The PokerGO Tour Bounty Blitz festival debuted on September 1, 2025, and by the following afternoon, poker fans had their first champion. Jeremy Becker, who entered the six-handed final table as the short stack, staged an impressive comeback to win the $5,300 buy-in no-limit hold’em bounty event.
Becker captured $55,600, which included $10,000 in bounties from five knockouts. The victory also earned him his second career PokerGO Tour (PGT) trophy, adding to his 2024 Poker Masters win. Known as the “king of Las Vegas nightly tournaments,” where he once claimed eight victories in a single month at the Wynn, Becker has now surpassed $3.1 million in lifetime earnings.
In the end, Becker outlasted a 46-entry field and defeated Qin Zhao heads-up to lock up the title, along with 76 PGT leaderboard points.
A Tough Final Table Battle
The final table was stacked with talent and filled with dramatic hands:
Josh Arieh was the first to bust, his pocket jacks losing to Zhao’s pocket queens on a brutal board.
Darren Rabinowitz saw his deep run end in fifth when his K♦10♥ couldn’t overcome John Andress’ A♥Q♥.
Andrew Lichtenberger, better known as “LuckyChewy,” exited in fourth after running into Zhao’s A♦K♣.
Becker gained momentum with timely doubles and seized control late, setting the stage for his heads-up duel with Zhao.
Becker Seals the Victory
Becker’s run to the trophy was capped off with two crucial eliminations. First, he knocked out John Andress, flopping a full house with A♠5♣ against Q♠6♠. Then, in the final hand, Becker’s turned straight with 5♥2♦ outpaced Zhao’s two-pair to secure the win.
The river blanked, and Becker officially became the first-ever PokerGO Tour Bounty Blitz champion.
Final Table Payouts
Place
Player
Earnings
Bounty Prize
PGT Points
1st
Jeremy Becker
$45,600
$10,000
76
2nd
Qin Zhao
$29,000
$14,000
48
3rd
John Andress
$19,300
$6,000
32
4th
Andrew Lichtenberger
$14,500
$16,000
24
5th
Darren Rabinowitz
$11,700
$6,000
19
6th
Josh Arieh
$9,600
$4,000
16
Photo credit: PokerGO Tour/Antonio Abrego
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Pot Limit Omaha (PLO) is a thrilling poker variant that gives players four hole cards instead of two. This difference creates more hand combinations and strategic possibilities, making the game exciting for both beginners and seasoned pros. Unlike Texas Hold’em, PLO requires players to use exactly two hole cards and three community cards to form the best hand.
The pot limit betting structure adds another layer of strategy. You can only bet the size of the pot, so controlling the pot and making well-timed bets is crucial. Learn more about the rules of PLO on PokerNews.
Key Differences Between Pot Limit Omaha and Texas Hold’em
While similar in hand rankings and community cards, PLO has four hole cards per player, drastically increasing potential hand combinations. High pairs like aces are not as dominant as in Hold’em, and hands like straights or flushes win more often.
The pot limit betting structure also changes strategy. You must calculate the pot size before betting, unlike No-Limit Hold’em.
Pot Limit Omaha Rules and Hand Rankings
Knowing the rules and hand rankings is critical. Use exactly two hole cards and three community cards for every hand. Hand rankings are identical to Hold’em, but higher-ranking hands appear more frequently due to four hole cards.
Mastering pot calculations ensures you don’t overcommit chips. This basic knowledge is the foundation for developing a strong PLO strategy.
Top Strategies for Pot Limit Omaha
Starting Hand Selection: Focus on connected and suited hands that can make straights, flushes, or full houses.
Positional Awareness: Late position gives more information, letting you control the pot and execute bluffs effectively.
Strategic Aggression: Bet and raise wisely to apply pressure but avoid overcommitting.
Bankroll Management: Keep at least 50 buy-ins for your stakes and track losses carefully.
Reading Opponents: Observe betting patterns, playing styles, and timing tells to gain an edge.
Avoid Common Mistakes: Don’t overvalue strong Hold’em hands; manage the pot size carefully.
Advanced Techniques: Learn blockers, polarization, and advanced hand reading to maximize value.
Leveraging Position in Pot Limit Omaha
Late position is a huge advantage in PLO. You see how opponents act first, allowing more informed decisions. In early positions, play tight and avoid marginal hands to reduce risk. Position mastery is key to controlling pot size and maximizing profit.
Conclusion: Elevate Your Pot Limit Omaha Game
Mastering Pot Limit Omaha combines strategic thinking, psychological insight, and disciplined bankroll management. Focus on starting hand selection, positional play, aggression, and reading opponents. By avoiding common mistakes and implementing advanced techniques, you can elevate your PLO game and enjoy long-term success.
