Travis Egbert entered 2024 with just under $263,000 in recorded tournament earnings. However, the Northern California native has taken the poker world by storm this year, amassing nearly $1.3 million in winnings, capturing four titles, and making eight final table appearances.

Egbert’s stellar year culminated on December 19 with his largest career victory yet: triumphing over a field of 111 entries in the 2024 World Poker Tour World Championship Alpha8 $25,800 No-Limit Hold’em High Roller. Held at Wynn Las Vegas, Egbert secured a career-high payout of $684,684 for his impressive performance.

Egbert’s Player of the Year Standings Boost

The victory also added 840 Card Player Player of the Year points, bringing Egbert’s total to 3,290 points. This moved him to 86th place in the Global Poker Player of the Year rankings.

A Year of Firsts

This marked Egbert’s first recorded cash in a high roller event with a buy-in of $25,000 or more. It was also his first win outside of Thunder Valley Casino Resort near Sacramento, where he claimed three World Series of Poker Circuit rings in 2024. His victories at Thunder Valley included the $1,700 buy-in Main Event in October, which earned him $214,565.

The High Roller: Star-Studded Field

The Alpha8 event generated a $2,775,000 prize pool, paid out among the top 13 finishers. Notable players who made deep runs included:

• Alexandros Kolonias (13th), 2019 WSOP Europe Main Event Champion
• Brian Rast (10th), six-time WSOP bracelet winner
• Shannon Shorr (9th), two-time WSOP bracelet winner
• Igor Kurganov (8th), WSOP bracelet winner
• Sean Winter (7th), high-stakes regular

Key Final Table Highlights

Egbert built momentum during the final stages, including a pivotal hand where his sixes full of sevens catapulted him into the chip lead. He further consolidated his position with trip nines, leaving Noel Rodriguez short-stacked. Rodriguez exited in third place, earning $354,488, when his A-8 failed to hold against Naj Ajez’s J-9 suited.

In heads-up play, Egbert and Ajez agreed to an ICM deal, locking in $600,000 each, with $84,684 and the trophy left to play for.

The deciding hand saw Egbert pick up pocket aces and steadily build the pot on a Q♣ J♦ 6♥ 5♥ A♣ board. Ajez ultimately called Egbert’s all-in river shove, only to see Egbert’s rivered set of aces. Ajez was eliminated in second place, taking home $600,000.

Egbert’s Stellar 2024: A Year to Remember

With four titles, a career-best score, and a breakout year, Travis Egbert has firmly established himself as a player to watch in the poker world.

$25,800 WPT Alpha 8 Final Table Results

Mike Gorodinsky has added his name to the elite list of players with four or more World Series of Poker gold bracelets. The Russian-born mixed games professional and 2015 WSOP Player of the Year emerged victorious from a field of 200 entries in the 2024 WSOP Paradise $10,000 pot-limit Omaha event, earning the hardware and $393,250. Mike Gorodinsky now has more than $4.9 million in career tournament earnings.

This triumph came more than a decade after he secured his first WSOP win. That breakthrough took place back in 2013 in a $2,500 Omaha eight-or-better and stud eight-or-better mixed event. Two years later he secured the largest tournament win of his career, taking down the $50,000 Poker Players Championship for $1,270,086. His third bracelet was earned in 2023 in the $10,000 H.O.R.S.E. championship. Mike Gorodinsky became just the 77th player to have earned at least four bracelets with his most recent title run.

This PLO win at the Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas also came with 900 Card Player Player of the Year points for Mike Gorodinsky, who had finished third in the $25,000 dealers choice championship at the same series a handful of days earlier. He now has four final-table finishes and one title on the year.

It took just a single day for this tournament to whittle its 200-entry field down to a champion. The fast-paced affair awarded $2,000,000 in prize money across the top 30 spots. Big names that ran deep included three-time bracelet winner Alex Foxen (25th), reigning WSOP Player of the Year Scott Seiver (23rd), Ren Lin (21st), recent dealers choice event winner Eric Wasserson (20th), two-time bracelet winner Chris Brewer (19th), bracelet winner Danny Tang (17th), and two-time bracelet winner Artur Martirosian (10th).

