Andrew Moreno got his 2026 PokerGO Tour campaign off to a powerful start by winning Event No. 3 of the PGT Kickoff series, earning $162,300 and securing his third career PokerGO Tour title. In a high-level heads-up showdown, Moreno defeated three-time WSOP bracelet winner Jim Collopy, adding another prestigious victory to his growing résumé.
Andrew Moreno’s Career Momentum Continues in 2026
Following this victory, Andrew Moreno’s live tournament earnings now sit just shy of $6.6 million, reinforcing his status as one of the most consistent high-stakes professionals on the circuit. His biggest career score remains the $1.5 million triumph in the 2021 Wynn Millions Main Event, but his early-season form in 2026 suggests more marquee finishes could be on the horizon.
Event No. 3 also made history from a participation standpoint. A total of 159 entrants posted the $5,300 buy-in, marking the second-largest field ever for a tournament at this level on the PokerGO Tour. Notable in-the-money finishers included Erik Seidel, Chino Rheem, Dan Shak, and Dan Sepiol, all falling short of the televised final table.
NYC Poker Clubs and the Rise of Elite Competition
As players like Andrew Moreno continue to sharpen their skills on high-roller stages, the competitive ecosystem off the major tours is also thriving—particularly within NYC poker clubs. These private New York poker clubs have become essential proving grounds for serious players, offering deep-stack cash games, competitive no-limit hold’em action, and professional-level atmospheres that mirror the intensity of tour events like the PGT.
Many emerging professionals credit NYC poker clubs for helping them refine decision-making, bankroll discipline, and live-read skills before transitioning to televised tournaments. With New York remaining one of the most active poker hubs in the U.S., these clubs continue to play a key role in developing the next wave of PokerGO Tour contenders.
Final Table Action: Collopy’s Surge and Moreno’s Rally
When play resumed with seven players remaining, Joao Simao and David Coleman held the chip lead, narrowly ahead of Collopy. Short-stacked Stephen Song was eliminated in seventh place ($31,800) after running into pocket tens, triggering a dramatic momentum shift.
Collopy quickly surged, scoring a crucial double-up and eliminating Jared Jaffee (6th – $39,750) and Brandon Wilson (5th – $47,700) in rapid succession. For a moment, it looked like Collopy might run away with the title.
That momentum stalled when Andrew Moreno mounted a decisive comeback. After doubling through Coleman, Moreno eliminated Simao in fourth ($59,625) and Coleman in third ($79,500), setting up a heads-up duel with Collopy.
Heads-Up Finish Seals the Title for Andrew Moreno
Despite agreeing to a payout-flattening deal, the heads-up battle was far from routine. Collopy initially gained traction, but Moreno responded with three critical double-ups, swinging the match back in his favor.
The final hand played out on a Q♥7♥3♣ flop, where Moreno called Collopy’s shove holding Q♣6♥, fading a flush draw. The turn and river paired the board, giving Moreno a full house and sealing the championship.
With the PGT Kickoff series running through January 31 and the PGT Mixed Game Series launching February 3, Andrew Moreno has firmly established himself as the early player to beat in the 2026 PokerGO Tour season.
🔹 Final Table Results (PGT Kickoff Event No. 3)
| Place | Player | Payout | POY Points | PGT Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Andrew Moreno | $162,300 | 576 | 366 |
| 2 | Jim Collopy | $135,775 | 480 | 231 |
| 3 | David Coleman | $79,500 | 384 | 159 |
| 4 | Joao Simao | $59,625 | 288 | 119 |
| 5 | Brandon Wilson | $47,700 | 240 | 95 |
| 6 | Jared Jaffee | $39,750 | 144 | 80 |
| 7 | Stephen Song | $31,800 | 96 | 64 |
Photo credit: PGT / Antonio Abrego
