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BetMGM Poker Championship announces winner

13 July 2026

(PRESS RELEASE) -- The BetMGM Poker Championship at Aria Resort & Casino in Las Vegas concluded with Josh Mammen defeating Erik Eisen in heads-up play following a rare five-way deal at the 5 July final table. The $3,500 BetMGM Poker Championship drew 1,512 entries and a total prize pool of more than $4.8 million, smashing the $4,000,000 guarantee.

“Congratulations to Josh Mammen on an incredible run to capture the BetMGM Poker Championship title,” said David Mileaf, Director of Poker at BetMGM. “From surpassing the guarantee to the five-way chip chop at the final table, this event showcased the excitement, drama, and camaraderie that make tournament poker so special. Summer in Las Vegas has always meant poker, and BetMGM is proud to be building something lasting within that tradition.”

2026 BetMGM Poker Championship Final Table results:

1. Josh Mammen - $481,180
2. Erik Eisen - $431,180
3. Paul Hofer - $431,180
4. Nick Palma - $431,180
5. Ariel Celestino - $431,180
6. Mike Wilklow - $165,300
7. Pavlos Xanthopoulos - $135,300
8. Uri Kadosh - $106,500
9. Nenad Cvetkovic - $79,935

(a deal was made to chop the remaining prize money)

Entering the tournament with $83,297 in lifetime recorded tournament earnings, Mammen increased his career winnings by nearly sixfold with the $481,180 victory.

Sean McCormack, MGM Resorts’ Executive Director of Poker Strategy & Development, said, “Congratulations to Josh Mammen on an outstanding victory in this year’s BetMGM Poker Championship. Crushing the $4 million guarantee and highlighted by a strategic five-way deal at the final table before an exciting heads-up finish, this event showcased the depth and strategy of tournament poker. Unlike most competitions, tournament poker allows players to negotiate how the remaining prize pool is shared, a longstanding tradition that adds yet another layer of strategy to championship play.”

Ninety-two online qualifiers from BetMGM Poker markets in New Jersey, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Ontario won BetMGM Poker Championship packages that included tournament entry, a five-night stay at ARIA, travel credit and a BetMGM swag bag. Six qualifiers cashed in the event, led by Connor Boyle who finished 24th for $14,000. Online qualifier Terry Brennan recorded the first live tournament cash ($12,920) of his career after winning his seat through a $5 qualifier.

Players can earn BetMGM Rewards Points and Tier Credits by playing at BetMGM Poker. BetMGM Rewards points can be redeemed for digital bonuses, MGM Rewards Points, and Marriott Bonvoy Points.

As BetMGM continues to expand into new markets and introduce new features, responsible gambling remains a key focus. Additionally, BetMGM is proud to provide resources to help customers play responsibly including GameSense, an industry leading program, developed and licensed to MGM Resorts by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation. Through the integration within BetMGM's mobile and desktop platforms, customers can receive the same GameSense experience they have grown to rely on at MGM Resorts properties nationwide. This complements BetMGM's existing responsible gambling tools which serve to provide customers with an entertaining and safe digital experience.

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