Seven-time bracelet winner Daniel Negreanu was eliminated by Mike Gorodinsky in eighth place, with Negreanu’s double-suited pocket aces bested by a single-suited J-10-9-4, which made a jack-high straight on the end. The $45,710 Negreanu earned for his latest deep run moved his career tournament earnings up over $53.5 million.

Armin Ghojehvand bowed out in seventh place ($65,530) before Gorodinsky once again got involved in an all-in confrontation. The chips went in after a king high flop with poker triple crown winner Michael Watson holding top pair and the highest kicker. Mike Gorodinsky had the same top pair and shared one kicker with Watson, but had two other live side cards. Gorodinsky ended up making kings and sevens on the river to eliminate Watson in sixth place ($88,330). This was the 17th final-table finish of 2024 for Watson, with four titles won along the way including his first bracelet. The Canadian pro now sits in fifth place in the POY race standings presented by Global Poker.

Mike Gorodinsky then proceeded to eliminate Rui Neves (5th – $119,070) and rising high-stakes star Biao Ding (4th – $160,510) to take a big lead into three-handed play. 2022 WSOP POY award winner Daniel Zack scored the next knockout, busting bracelet winner Roman Hrabec ($216,380) in third place. This was the 11th final-table showing of 2024 for the Czech player, who climbed to 13th in the POY standings thanks to this deep run.

Heads-up play began with Gorodinsky holding better than a 2:1 chip advantage over Zack. The final hand arose with blinds at 40,000-80,000 with an 80,000 big blind ante. Zack raised to 300,000 on the button with AHeart SuitADiamond SuitQClub Suit7Club Suit and Gorodinsky called from the big blind with KHeart Suit5Heart Suit4Spade Suit3Spade Suit. The flop came down KClub Suit8Heart Suit2Heart Suit and both players checked. The 5Spade Suit turn gave Gorodinsky kings and fives with a heart redraw. He bet 400,000 and Zack called. The AClub Suit completed the board and Gorodinsky checked with his five-high straight. Zack bet the pot with his rivered set of aces, firing 1,500,000. Mike Gorodinsky moved all-in and Zack called off his remaining 1,225,000, only to be shown the wheel. Zack earned $291,680 as the runner-up. The three-time now has more than $4.5 million in lifetime tournament cashes to his name.

Argentinian rapper and poker player Alejandro Lococo claimed victory at the $1,000,000 Triton Million Event during the World Series of Poker (WSOP) Paradise in the Bahamas. The high-stakes tournament awarded Lococo $12,070,000 and his first WSOP bracelet, solidifying his place in poker history.

The Triton Million event brought together 96 entrants, including top professionals and VIP players, creating a $44,603,000 prize pool. Among the competitors were stars like Alex Foxen, who finished 6th ($2,795,000), and runner-up Benjamin Heath, who walked away with $8,160,000. Wealthy VIPs such as David Einhorn and Sosia Jiang also joined the field, with Jiang earning $1,605,000 for her 8th-place finish.

Battle to the Final Table

The tournament’s final day began with 14 players, all guaranteed payouts. Notable eliminations included poker pro Stephen Chidwick (14th, $792,000) and Adrian Mateos (11th, $985,000). Chance Kornuth and Sosia Jiang also exited before the final table, showcasing the event’s intense competition.

Lococo’s Road to Victory

Lococo, known for his passion for the game rather than reliance on advanced poker tools, displayed exceptional skill throughout the event. Key moments included eliminating Daniel Dvoress (4th, $4,390,000) and Sinan Unlu (3rd, $5,304,000) to enter heads-up play with a commanding chip lead.

In the decisive hand, Lococo’s K♦2♥ bested Heath’s A♦K♣, thanks to a fortunate flop that delivered a pair of deuces. This victory earned Lococo his first WSOP bracelet and one of the largest cash prizes in WSOP history.

Final Table Results and Payouts

Lococo’s Legacy in Poker

With this win, Alejandro Lococo, a rapper with a love for poker, has proven that passion and drive can lead to greatness. This $12M victory, combined with his prior accomplishments, makes him a standout in the poker world.

