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
| Place | Player | Prize |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brandon Mitchell | $525,700 |
| 2 | David Levy | $310,000 |
| 3 | Nicholas Rogers | $210,500 |
| 4 | Hayley Hanna | $157,900 |
| 5 | Zachary Powers | $131,600 |
| 6 | Christopher Collins | $105,300 |
| 7 | Senh Cong | $78,900 |
| 8 | James Pausch | $65,800 |
| 9 | Mark Evangelista | $52,600 |
