Poker legend Erik Seidel has done it again. The 65-year-old champion earned his 35th career poker title by winning the Erik Seidel PGT PLO Series II event on October 17, 2025. Facing a tough field of 143 skilled players, Seidel emerged victorious in Event #3 of the PGT PLO Series II, capturing $171,500 in prize money and reaffirming his place among the greatest poker players in history.
This victory further solidifies Erik Seidel’s dominance in the game — nearly four decades after his unforgettable runner-up finish in the 1988 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event. From that historic debut to his most recent PGT PLO Series II triumph, Seidel’s poker story continues to inspire generations.
The Road to Erik Seidel’s PGT PLO Series II Victory
The final day of the Erik Seidel PGT PLO Series II event began with five players left, and Seidel holding a commanding chip lead. His strategic precision and calm demeanor set the tone early as he eliminated multiple opponents to cruise toward the title.
The first casualty of the day was James Chen, whose J♠J♥9♣7♥ couldn’t stand up to Seidel’s A♥Q♠Q♦3♠. The board brought queens full of tens, giving Erik Seidel his first elimination en route to the PGT PLO Series II crown. Chen earned $42,900 for his fifth-place finish.
Next up was Daniel Kim, who saw his 10♦9♦5♠4♥ lose to Sean Winter’s pocket kings. The board ran out Q♠Q♦2♦8♣Q♥, giving Winter a full house and sending Kim home with $57,200.
Winter’s run ended shortly after when his A♥J♣10♣8♥ clashed with Seidel’s A♠Q♠Q♥6♣. The board came 8♣7♠3♥6♠4♣, giving Seidel’s queens the winning hand. Winter finished third, taking $75,100 and adding to his $36.4 million in total career earnings.
Heads-Up for the PGT PLO Series II Title
The heads-up duel for the Erik Seidel PGT PLO Series II championship came down to Seidel and John Riordan, a talented two-time bracelet winner. Seidel started with 11 million chips to Riordan’s 6.8 million, but the battle saw plenty of back-and-forth action.
Riordan managed a huge double-up after turning a nine-high straight against Seidel’s seven-high straight, momentarily leveling the field. But Seidel, ever the master of adjustment, tightened his game, slowly rebuilding his stack and momentum.
The final hand saw Seidel holding A♣A♦K♣5♠, while Riordan had K♥Q♣J♥3♥. The board of 10♠4♥3♣6♦8♣ sealed Riordan’s fate. His lower pair failed to connect, giving Erik Seidel his well-deserved PGT PLO Series II victory.
Riordan finished second, earning $103,700, while Seidel claimed his 35th title — an incredible milestone for one of poker’s greatest icons.
Final Table Results – PGT PLO Series II Event #3
| Place | Player | Payout | PGT Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Erik Seidel | $171,500 | 172 |
| 2 | John Riordan | $103,700 | 104 |
| 3 | Sean Winter | $75,100 | 75 |
| 4 | Daniel Kim | $57,200 | 57 |
| 5 | James Chen | $42,900 | 43 |
| 6 | Caleb Furth | $35,800 | 36 |
| 7 | Brevin Andreadis | $28,600 | 29 |
(Photo credit: PokerGO Tour / Antonio Abrego)
Erik Seidel’s Legacy in Poker History
With over $49.7 million in lifetime live earnings, Erik Seidel stands among the top five poker players in the world. His incredible run at the PGT PLO Series II further proves that experience, patience, and analytical precision still reign supreme in modern poker.
From his early WSOP success to consistent performances in high roller events, Seidel’s adaptability across different poker formats — No-Limit Hold’em, Pot-Limit Omaha, and mixed games — showcases his unmatched versatility.
The Erik Seidel PGT PLO Series II win adds another layer to his decorated legacy, inspiring players everywhere to sharpen their skills and play with discipline.
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Erik Seidel’s PGT PLO Series II Win Proves Poker Greatness Never Fades
The Erik Seidel PGT PLO Series II victory is another reminder that true poker greatness comes from adaptability and long-term mastery. With this win, Seidel inches closer to the $50 million career milestone and continues to influence the modern era of the game.
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