The European Poker Tour (EPT) Barcelona €100,000 Super High Roller saw German poker star Leon Sturm rise to the top, capturing the title and a massive $1,696,950 payday. The 24-year-old defeated a stacked field of 47 entries at Casino Barcelona, securing his biggest career win to date.
Sturm first gained recognition in 2023 when he won a $50,000 WSOP event for his maiden bracelet and seven-figure cash. Now, just two years later, he adds another prestigious title to his resume. With this victory, his lifetime live earnings surpass $11.3 million, despite having limited results prior to 2020.
Prize Pool & Final Table Results
The high-stakes showdown created a prize pool exceeding $5.3 million, distributed among the top six finishers. Austria’s Samuel Mullur bubbled in seventh place, while several poker heavyweights reached the final table.
Final Table Payouts:
Place
Player
Country
Payout
POY Points
1
Leon Sturm
Germany
$1,696,950
600
2
David Coleman
USA
$1,344,043
500
3
Jesse Lonis
USA
$826,956
400
4
Espen Jorstad
Norway
$613,548
300
5
Aleksejs Ponakovs
Latvia
$480,168
250
6
Punnat Punsri
Thailand
$373,464
200
Key Hands and Turning Points
Early Exit for Punsri: Thailand’s all-time money leader Punnat Punsri was eliminated in 6th place when his kings were cracked by David Coleman’s A-5.
Ponakovs Out in 5th: Two-time bracelet winner Aleksejs Ponakovs fell to Espen Jorstad after his K-J lost to A-K.
Sturm’s Fortunate Double: During four-handed play, Sturm scored a rare double-up with A♦K♦ against Coleman’s A♠K♠ when a four-diamond board ran out.
Jorstad Falls in 4th: The 2022 WSOP Main Event champion couldn’t hold on, bowing out to Jesse Lonis.
Lonis Secures Podium: Already the 2025 Player of the Year leader, Lonis finished 3rd for $826,956, further extending his dominance in the standings.
Heads-Up Battle: Sturm vs. Coleman
Leon Sturm entered heads-up play with a commanding chip lead over American high roller David Coleman. The two agreed to an ICM deal, leaving $234,000 and the trophy up for grabs.
In the final hand, Sturm shoved with A♥9♦, and Coleman called with A♠5♥. The board ran J♥J♦4♠6♦2♦, giving Sturm the victory and the European Poker Tour Barcelona High Roller title.
For Coleman, the $1.34M payout marked his best-ever live score and continued a remarkable streak of runner-up finishes at the festival.
European Poker Tour Barcelona: A Premier High-Stakes Stop
The European Poker Tour continues to showcase the very best in poker, and Barcelona remains one of the tour’s most iconic stops. With rising stars like Leon Sturm capturing marquee victories, the EPT proves why it stands as one of the most prestigious poker series in the world.
The 2025 Arizona State Poker Championship delivered record-breaking action at Talking Stick Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona, where Brandon Mitchell emerged victorious to claim a life-changing $525,700 first-place prize. The $1,100 buy-in no-limit hold’em tournament drew a massive field of 3,546 players, making it the largest poker event ever held in the state.
Mitchell, a former highway patrol officer competing in his home state, outlasted the star-studded field to earn his career-best score. His backers on StakeKings also celebrated, as “Team Mitchell” shares paid off in a big way.
A Career-Defining Victory
Heading into the final table, Mitchell faced tough competition, including chip leader David Levy and rising talent Hayley Hanna. Despite starting as an underdog, he stayed patient, defended his stack, and picked his spots perfectly.
After outlasting six-figure finishers like Christopher Collins ($105,300), Zachary Powers ($131,600), and Hanna ($157,900), Mitchell turned the tables on Levy in heads-up play. A massive pot swung the momentum, and shortly after, Mitchell sealed the victory when his K-5 held strong against Levy’s K-2.
The win added to an already impressive poker résumé, giving Mitchell nearly $1.5 million in lifetime live cashes. His previous biggest score came at Wynn Las Vegas in 2023, where he won $327,817. He also posted a deep run at the 2025 WSOP, finishing fifth in the $25,000 High Roller for $303,773.
Rising Stars and Fan Favorites
One of the biggest storylines of the event was Hayley Hanna’s breakout performance. The outspoken poker player, engaged to high-stakes legend David Peters, captured the attention of poker fans everywhere. Her fourth-place finish for $157,900 more than quadrupled her previous live earnings, according to The Hendon Mob.
