PGT Kickoff: Debut Champions and a New Season Leader

Taylor Paur Secures His First PGT Title

The fourth event of the PGT Kickoff 2026 saw Taylor Paur clinch his maiden victory as he dominated the $5,100 No-Limit Hold’em, besting a field of 145 entries. The high turnout made Event #4 the third-biggest tournament of the series and simultaneously the fourth-largest $5K event in PGT history.

Paur defeated Ethan “Rampage” Yau in the final heads-up, earning $174,000, 348 PGT points, and the prestigious PGT Kickoff Gold Cup. This marked Paur’s first PGT title and also his first win at PokerGO Studio.

The final day began with Justin Zaki at the top of the chip count, but an unsuccessful bluff against Paur led to his quick exit. Following him were the eliminations of Scott Eskenazi and Paul Roy, while Jeremy Becker bowed out in fourth place after losing his lead. Andrew Moreno aimed for his second consecutive title but finished third, leaving Paur and Yau to battle for victory.

Final Table Results PGT Kickoff Event #4

Michael Berk Earns Career-High Victory

Michael Berk also claimed his first PGT triumph, winning Event #5: $10,100 No-Limit Hold’em. Berk outplayed a competitive field of 103 entries, earning $262,650, 525 PGT points, and the PGT Kickoff Gold Cup. This title marked the biggest win of Berk’s career, surpassing his previous record from the WSOP Main Event 2023.

The final table featured a strong narrative, particularly with Kristen Foxen aiming for a historic third consecutive victory in this event. After winning Event #5 in 2024 and 2025, she reached the final table again but finished in 7th place, eliminated by Andrew Lichtenberger.

The heads-up clash saw Daniel Maor and Michael Berk face off in a gripping battle. Maor initially lagged 1:4 but gained the lead thanks to a successful double-up. However, Berk regained control, and in the decisive hand, Maor couldn't overcome Berk’s pocket threes, settling for second place.

Final Table Results PGT Kickoff Event #5

Ariel Mantel Triumphs After Epic Heads-Up Comeback

The final event of the PGT Kickoff 2026 also added a debut winner to the roster. Argentina’s Ariel Mantel led the charge in Event #6: $10,100 No-Limit Hold’em, topping a field of 52 entries in a one-day turbo format. He defeated Clemen Deng in a dramatic heads-up to take home $171,600, 343 PGT points, and his first PGT Gold Cup.

The prize pool escalated to $520,000, with eight places paid. Renowned names like Dan Smith, Andrew Lichtenberger, Patrick Leonard, and Brandon Wilson landed in the money. 

The decisive chapter unfolded in heads-up play. Clemen Deng began with a massive lead, but Mantel staged an incredible comeback, doubling his stack several times. He sealed the deal with a straight flush, definitively ending Deng’s resistance.

Mantel’s win comes from 13 PGT tournaments, with his total tournament earnings exceeding $1.5 million, roughly half of which are from PGT events.

Final Table Results PGT Kickoff Event #6 Turbo

PGT 2026: Standings After the PGT Kickoff

Throughout the PGT Kickoff 2026, Andrew Lichtenberger seized the lead in the annual PGT standings with 531 points. Close behind are Michael Berk and Andrew Moreno. 

The start of the season saw new names rise to the top, and traditional PGT leaders from past seasons currently find themselves outside the top ten. Next is the PGT Mixed Games series, offering stars like Alex Foxen, Nick Schulman, and Joao Simao a chance to climb back into contention.

Sources: PGT, The Hendon Mob