Espen Jorstad’s name became synonymous with poker greatness when he won the 2022 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event, taking home an eye-watering $10,000,000. But the Norwegian pro has proven he is no one-hit wonder, adding nearly $7.7 million in earnings across 49 in-the-money finishes since that career-defining moment.

Today, Jorstad’s lifetime winnings stand at nearly $18.6 million, making him the undisputed Norwegian all-time money leader. Even without his WSOP Main Event victory, his results surpass second-ranked Kayhan Mokri, who has $7.8 million in recorded scores.

European Poker Tour Prague Triumph

Jorstad’s most recent success came at the 2024 European Poker Tour (EPT) Prague festival, where he claimed victory in a €25,000 buy-in no-limit hold’em high roller event.

This marked Jorstad’s second POY-qualified score of the year. While he secured a massive $2.2 million payday at last month’s $200,000 buy-in Triton Monte Carlo invitational, that result did not contribute to his POY standings.

The European Poker Tour Prague high roller boasted an $855,950 prize pool, distributed among the top seven finishers. Fellow Norwegian Morten Klein was the first to cash, finishing seventh after a deal was struck. Viacheslav Buldygin (6th – $59,890) and Nikita Kuznetsov (5th – $76,002) followed shortly after.

Key Hands and Final Standings

Roman Hrabec, a Czech poker standout, exited in fourth place ($97,414) after his J-8 couldn’t overcome Jorstad’s pocket aces in a blind-on-blind showdown. Hrabec has enjoyed a remarkable 2024, reaching 10 final tables and claiming three titles, including a $4.3 million win at the Triton Jeju Main Event.

The tournament ended in a thrilling three-way all-in:

• Ilya Nikiforov shoved with J♣10♦ for 5.5 big blinds.
• Enrico Camosci re-shoved with 9♥9♣ from the small blind.
• Jorstad called with A♥10♥ from the big blind.

The board ran out Q♣8♥5♣J♠A♣, giving Jorstad a pair of aces and the win. Nikiforov finished third ($131,652), while Camosci secured second place ($191,542).

Dominance on the Global Stage

With his latest win, Jorstad has solidified his reputation as one of poker’s elite players. His consistency and adaptability across formats and stakes are a testament to his skill and determination.

As the 2024 season unfolds, Jorstad’s journey continues to inspire, proving that his WSOP triumph was only the beginning of a legendary poker career.

Super High Roller Final Results

Dylan Smith narrowly missed capturing a World Poker Tour (WPT) title earlier in May 2024, finishing fifth in the WPT Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown main event. Remarkably, just 188 days later, Smith seized another chance at glory, winning the $3,500 buy-in WPT Rock’n’Roll Poker Open main event. Outlasting a field of 1,435 entries, Smith earned the prestigious title and a career-best payday of $662,200.

“It feels phenomenal,” Smith said after his victory. “I didn’t know when I’d get a chance at redemption, and I’m really grateful it happened so quickly.”

Both of Smith’s WPT final tables have taken place at Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood in South Florida, a venue where he has earned eight of his 14 highest tournament cashes. With this win, Smith’s total live tournament earnings now approach $3.5 million across 103 recorded cashes.

The victory also earned Smith 1,440 Card Player Player of the Year (POY) points, his first title and fourth final-table finish of 2024. With 2,689 total points, he is now within striking distance of the top 100 in the 2024 POY standings presented by Global Poker.

The event featured a $3 million guarantee, but the impressive turnout boosted the total prize pool to $4,592,000, distributed among the top 181 finishers. Notable deep runs included two-time bracelet winner Jesse Lonis (29th), 2015 WSOP Main Event champion Joe McKeehen (26th), and WPT champions Matthew Wantman (8th) and Darryll Fish (7th).

Final Table Action:

The final day began with Matthew Beinner in the lead and bracelet winner Francis Anderson as the short stack. Paul Domb was the first to bust when his pocket jacks fell to Beinner’s pocket kings, earning him $140,000 for sixth place.

Anderson briefly gained momentum with a double-up but was later eliminated in fifth place for $184,000 when his pocket queens lost to Beinner’s ace-king. This boosted Anderson’s lifetime earnings to nearly $3.6 million.