David Levy, meanwhile, was the dominant chip leader for most of the final table. Despite his strong position, Levy ultimately fell short of the title but still pocketed $310,000 for his runner-up finish.
Team Battle: Mitchell vs. Jones
In addition to the individual competition, the Arizona State Poker Championship also featured a StakeKings-backed Team Battle. “Team Mitchell,” led by the eventual champion, triumphed over “Team Jones,” led by 2023 WSOP Main Event runner-up Steven Jones. Investors who bought into Mitchell’s action walked away with hefty returns, making this championship even sweeter.
Arizona State Poker Championship: A Premier Event
The Arizona State Poker Championship continues to grow each year, cementing its place as one of the most prestigious mid-stakes poker tournaments in the United States. With a record turnout, huge prize pool, and a new champion who already has a strong presence on the live circuit, the 2025 edition proved why Talking Stick Resort is considered a hub for competitive poker in the Southwest.
For Brandon Mitchell, the victory was more than just money—it was validation of years of hard work, persistence, and a dream realized in front of his home crowd.
Final Table Results – 2025 Arizona State Poker Championship
Austrian poker pro Daniel Rezaei has put together the best summer of his career, scoring back-to-back seven-figure paydays on the live tournament scene. In early July, he finished third in the 2025 Wynn Summer Classic $10M GTD Main Event, banking nearly $1.2 million. Just six weeks later, he returned to the winner’s circle by taking down the $51,000 buy-in Onyx Club Super High Roller Series for $1,043,530.
With this latest win, Rezaei’s lifetime earnings now exceed $7.5 million, with over $2.6 million coming in 2025 alone from just ten cashes.
Star-Studded Field Runs Deep
The 100-player turnout guaranteed only the top four spots a payday, but plenty of big names went on strong runs. Bracelet winner Jessica Teusl (14th), two-time WSOP champion Ben Lamb (12th), three-time bracelet holder Artur Martirosian (11th), four-time Triton Poker champion Matthias Eibinger (10th), and popular French pro Johan “YohViral” Guilbert (7th) all made deep runs before falling short of the final stages.
Guilbert’s elimination came in a classic race when his pocket fours fell to David Nicholson’s A-10. Soon after, Aram Oganyan busted when his pocket kings were cracked by Armin Ghojehvand’s queens, leaving him sixth. Nicholson kept the momentum by knocking out Manuel Fritz (5th) after spiking a three on the river with 6♣3♣ against A♦Q♠.
Rezaei picked up his first knockout at the final table when his A♠K♥ held against Ghojehvand’s A♣Q♦, sending the UK-based pro out in fourth place for $445,000.
Wakil’s Breakthrough Summer
Jamil Wakil continued his breakout festival run, finishing third for $585,000. The Canadian had already scored a runner-up finish in the series opener for $650,000 and added another $670,000 for fifth in the $100K invitational. With nearly $2 million in cashes from this festival alone, Wakil has now pushed his career live earnings to $5.3 million.
The Final Duel
Heads-up play began with Nicholson holding a 31.7M-to-18.3M chip lead over Rezaei. The two agreed to an ICM deal that secured Nicholson $1,101,570 and left the title plus $55,000 to play for.
The battle saw several lead changes before the final hand sealed it. Nicholson shoved with Q♥8♠ for just under 10 big blinds, and Rezaei called with A♦3♥. The board ran out K♥9♠4♠3♠5♣, pairing Rezaei’s three and crowning him the champion.
New York City is famous for its nightlife, culture, and hidden gems — and one of those hidden gems is the underground poker scene. Across the city, NYC Private Poker Clubs bring together players for high-stakes action, social games, and a truly unique poker experience. These invite-only venues often feature professional dealers, secure settings, and an exclusive community of players.
If you’re curious about joining, here’s everything you need to know about private poker clubs in New York City — from legality and membership to safety and game types.
Is Poker Legal in New York City?
Poker in NYC operates in a legal gray zone.
Social poker games (where hosts don’t profit) are generally allowed.
Raked games (where clubs take a percentage of the pot) are technically illegal under New York law.
Despite this, NYC Private Poker Clubs continue to thrive, drawing in both recreational players and seasoned pros.
Where Can You Find NYC Private Poker Clubs?
The first challenge is finding a trusted and reputable game. Some well-known names in the city’s underground poker scene include:
NYC Poker Clubs – A concierge-style service connecting players to professional games in luxury spaces.
Poker Night Out NYC – Known for hosting games in stylish lofts and penthouses.
Fish Tank NYC Poker – A Midtown-based club offering a mix of No-Limit Hold’em and other variants.
Access is generally private, requiring referrals or direct contact with organizers.
