Chino Rheem Wins 2026 PGT Sprint Opener for $119,600

Jonathan Rodriguez

Written by: Jonathan Rodriguez

Published: Thu Oct 29, 2026, 2:32 am ET

Read Time: 3 minutes

Chino Rheem Wins 2026 PGT Sprint Opener for $119,600

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Chino Rheem kicked off the 2026 PokerGO Tour (PGT) Sprint series with a $119,600 victory in Event #1. He outlasted a field of 92 entries in the $5,300 No-Limit Hold'em tournament at PokerGO Studio in Las Vegas. The event generated a $460,000 prize pool, with the top 14 finishers receiving payouts.

The victory marked Rheem's 10th career PGT title and his second win of the 2026 PGT season. He previously won Event #1 of PGT Mixed Games in February, taking the $5,100 H.O.R.S.E. tournament for $112,100. Rheem also earned 179 PGT points from his latest victory, strengthening his position in the season-long race.

However, Rheem had to overcome several experienced opponents before securing the title. Andrew Lichtenberger finished second for $75,900, while Patrick Leonard claimed third place and $55,200.

Chino Rheem Navigates a Competitive Final Table

Rheem entered the seven-player final table in third place, behind chip leader Neil Warren. The remaining lineup also featured Lichtenberger, Leonard, Michael Berk, Jesse Lonis, and John Riordan.

Riordan became the first final-table casualty after Lichtenberger's pocket tens held against his ace-queen. Lonis followed in sixth place when Berk's queen-jack suited improved to a pair of jacks against Lonis's ace-ten.

Berk then eliminated Warren in fifth place during an ace-versus-ace confrontation. Warren held ace-queen, but Berk's ace-three prevailed. Rheem subsequently knocked out Berk in fourth place, with his king-jack suited beating Berk's jack-five suited.

Leonard's run ended in third place after Lichtenberger's pocket kings held against his ace-queen. That result established the heads-up matchup between Lichtenberger and Rheem, with Lichtenberger initially holding the chip advantage.

Key Hands Secure Rheem's Comeback

Lichtenberger began heads-up play ahead, but Rheem soon turned the match around. One pivotal hand saw Lichtenberger attempt a bluff on a board of Q♥ 8♣ 6♦ 8♦ J♦.

Lichtenberger held 9♣ 5♣, while Rheem had pocket tens, T♠ T♥. Rheem called successfully, winning a substantial pot and taking control of the match.

The final hand delivered an unconventional conclusion. Lichtenberger moved all-in with 6♣ 5♦, and Rheem called with 7♣ 2♥ without looking at his cards.

The board ran out A♥ 9♥ 8♠ 4♣ Q♥, leaving both players without a pair. Rheem's seven-high hand beat Lichtenberger's six-high combination, sealing the victory and the $119,600 top prize.

Final-Table Results

The seven finalists collected $365,700 in combined payouts, with the remaining prize money going to other players who finished in the money.

Place Player Prize
1 Chino Rheem $119,600
2 Andrew Lichtenberger $75,900
3 Patrick Leonard $55,200
4 Michael Berk $41,400
5 Neil Warren $32,200
6 Jesse Lonis $23,000
7 John Riordan $18,400

Jim Collopy finished 15th, becoming the tournament's bubble finisher. Meanwhile, the 14 players who reached the money secured payouts from the $460,000 prize pool.

Rheem Strengthens His PGT Championship Bid

Beyond the immediate prize money, Rheem's win improved his position in the season standings. The official PGT report placed him 19th with 1,220 points after the victory.

His 10th career PGT title also reinforced his standing in the tour's history. Card Player reported that Rheem had already won four PGT series championships, leaving him pursuing a record-extending fifth title.

Meanwhile, the 2026 PGT Sprint series continues through November 4 at PokerGO Studio. The schedule features seven single-day No-Limit Hold'em events, with buy-ins increasing from $5,300 in the first four tournaments to $10,500 in the final three.

These events give competitors further opportunities to collect points and improve their Championship prospects. The $500,000 PGT Championship freeroll is scheduled for January 11-12, 2027, with qualification subject to the tour's eligibility requirements.

For readers following major live tournaments alongside the competitive landscape surrounding US online poker sites, Rheem's latest victory offers another notable result from the professional poker circuit. 

His strong start to the PGT Sprint series also sets up an important run toward the season's final standings.

Jonathan Rodriguez
Jonathan Rodriguez

Jonathan is an avid basketball fan, and is often looking forward to the next upcoming NBA season when not checking players' stats during games. He also likes to keep his ears on the ground for the latest rumblings in the online casino industry.

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