Landon Tice, runner-up in the WPT Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown, exited in fourth place. His pocket nines couldn’t hold against Florian Ribouchon’s pocket tens, earning Tice $245,000 and pushing his career earnings beyond $2.3 million.

Ribouchon’s run ended in third place ($325,000) after his pocket sixes lost to Beinner’s pocket nines, which improved to a full house. This marked the Frenchman’s second-largest career score, following his $1,003,554 runner-up finish in the 2023 WSOP Millionaire Maker event.

Heads-Up Showdown:

Beinner started heads-up play with a nearly 2:1 chip lead over Smith, but Smith quickly closed the gap. A series of pivotal hands, including a rivered straight and a king-high flush, swung the momentum in Smith’s favor, giving him a commanding lead.

The final hand saw Smith shove from the button with 7♣6♣. Beinner called with Q♥J♦, but the 7♦6♦ on the flop gave Smith two pair. Beinner turned a gutshot straight draw with the 9♣, but the 3♠ on the river sealed his fate. Beinner finished as runner-up, earning $440,000—more than double his previous best cash of $204,601.

Smith’s incredible run secured his first WPT title, cementing his status as a rising star in the poker world.

The World Series of Poker Circuit (WSOPC) made a thrilling stop at Horseshoe Las Vegas, offering 18 gold rings and hefty prize pools during its 12-day festival. The centerpiece was the $1,700 buy-in no-limit hold’em main event, which drew 455 entries and concluded with two-time WSOP bracelet winner David Jackson taking home the title, $139,996, and his second WSOPC gold ring. Jackson’s first ring came in a $580 buy-in event at Harrah’s Cherokee in 2017.

Jackson’s Career Earnings Surpass $5 Million

This victory pushed the Jacksonville, Florida resident’s career earnings to $5,025,130, with over $1.5 million coming from WSOP bracelet events and more than $500,000 from WSOPC cashes. Jackson also earned 720 Card Player Player of the Year (POY) points, marking his third title and seventh final-table appearance of the year. He now sits in 121st place in the 2024 POY race, with 2,588 total points and $362,000 in POY earnings to date.

Final Table Highlights

The final table showcased top-tier talent. Three-time bracelet winner Upeshka De Silva narrowly missed the final nine, finishing 10th for $8,279. Jacob Mendelsohn (9th – $10,451) and Martin Cornero (8th – $13,470) were the first eliminations.

Terry Fleischer, the 2023 Mid-States Poker Tour Venetian Poker Bowl champion, exited in seventh place ($17,717) when his 10-9 suited ran into pocket jacks. Matt Affleck, a notable 2010 WSOP main event deep runner, was eliminated in sixth place ($24,146) when his ace-jack fell to king-nine suited.

Three-time bracelet winner Ryan Leng exited in fifth place ($32,526) after his king-queen couldn’t hold against ace-four suited. Brian Battistone finished fourth ($45,364), losing to Jackson’s top pair.

Heads-Up Showdown

After eliminating Walter Connors in third place ($64,470), Jackson entered heads-up play with a strong chip lead over Yaniv Livnat. In the final hand, Jackson’s J♦7♣ triumphed over Livnat’s 8♣7♣ on a 7♠6♣2♣ board. Livnat’s hopes for a comeback ended when the river brought the 6♥, securing his runner-up finish and a career-best $93,329 payday.

A Stellar Year for Jackson

This latest win solidifies Jackson’s place as one of poker’s elite, adding another chapter to his impressive career and bolstering his position in the 2024 POY race.

Beneath the bustling streets of New York City lies a hidden world where cards are shuffled, chips are stacked, and fortunes change hands in thrilling, high-stakes games. The underground poker scene is a captivating subculture for those who seek excitement, competition, and exclusivity. Among the best places to experience this world is NYCPokerClubs.com, a premier poker room known for its exceptional games and vibrant community.

