PokerGO Cup 2026: Third PGT Title for Wilson and Saliba, Debut for Khavin

Khavin Triumphs Without Sleep

Filipp Khavin from Florida demonstrated remarkable endurance in the second event of the PokerGO Cup 2026, winning the $5,100 NLH tournament despite nearly 20 hours without sleep following his arrival in Las Vegas. Out of a field of 111 entries creating a prizepool of $555,000, Khavin advanced to the final heads-up against one of today's top pros, Jesse Lonis.

The players agreed on a deal at the start of the heads-up, playing for an additional $20,000 and the winner's trophy. The decision didn't take long. Khavin quickly doubled his stack when his K h T c beat Lonis with A h 6 d, gaining a massive lead.

In the final hand, Khavin's combination of T s 6 c was enough to defeat his opponent holding A s 9 c on a board of Q d T h Q c K d 4 c. This marked Khavin's first PGT series title and his highest career win to date.

Final Table Results Event #2: $5,100 NLH

*Heads-up deal

Justin Saliba Earns Third PGT Title

Event #3: $5,100 No-Limit Hold’em was dominated by Justin Saliba, marking his third title on the PokerGO Tour. The tournament, featuring 86 entries and generating a prizepool of $430,000, saw 13 players cashing in. The unluckiest was John Riordan, who found himself on the bubble for the second day in a row.

The evening’s luckiest player, however, was Justin Saliba, whose path to victory wasn’t just about skill. He also created a memorable moment by pulling off a successful bluff with an 8-3 offsuit, during a friendly side bet with Chino Rheem and Jeremy Becker.

In the final heads-up, Saliba faced James Carroll. They agreed on a deal, leaving $10,000 and the trophy to play for. Despite Carroll's aggressive play, Saliba maintained control and emerged victorious.

The title was even more valuable to Saliba, who battled jet lag after returning from EPT Paris. “I was really tired from the time difference, so I just tried to keep my energy up,” he explained after his victory.

Final Table Results Event #3: $5,100 NLH

*Heads-up deal

Brock Wilson Conquers Event #4 in Friendly Heads-Up

The final of the one-day series was Event #4: $5,100 NLH, concluding the initial phase of the PokerGO Cup with 104 entries and a $520,000 prizepool. Brock Wilson claimed the trophy after defeating his friend David Coleman in the final showdown, earning his third PGT career title.

Both players showcased dominance throughout the final table. After eliminating Drake Kemper in third place, they quickly struck a heads-up deal. The play was light-hearted, yet ended dramatically. On a flop of 8 d 5 c 3 c, Wilson went all-in with 9 d 8 s. Coleman had a flush draw with A c 7 c and called. The turn 3 s and river 3 d completed a full house for Wilson.

“Give that man his trophy,” quipped Coleman as he sportingly congratulated the winner. Brock Wilson walked away with $112,720 and essential points for the PGT leaderboard.

Final Table Results Event #4: $5,100 NLH

*Heads-up deal

Following four initial tournaments, the PokerGO Cup 2026 now moves into its second and more intense half, with increased stakes and challenges. Starting March 9, five consecutive NLH events are scheduled, each with a $10,100 buy-in.

The festival will culminate in the prestigious PokerGO Cup #10. This final tournament, with a $15,100 buy-in, will determine who accumulates the most PGT leaderboard points to take home the series champion's trophy.

Sources: PGT, X, PokerNews