Josh Mammen Captures BetMGM Poker Championship After Five-Way Deal at Final Table

Josh Mammen emerged victorious at the 2026 BetMGM Poker Championship, defeating Erik Eisen in a heads-up battle to claim the title. The final table, held July 5 at ARIA in Las Vegas, was marked by an unusual five-way chip deal among the top five finishers.

The $3,500 buy-in event drew 1,512 entries, generating a prize pool exceeding $4.8 million—well above the $4 million guarantee. Mammen secured $481,180 after the deal, while Eisen and three others each took home $431,180.

Event Highlights

David Mileaf, BetMGM's Director of Poker, called the tournament "an incredible run" and said the five-way deal "showcased the excitement, drama, and camaraderie that make tournament poker so special." He added that BetMGM is proud to build on the tradition of summer poker in Las Vegas.

Sean McCormack, MGM Resorts' Executive Director of Poker Strategy & Development, noted that tournament poker's unique ability to let players negotiate the prize pool adds "another layer of strategy to championship play."

Mammen's Career-Defining Win

Before this victory, Mammen had recorded only $83,297 in lifetime live tournament earnings. The $481,180 first-place prize nearly sixfold his previous career total.

Online Qualifier Success

Ninety-two players earned their seats through BetMGM Poker’s online platforms in New Jersey, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Ontario. Their packages included tournament entry, five nights at ARIA, travel credits, and branded merchandise. Six of those qualifiers cashed, with Connor Boyle placing 24th ($14,000) as the top performer. Terry Brennan, who entered via a $5 satellite, recorded his first-ever live tournament cash of $12,920.