Charles Furey Wins Inaugural PokerStars Open Maryland Main Event
The PokerStars Open Maryland Main Event concluded in thrilling fashion as Charles Furey captured the title and a first-place prize of $111,976. The event, held at Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland, marked the first-ever PokerStars Open stop in the state and continued PokerStars’ exciting return to live tournaments across North America.
A Record-Breaking Debut in Maryland
The $1,100 buy-in main event drew a strong field of 599 entries across five starting flights. After five days of competitive poker action, only one player remained — Furey, a poker regular from Bridgewater, New Jersey.
This win marks Furey’s career-best live result and his first six-figure cash. His previous top finish came during the 2009 World Series of Poker, where he placed fifth in a $1,500 Six-Max No-Limit Hold’em event.
Live Poker Booms on the East Coast — NYC Poker Clubs Rising
With PokerStars reviving live series in places like Philadelphia and Maryland, East Coast poker is buzzing again — and New York City has become a central hub for players looking for regular action beyond the casino floor.
Private NYC poker clubs offer a comfortable, safe, and professional setting for No-Limit Hold’em and PLO cash games — attracting both recreational players and seasoned pros. Many clubs host daily and weekend tournaments, mirroring the excitement of major events like the PokerStars Open.
If you’re looking for exclusive private poker games in NYC, check out trusted venues through platforms like MySocialPoker.com — where players can find verified poker clubs, game schedules, and local community updates.
Furey’s Road to Victory
Entering the final table second in chips, Furey played a patient and tactical game. As Melanie Hennigan took an early lead, Furey waited for key spots to apply pressure. His pivotal moment came when he eliminated Frankie Zeta, winning a classic coin flip with A♦Q♦ against pocket tens.
During heads-up play, Hennigan began with a 2:1 chip advantage, but Furey steadily closed the gap. The decisive hand saw Hennigan shove with K♦9♦ over Furey’s raise, only to run into A♣Q♣. The board ran clean, sealing the win for Furey after one final hand.
PokerStars’ Growing U.S. Live Presence
The PokerStars Open Maryland was the second PokerStars Open event in North America this year, following the successful PokerStars Open Philadelphia festival in April. The online poker giant continues to expand its live footprint, with the next major stop being the NAPT Las Vegas, taking place November 3–12, 2025, at Resorts World Las Vegas.
Final Table Results — PokerStars Open Maryland Main Event
| Place | Player | Payout | POY Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Charles Furey | $111,976 | 840 |
| 2 | Melanie Hennigan | $70,014 | 700 |
| 3 | Arthur Zabronsky | $50,032 | 560 |
| 4 | Paul Lilly | $38,505 | 420 |
| 5 | Frankie Zeta | $29,638 | 350 |
| 6 | Torsten Boker | $22,817 | 280 |
| 7 | Samuel Press | $17,564 | 210 |
| 8 | Andy Bartalone | $13,526 | 140 |
| 9 | Daniel Lim | $10,418 | 70 |
Photo credit: Rational Intellectual Holdings Ltd. / Rachel Kay Winter