The Allure of Underground Poker

New York’s underground poker scene thrives on its mystique. It’s a realm where seasoned players, ambitious newcomers, and poker enthusiasts come together for the ultimate test of skill and strategy. The games are as diverse as the players themselves, ranging from Texas Hold’em to Omaha, with stakes that suit both casual and serious competitors. The atmosphere is part of the magic. Picture dimly lit rooms filled with focused intensity, the sound of chips clinking, and the thrill of a perfectly executed bluff. The camaraderie among players creates a unique environment where the game is as much about the people as it is about the cards.

A Premier Experience at NYC Poker Clubs

For those seeking the pinnacle of New York’s poker scene, NYCPokerClubs.com offers an unforgettable experience. Known for its professional setup and inviting environment, this poker room has earned a reputation as a top destination for players in the city.

The first thing that strikes you is the ambiance. Sleek and stylish, the venue is designed to provide a seamless gaming experience. The tables are expertly managed by professional dealers, ensuring the games run smoothly and fairly. From the quality of the equipment to the hospitality of the staff, every detail is meticulously planned to enhance the player experience.

One regular attendee shared his enthusiasm, saying, “Playing at NYC Poker Clubs feels like stepping into a different world. The competition is intense, but the atmosphere is welcoming, and the thrill of a great hand is unmatched.”

The games themselves cater to all levels of expertise. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a beginner looking to test your skills, there’s a seat for you. Many players recount memorable hands and exciting moments that keep them coming back.

Why NYC Poker Clubs Stands Out

What sets NYC Poker Clubs apart is its commitment to creating a top-tier poker experience. The blend of professionalism, diversity in gameplay, and a strong sense of community makes it a standout choice for poker enthusiasts in New York.

The club also fosters an environment where players can learn, grow, and truly enjoy the game. For those who love the mental challenge and strategic depth of poker, NYC Poker Clubs is a must-visit destination.

An Invitation to Join the Scene

If you’re in New York City and have a passion for poker, NYCPokerClubs.com offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in the game. It’s more than just a poker room—it’s a gateway to an exclusive world where every hand is an adventure.

So, whether you’re chasing the thrill of victory, honing your skills, or simply enjoying the vibrant atmosphere, NYC Poker Clubs is ready to deal you in. Bring your best game and discover why this club is one of the city’s finest.

New York City’s private poker scene is alive and thriving, especially in Midtown. Here, under the city’s glowing skyline, exclusive No Limit Hold’em games bring together poker enthusiasts, high rollers, and casual players seeking the thrill of the turn and river.

These private poker rooms, known for their discretion and luxury, are a haven for players looking for more than just a game. Expect plush surroundings, attentive service, and a unique sense of camaraderie. The stakes are real, the competition intense, and the stories unforgettable.

Whether you’re chasing a flush draw, bluffing your way through a hand, or just enjoying the vibrant poker culture in NYC, Midtown’s private games deliver an unparalleled experience.

For poker enthusiasts in New York City, private poker rooms in Midtown offer an alluring escape into the world of No Limit Hold’em. These invite-only games are where the city’s most dedicated players gather for low stakes and high-stakes action.

Are Private Poker Clubs Legal in New York?

While gambling laws in New York are strict, private poker clubs operate in a gray area. According to state law, games of skill like poker can be played legally as long as the house doesn’t profit directly from the game (e.g., taking a rake). Many private poker rooms follow these guidelines, creating an environment where players can legally enjoy the game.

Can You Play Live Poker in New York?

Yes, live poker is available at regulated casinos like those in Upstate New York, but for Manhattanites, Midtown’s private poker rooms are the go-to choice. These exclusive private poker clubs provide a more convenient and luxurious option, tailored for those who value discretion and the thrill of the game in a private setting.

Best Invite-Only Poker Rooms in New York

The best private poker rooms in Midtown are known for their upscale ambiance, well-structured games, and a mix of local and international players. These venues operate strictly by invitation, ensuring a safe and secure environment for high-stakes action. To gain access, players typically need a referral from a trusted member, making these rooms a closely guarded secret within NYC’s poker community.

If you’re looking to experience the electrifying atmosphere of No Limit Hold’em without leaving the city, these private poker rooms in Midtown offer the perfect blend of exclusivity and competition. For serious players, this is where NYC poker truly comes alive.

