It was a weekend to remember for Chino Rheem at the PokerGO Tour (PGT) Mixed Games festival. The seasoned pro, known for his fearless play and high-stakes success, made a statement by finishing third in the $10,000 H.O.R.S.E. event on Friday, securing a $114,000 payday. But he didn’t stop there. Just 24 hours later, Rheem went all the way in the $10,000 eight-game mix, outlasting a field of 92 entries to pocket $195,500 and the championship.
With $309,500 in earnings from just two events, Rheem has surged to the top of the festival’s points leaderboard as the final stretch of tournaments looms. It’s a familiar position for the three-time World Poker Tour (WPT) champion, who previously dominated the PGT Mixed Games II series in 2023.
Rheem’s Mixed Games Mastery on Full Display
Rheem has long been a force in tournament poker, but his recent dominance in mixed-game formats is turning heads. His ability to navigate through various poker variants has earned him millions, including a seventh-place finish in the 2008 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event.
His total career earnings now exceed $15.6 million, thanks to his latest deep runs at the PokerGO Studio inside ARIA Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. The mixed-game format requires adaptability, and Rheem’s versatility across disciplines like stud, Omaha, and lowball games proved crucial.
The eight-game victory didn’t come easy. The $920,000 prize pool meant a stacked field, with top pros battling for a piece of the action. Fourteen players made the money, including notable names like:
- Mike Gorodinsky (13th) – Three-time WSOP bracelet winner
- Nick Guagenti (9th) – Two-time bracelet winner
- Ray Dehkharghani (8th) – Bracelet winner and mixed-game specialist
Despite the tough competition, Rheem found a way to outmaneuver his opponents and secure the title.
A Final Table Full of Talent
The tournament’s last day began with just seven players left and Brian Breck holding the chip lead. But as the blinds increased and games rotated, the dynamic shifted.
Alexander Livingston, a two-time WSOP bracelet winner, was the first to exit in seventh place, earning $36,800. His final hand came in a round of stud, where he ran into Rheem’s ace-high flush. From there, Rheem continued his climb, turning a short-stack start into an eventual victory.
As the action progressed, the remaining players fought for every pot, but Rheem’s momentum carried him to the top. His ability to adjust to different poker formats—switching from limit hold’em to triple draw to Omaha hi-lo—kept him ahead of the competition.
What’s Next for Rheem?
With three tournaments left in the PGT Mixed Games festival, all eyes are on Rheem. He’s the current points leader, and another strong showing could cement his status as the series champion for the second time in less than two years.
Winning back-to-back mixed-game series would be no small feat. The field is loaded with elite players, and the ever-changing nature of mixed games makes consistency difficult. But if his recent performances are any indication, Rheem is more than up for the challenge.
One thing is certain—his ability to perform under pressure, read his opponents, and shift gears when needed makes him a dangerous force at any poker table.
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