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Josh Mammen defeated Erik Eisen in heads-up play to win the 2026 BetMGM Poker Championship, capping a final table on July 5 at ARIA in Las Vegas that included a rare five-way chip deal.
The $3,500 buy-in event drew 1,512 entries, generating a prize pool of more than $4.8 million and surpassing the $4,000,000 guarantee.
“Congratulations to Josh Mammen on an incredible run to capture the BetMGM Poker Championship title. 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,” said David Mileaf, Director of Poker at BetMGM.
Final Table Results
- Josh Mammen – $481,180*
- Erik Eisen – $431,180*
- Paul Hofer – $431,180*
- Nick Palma – $431,180*
- Ariel Celestino – $431,180*
- Mike Wilklow – $165,300
- Pavlos Xanthopoulos – $135,300
- Uri Kadosh – $106,500
- Nenad Cvetkovic – $79,935
*Denotes a deal to divide the remaining prize money among the top five finishers.
“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,” said Sean McCormack, MGM Resorts’ Executive Director of Poker Strategy & Development.
“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,” McCormack added.
Mammen entered the tournament with $83,297 in lifetime recorded tournament earnings. The $481,180 first-place prize increased his career winnings by close to sixfold.
Online qualifiers reach the money
Ninety-two players qualified online through BetMGM Poker markets in New Jersey, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Ontario, winning packages that covered tournament entry, a five-night stay at ARIA, travel credit and a BetMGM swag bag.
Six of those qualifiers cashed in the event. Connor Boyle placed 24th for $14,000, the top finish among the group. Terry Brennan, who won his seat through a $5 satellite, recorded the first live tournament cash of his career, earning $12,920.
BetMGM Poker players can earn BetMGM Rewards Points and Tier Credits, which can be redeemed for digital bonuses, MGM Rewards Points and Marriott Bonvoy Points.