How to Join Private Poker Rooms in Midtown NYC

Joining a private poker room in Midtown NYC has never been easier! Sign up now and receive a 10% bonus in chips to kick off your game. To RSVP, simply text “SPBlog” to (347) 471-1813, providing your full name, email, and occupation. A quick screening process will follow to verify your details.

At Social Poker, we offer the most exciting No Limit Hold’em action in New York City. Don’t wait—be part of the game today and experience the thrill of exclusive poker like never before!

The 2024 PokerGO Tour Texas PLO Roundup $3,300 buy-in Pot-Limit Omaha Main Event drew a record-breaking field of 474 entries at Champions Club Texas in Houston. This turnout not only crushed the $1 million guarantee but also set a new benchmark for the largest PLO prize pool in Texas history, totaling $1,422,000. The top 55 finishers shared the prize money, with $300,000 going to the eventual champion, Lawrence Chang.

For Chang, a Texas native, this victory marked his first six-figure tournament score. His previous best was $25,650 for finishing fourth in a $120 buy-in event with a $500,000 guarantee at the 2019 L.A. Poker Classic, which drew 6,454 entries. This win also earned him 1,080 Card Player Player of the Year (POY) points, pushing his total for 2024 to 1,160 and placing him within striking distance of the top 500 in the POY rankings presented by Global Poker. Earlier in the year, Chang had finished sixth in a $5,000 PLO high roller event at ARIA.

Several poker notables made deep runs in this event. Among them were 2019 WSOP Main Event third-place finisher Alex Livingston (44th), four-time bracelet winner Brad Ruben (43rd), six-time bracelet winner Josh Arieh (41st), and high roller champions Adam Hendrix (34th) and Ronald Keijzer (30th). Other notable finishers included two-time bracelet winner Martin Zamani (32nd), 2024 WSOP Main Event runner-up Jordan Griff (27th), Ren Lin (26th), Ben Ludlow (24th), three-time bracelet winner Sean Troha (20th), Anthony Hu (18th), Arthur Morris (15th), and preliminary event winner Stephanie Chung (11th).

The Final Day

The last day began with seven players remaining, led by Chang. LaDarren Banks was the first to fall, finishing seventh for $43,000. After more than two hours of six-handed play, Sean Rafael exited in sixth place ($51,000) when his overpair of kings and nut flush draw was cracked by Senovio Ramirez’s seven-high straight. This marked Rafael’s second final-table appearance of the series, following a runner-up finish in one of the $5,100 buy-in high rollers.

Kyle Arora, who had briefly taken the chip lead earlier in the day, found himself short-stacked and was eliminated in fifth place ($60,000) when his hand, 8♦6♦6♣4♣, lost to Andrew Ige’s A♦J♣8♥3♣. This marked Arora’s third-largest career cash.

Sterling Savill, who began the day as the shortest stack, managed to climb to fourth place ($80,000). His A♦K♦Q♦J♣ fell to Ige’s A♠7♠5♥4♥ when Ige hit a flush on the river. Savill’s career earnings now approach $1.2 million.

Ramirez’s run ended in third place ($120,000) after a dramatic blind-vs-blind confrontation. His A♥A♣10♥9♠ was outdrawn by Ige’s Q♥J♣10♣8♥ on a board that gave Ige a queen-high straight. Ramirez’s finish marked his third career six-figure payout.

Heads-Up Showdown

Heads-up play started with Ige holding a 9:5 chip lead over Chang. After multiple lead changes, the decisive hand occurred with blinds at 125,000-250,000 and a big blind ante of 250,000. Chang raised to 1,000,000 on the button with 8♠6♥5♣4♥, and Ige called holding A♣J♣9♦8♥. The flop came 10♥9♣3♥, prompting both players to check. The turn brought the 7♣, where Ige bet 1,600,000 with a jack-high straight and a nut club redraw. Chang responded by potting with his ten-high straight and heart flush draw. Ige moved all-in, and Chang called. The river was the A♥, completing Chang’s flush and securing him the victory. Ige earned a career-high $200,000 for his runner-up finish.

Chang’s remarkable win capped an unforgettable event, solidifying his place among the rising stars in the poker world.

Texas PLO Roundup $3,300 Main Event Final Table Results