How to Join a Private Poker Club in NYC
Membership isn’t open to just anyone. Most NYC Private Poker Clubs require new players to pass a vetting process for security. This might include:
A referral from an existing member
Background checks
Introductory conversations through social media or the club’s website
The exclusivity ensures safety and keeps games professional.
Membership Fees and Rake
Costs vary depending on the club’s model:
Some charge annual membership fees.
Others operate on a per-game basis, taking a small rake from each pot.
Before joining, always ask about fees so you know exactly what to expect.
What Games Do NYC Private Poker Clubs Offer?
These clubs cater to a variety of skill levels and bankrolls. Common offerings include:
No-Limit Hold’em (NLH): The most popular format, with stakes starting around 1/3 NLH ($100–$500 buy-ins).
Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO): A fast-paced game with deeper action.
High-stakes tables: Some clubs run 5/10+ NLH and even higher for serious players.
Whether you’re a casual player or a high-roller, there’s usually a game to fit your style.
Safety and Security
Reputable NYC Private Poker Clubs prioritize player safety. Many use:
Player vetting
Professional security staff
Surveillance systems
Still, because these clubs are underground, players should research carefully before joining.
Can Tourists Play in NYC Private Poker Clubs?
Yes, tourists are welcome, but they must complete the same vetting process as locals. If you’re visiting New York and want to play, contact the club in advance to arrange entry.
Tips for Playing Safely in NYC Private Poker Clubs
Before you sit down at a table, keep these points in mind:
Know the law: Raked games are not technically legal.
Play smart: Choose clubs with a solid reputation.
Bankroll management: Set limits and stick to them.
Protect your privacy: Be careful when sharing personal information.
Frequently Asked Questions About NYC Private Poker Clubs
1. Is it legal to play poker in New York City? Yes! It is 100% legal to play poker in New York City.
2. How do I join a private poker club in NYC? You typically need a referral from a current member or approval through a vetting process that may include background checks.
3. Do NYC Private Poker Clubs charge membership fees? Some clubs charge annual or monthly fees, while others only take a rake per game. Always confirm costs before joining.
4. Can tourists play in NYC poker clubs? Yes. Tourists can join as long as they pass the same vetting process as local players and arrange entry in advance.
5. What types of games are offered in NYC poker clubs? The most common games are No-Limit Hold’em and Pot-Limit Omaha, with both low- and high-stakes tables available.
For poker enthusiasts, NYC Private Poker Clubs offer some of the most thrilling and exclusive games in the country. While the underground nature means there are legal and safety risks, joining the right club can provide a one-of-a-kind poker experience in the heart of New York City.
The 2025 Onyx Super High Roller Series Main Event has crowned a new champion — Bulgaria’s Fahredin Mustafov, who conquered a world-class field of 227 entries to capture the trophy and a career-best $1,300,000 payday.
The $25,750 buy-in finale at Merit Crystal Cove created a staggering $5,504,750 prize pool, drawing elite high rollers from across the globe. In the end, Mustafov toppled Turkey’s “Kenar” in a lightning-fast heads-up match, clinching victory on the very first hand.
“Kenar” pocketed $820,000 as runner-up, while American pro Matthew Wantman completed the podium in third for $530,000.
A Career-Defining Triumph
According to The Hendon Mob, this seven-figure score marks the largest victory of Mustafov’s poker career, firmly establishing him among the game’s elite. The win also earned him critical Player of the Series points, putting the Bulgarian in strong contention for the leaderboard crown.
Celebrating with his wife, child, and close friends, Mustafov kept his winner’s speech short but heartfelt:
“My wife and my kids helped me a lot, and I’m very happy. This is my big win.”
He went on to praise Merit’s world-class atmosphere, calling the stop “super, super nice to play here” and urging poker fans:
“If you don’t come to Merit, you have to come, believe me.”
Mustafov’s Path to Glory
The final stages of the event were a rollercoaster. Mustafov’s run nearly hit turbulence when his pocket kings faced off against “Kenar’s” ace-king, but a disciplined fold kept him alive.
Momentum swung his way shortly after, eliminating Viacheslav Buldygin with ten-nine against ace-six. The pivotal hand of the tournament came against Matthew Wantman, who flopped middle set with pocket tens, only to see Mustafov’s flush complete on the turn. A gutsy river check-shove flipped the script, giving Mustafov the overwhelming chip lead.
Wantman eventually bowed out in third when his pocket nines were outdrawn by Mustafov’s six-five straight. Heads-up play barely lasted one hand — “Kenar” shoved with ace-six, but Mustafov snapped with ace-jack, and a clean board sealed the Bulgarian’s crowning achievement.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Onyx Super High Roller Series Main Event will be remembered as the moment Fahredin Mustafov broke through on the global high roller stage, taking home life-changing money, international recognition, and the most prestigious title of his career.
