The curtain has risen on the final event of the 2025 PokerGO Tour season, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. A total of 54 elite players gathered inside the PokerGO Studio in Las Vegas to compete in the PGT $1,000,000 Championship Freeroll. After a dramatic Day 1, just seven contenders remain, with Michael Wang emerging as the chip leader as the chase for the $500,000 top prize intensifies.
Wang closed the day with a commanding stack of 2,890,000 chips, putting him in prime position heading into the final stretch. Close behind are Andrew “LuckyChewy” Lichtenberger and Aaron Kupin, the last Dream Seat qualifier still alive, both well-positioned with healthy stacks and plenty of room to apply pressure.
Adding even more intrigue to the final table is Daniel Negreanu. The poker icon sits in the middle of the pack, narrowly trailing John Riordan while staying ahead of short stacks Chad Eveslage and Eric Blair. With Negreanu’s experience and instincts, he remains a constant threat despite not holding the chip lead.
Notably, the tournament has yet to reach the money. Only six players will get paid, meaning one more elimination stands between the remaining seven and a guaranteed $40,000 payday.
End of Day 1 Chip Counts
- Michael Wang (United States) – 2,890,000
- Andrew Lichtenberger (United States) – 2,410,000
- Aaron Kupin (United States) – 1,690,000
- John Riordan (United States) – 1,230,000
- Daniel Negreanu (Canada) – 1,020,000
- Chad Eveslage (United States) – 800,000
- Eric Blair (United States) – 685,000
A Wild Day Inside the PokerGO Studio
Day 1 delivered nonstop action, with chip stacks swinging wildly throughout the session. Philip Sternheimer enjoyed an early surge after knocking out both Jason Koon and Dream Seat qualifier Timothy Tuveson in quick succession. However, his momentum vanished just as fast, as Andrew Lichtenberger sent him to the rail in back-to-back hands.
The atmosphere was anything but quiet, thanks in part to a lively black-and-red prop bet involving Eric Wasserson and the duo of Bryce Yockey and Chino Rheem, which kept the room buzzing throughout the day.
Negreanu, known for trusting feel and timing over pure mathematical aggression, reminded everyone why he remains one of poker’s most unique minds. In a standout hand, he opted to just call on the river with the fourth nuts after making a set—an unconventional move that drew attention and applause.
“This is part of what makes me a good poker player!” Negreanu exclaimed, fully embracing his instinct-driven style.
Elsewhere, reigning PGT Player of the Year Alex Foxen showed early promise, building a solid stack before being eliminated by Lichtenberger as the field narrowed to two tables.
Several notable names fell just short of the final table, including Eric Wasserson, Bryce Yockey, Adam Hendrix, and Stephen Chidwick. Despite changing seats with Hendrix, Chidwick’s run ended in disappointment, paving the way for the official seven-handed final table.
Play concluded at the end of Level 15 with no further eliminations, setting the stage for a tense Day 2 showdown. The remaining players will return on Tuesday at 1 p.m. local time to battle down to a champion.
PGT Championship Payouts
- 1st: $500,000
- 2nd: $200,000
- 3rd: $120,000
- 4th: $80,000
- 5th: $60,000
- 6th: $40,000
The PokerGO Studio is set for a thrilling finish, with poker’s biggest names and massive money on the line. Live coverage will resume as the PGT Championship crowns its winner.
