance ended in disappointment as he lost his one-stroke lead on the final hole. A series of errors—a low misfire on the drive, a rough second shot, and an imprecise upshot—culminated in a missed 20-foot putt that would have forced a playoff with Gannon Buhr. The scene of Barela crouching in agony with his head in his hands will be etched in disc golf history.

**2. Buhr Clinches Second Victory of the Year**

Though Gannon Buhr didn't have a flawless final round, his resilience shone through as he birdied seven of the last nine holes, applying pressure on Barela. Despite a shank on his final second shot, Buhr secured his second win of the season and continues to dominate, with top 5 finishes in seven consecutive tournaments.

**3. Holyn Handley Dominates**

Holyn Handley, expected to win, did just that, boasting a seven-stroke victory. Despite some criticism due to the absence of European competitors, Handley demonstrated her prowess and lived up to expectations.

**4. Ulibarri’s Early Hope**

Paul Ulibarri provided early excitement with a scorching -11 score on day one. Although he couldn’t maintain the lead and finished T-14th, it was his best result of the year, directly following a European tournament.

**5. McBeth’s Jekyll and Hyde Performance**

Paul McBeth showcased both brilliance and inconsistency. Starting strong at Milo with 18 under par in two rounds, he faltered at Glendoveer, shooting +1 over the next two rounds. This inconsistency has plagued his attempts to secure tournament wins in a fiercely competitive field.

**6. Klein’s Quiet Charge**

Kyle Klein emerged from five strokes behind to finish T-2nd with a stellar 10-under final round. Though he nearly forced a three-way playoff, his efforts were overshadowed by the drama between Buhr and Barela.

**7. FPO Quick Hits**

Missy Gannon rebounded from a slow season start with a solid performance, though she couldn’t keep pace in the end. Jennifer Allen and Taylor Chocek also had notable finishes, achieving season-best and career-best placements respectively.

**8. Veteran Resurgence**

Nate Sexton, newly eligible for master’s events, finished T-10th in his home state, proving he still has competitive fire. Meanwhile, Ezra Aderhold impressed with a 10-under round on the final day, finishing T-5th and highlighting his potential for future victories.

**9. DGPT Points Update**

With the NWDGC being the second Elite+ event of the year, significant points were at stake. In the FPO division, the split field between continents makes for an intriguing points race. In MPO, Buhr and Barela are pulling away from the rest of the pack, suggesting their rivalry could define the next decade.

The 2025 Northwest Disc Golf Championship offered thrilling highs and heartbreaking lows, solidifying the sport’s unpredictability and the magnificence of its top competitors.