With his confidence soaring and family by his side, Mustafov summed it up best:
“This is my big win.”
$25,750 Onyx SHRS Main Event – Final Table Payouts
The Onyx Super High Roller Series in Cyprus continues to deliver massive action and million-dollar moments. After Moussa Ahmad’s $1 million victory in the opening event, the $10,400 buy-in Second Chance High Roller saw French poker pro Gregoire Auzoux capture yet another prestigious title.
Auzoux battled through a 111-entry field to secure the championship and $223,500 in prize money after a heads-up deal with Australian high-stakes regular Warwick Mirzikinian, who pocketed the same amount for second place.
Auzoux’s Second Major Win in Cyprus
This marks Auzoux’s second big victory in his adopted home of Cyprus in just three years. Back in the 2023 Triton Super High Roller Series Cyprus, he took down a $40,000 buy-in NLH event for over $1 million.
“I’ve been coming to Merit for the past 4–5 years,” Auzoux said during his winner’s photoshoot. “Now that I live in Cyprus, how could I miss events like this?”
With this win, Auzoux earned 600 points in the Card Player Player of the Year (POY) race, presented by CoinPoker, marking his first qualifying result of the year.
Mirzikinian’s Career Highlight & Final Table Stars
For runner-up Mirzikinian, this was the second-largest cash of his career, trailing only his deep run in the 2019 WSOP Main Event where he finished 20th for $324,650.
The stacked final table also featured:
Leon Sturm – WSOP bracelet winner and $9.6M in career earnings, 3rd for $128,400
Matthew Wantman – Fresh WSOP bracelet winner & current POY contender, 4th for $94,000
Daniel Dvoress – Canadian crusher with $46M+ in winnings, 8th for $33,000
Final Table Payouts – Onyx Super High Roller Second Chance
Shannon Shorr’s red-hot 2025 run continued in Hollywood, Florida, as the Alabama pro won the $25,500 High Roller at the Seminole Hard Rock Poker Open for $352,873. The victory, his sixth of the year, came after a heads-up deal with Cherish Andrews, who earned $318,427.
The 44-entry event pushed the prize pool over $1 million, with the final table featuring Michael Macchia, Frank Russo, Jonathan Jaffe, and Nicholas Seward. Shorr eliminated multiple opponents en route to the title, including Russo in fourth with a two-pair hand and Macchia in third with a nut flush.
Andrews briefly held a massive 16-to-1 chip lead in heads-up play after her trip deuces topped Shorr’s top pair, but Shorr stormed back with four double-ups to retake the lead. The two ultimately agreed to a deal as registration closed for a nearby $10,000 event.
The win adds to Shorr’s already impressive 2025 haul, which includes four PokerGO trophies, a WSOP Circuit ring, and 11 final tables. His latest score boosts him to 4,570 points in the Card Player Player of the Year race, putting him in 12th place overall.
Lebanon’s Nicolas Chouity has once again conquered the Mediterranean poker scene, capturing the 2025 Merit Poker Cyprus Dolce Vita Summer Series $3,300 La Notte Degli Assi Championship at Merit Crystal Cove Hotel and Casino. The former EPT Grand Final champion bested 1,023 entries to secure the $460,000 top prize from a prize pool exceeding $2.8 million. This was Chouity’s fourth-largest career score, boosting his lifetime tournament earnings to just under $6 million.
“Back in the day, I was 23 — now I’m 39. Naturally, I’m more mature. Before, I was more excited. I’m not saying I’m not happy now — but back then, it was a different experience,” Chouity told Merit Poker staff.
Final Day Highlights
Early Knockout: Chouity’s K♣Q♥ outdrew Viacheslav Balaev’s J♦J♣ to send Balaev out in 8th place for $61,500.
Pivotal Moment: In a huge preflop clash, Chouity’s J♥J♦ cracked Mehmet Deniz’s A♠A♥ with a river jack, eliminating Deniz in 4th for $156,000.
Three-Handed Play: France’s “Ma” fell to Richard Broda’s 9♥9♦, setting up the heads-up duel.
Heads-Up Battle and Winning Hand
Chouity entered heads-up play with a commanding lead, but Broda fought back to briefly take the chip advantage. In the final hand:
Broda: 7♦5♦
Chouity: 8♦3♦
Board: K♥Q♦6♦ | 2♦ | 8♠
Both players hit flushes on the turn, but Chouity’s was higher. Broda’s all-in move on the river was called, securing Chouity the title. Broda earned $307,000 as runner-up.
