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

The 2024 Women’s Winter Festival £100,000 guaranteed £400 no-limit hold’em main event attracted 271 entries, making it the largest women’s poker tournament ever held outside of Las Vegas. Maria Lampropoulos, known for her major victories at the 2018 PokerStars Caribbean Adventure and the 2017 partypoker LIVE Millions Nottingham, secured another prestigious title by winning this event along with the £20,000 ($25,200) top prize.

The accomplished Argentinian poker pro now boasts over $3.6 million in recorded tournament earnings, including two seven-figure payouts from her previous landmark victories. This achievement further solidifies her position within the top ten on the all-time money list for female poker players.

The event, held from Nov. 21-24 at London’s Hippodrome Casino, saw a strong turnout, with the top 44 finishers sharing the six-figure prize pool. Notable players who made the money included poker content creator Caitlin Comeskey (37th) and PokerStars ambassador Jennifer Shahade (32nd).

The final day began with 17 players vying for the title. Lampropoulos entered the final table with a middling chip stack but skillfully navigated her way to short-handed play. She eliminated Lithuania’s Martha Porter to take a commanding chip lead into heads-up play against Belgium’s Ann-Roos Callens.

In the decisive hand, Lampropoulos’ Q-5 outdrew Callens’ K-6, as the board delivered queens and tens with an ace kicker. This clinched the title for Lampropoulos, while Callens took home $15,889 as the runner-up.

£400 Main Event Final Table Results

The 2024 World Series of Poker Circuit Grand Victoria Casino $1,700 buy-in no-limit hold’em main event drew an impressive field of 757 entries, far exceeding its $750,000 guarantee to generate a prize pool of over $1.1 million.

After three starting flights and two more days of play, Jeremy Lenz of Illinois claimed victory. The 39-year-old earned the top prize of $194,977, his first WSOP Circuit gold ring, and 912 Card Player Player of the Year points—marking his first POY-qualified score of 2024. This win significantly eclipsed Lenz’s previous live tournament earnings, which totaled just over $16,000 across five recorded cashes.

Speaking with WSOP reporters, Lenz shared his practical plans for his winnings: “I am going to pay my house off, taxes, and mortgage. It’s getting pricey out here.”

The final day began with six players, led by 2019 WSOP Circuit Potawatomi main event champion Richard Bai. Early action saw Bai win a massive pot with a set-over-set cooler against two-time WSOP Circuit ring winner Dana Marie Muse, eliminating Muse in sixth place for $38,601.

The next elimination came when Caleb King’s pocket nines fell to Roland Israelashvili’s pocket queens. King exited in fifth place with $50,350. Israelashvili continued his momentum by winning a significant pot with quads against Bai. Shortly after, Bai was all-in with 10♠7♠ against Cero Zuccarello’s 10♠8♠, which improved to queens and eights, sending Bai to the rail in fourth place for $66,514.

Israelashvili’s run ended in third place for $88,976 after his K♥7♣ lost to Zuccarello’s A♠8♠, which improved to a full house. The 11-time Circuit ring winner added another strong finish to his resume, bringing his career tournament earnings to nearly $5.3 million and notching his 262nd WSOP Circuit cash.

Heads-up play began with Lenz holding a better than 2:1 chip lead over Zuccarello. The gap widened as the match progressed. The final hand saw Zuccarello shove for just over 10 big blinds with Q♥6♣, only to be snap-called by Lenz’s A♥A♣. The board ran out 9♥8♥8♦9♠A♥, giving Lenz aces full and the title. Zuccarello finished as the runner-up, earning $120,506.

Just one week after picking up his first Triton Poker title and $891,000 in the $30,000 no-limit hold’em turbo bounty event in Monte Carlo, Artur Martirosian added his second with the closing event, the $25,000 PLO turbo bounty for another $525,000.

The tournament saw a field of 75 runners enter the race, with the top 13 making the money for a cash worth at least $27,000. Familiar faces that made the money included Ronny Kaiser (6th), Stephen Chidwick (9th), Sam Greenwood (10th), Quan Zhou (11th), and Danny Tang (12th).

Martirosian was actually one of the shortest stacks left in play when the final table began, and he stayed away from the all-in confrontations as player fell aroud him.

PLO specialist Michael Duek, fresh off a runner-up finish in the $50,000 six-max PLO event, was out in fifth place for $100,000.

Then Martirosian got in on the action by busting Ren Len in fourth place. Lin earned $304,500 with his finish and bounties, putting him above $14 million in total. With 21 final tables in 2024, he sits in eighth place in the POY standings.

Martirosian kept the heat going by busting high-stakes crusher Dan Smith in third place for $279,000. Smith cashed six times during the series overall for a total of $2.3 million to bring him to $57.9 million, or fifth on the all-time money list.

The chip stacks stood at more than 2:1 in favor of Martirosian over top American pro Isaac Haxton at the start of the heads-up final. Despite all the poker talent collected between the final two players, it took just one all-in pot to decide the fate of the tournament.

The final hand saw all the chips get in with the board reading QClub Suit10Heart Suit3Club Suit6Spade Suit. Haxton was ahead with KClub SuitQDiamond Suit5Diamond Suit3Spade Suit in the hole, and Martirosian was sitting on a flush draw with KHeart Suit9Club Suit8Club Suit8Spade Suit. The flush got there when the 4Club Suit fell on the river, giving Martirosian his second win to finish off the tournament series.

Haxton was eliminated in second place, falling short of a Triton title once again after coming so close. Haxton added $270,000 to his career earnings with the cash, and his impressive career earnings are now above $52.3 million, or ninth place all time.

EVENT 7: $30K – NLH Bounty Quattro
Dates: November 6, 2024
Entries: 105 (inc. 28 re-entries)
Prize pool: $3,150,000 (inc. $1,040,000 in bounty pool)

1 – Artur Martirosian, Russia – $531,000 + $360,000 in bounties
2 – Nikita Kuznetcov, Russia – $358,000 + $80,000 in bounties
3 – Jamil Wakil, Canada – $233,000 + $120,000 in bounties
4 – Adrian Mateos, Spain – $193,000 + $120,000 in bounties
5 – Ren Lin, China – $156,000 + $80,000 in bounties
6 – David Benefield, USA – $123,000 + $40,000 in bounties
7 – Ben Tollerene, USA – $94,000 + $40,000 in bounties