The PokerGO Tour (PGT) is setting the stage for its climactic end-of-year spectacle with the Last Chance Series, kicking off Thursday. This high-stakes series offers players one final opportunity to secure their spot in the million-dollar PGT Championship while showcasing their prowess in the competitive poker scene.
Tim Duckworth, Director of Live Events for PokerGO, expressed excitement for the series, saying, “With high stakes on the line and additional Dream Seat entries available, this series gives everyone a shot.”
Let’s dive into what makes this series a must-watch and a critical moment for poker enthusiasts and players alike.
The Format: Six Events, High Stakes
The Last Chance Series comprises six no-limit hold’em tournaments, each with a $10,100 buy-in. The structure offers participants ample opportunities to climb the leaderboard and claim one of the coveted top 40 spots in the season-long PGT rankings.
But there’s a catch: simply earning a top-40 rank isn’t enough. Players also need at least three qualifying cashes to secure their seat in the million-dollar freeroll PGT Championship.
The series isn’t just about the leaderboard, though. A unique points-based system offers additional opportunities for standout players, regardless of their season-long ranking.
Notable Players on the Brink
Several big names are currently fighting to stay in contention—or break into—the PGT Championship’s elite top 40. Among them are reigning World Series of Poker Main Event champion Jonathan Tamayo and prominent players like Brian Kim, Niklas Astedt, and Jason Sagle, all of whom have fewer than the required three qualifying cashes.
Meanwhile, stars like Matthew Wantman, Isaac Haxton, and Sergio Aido are just outside the bubble and could capitalize if others fall short.
It’s a high-pressure scenario: fail to meet the criteria, and even some of the year’s most consistent players could see their Championship dreams dashed.
Dream Seats and the Invitational
For those who don’t make the top 40, all is not lost. The Last Chance Series includes a unique feature: three “Dream Seat” entries awarded to players who excel in the series leaderboard but fall short of the season-long cutoff.
Additionally, players who finish fourth through eighth in the Last Chance points race will receive “Dream Passes.” These passes grant entry to the PGT Championship Dream Seat Invitational, a single-day event on January 9.
The stakes in this invitational couldn’t be higher: the final six players will secure entries into the PGT $1,000,000 Championship, set to begin the very next day.
Schedule Breakdown
Here’s a quick look at the Last Chance Series schedule, which promises daily drama and excitement:
| Event | Start Date | Days | Buy-In |
|---|---|---|---|
| PGT Last Chance #1 – $10,100 NLHE | Jan 2 | 2 | $10,100 |
| PGT Last Chance #2 – $10,100 NLHE | Jan 3 | 2 | $10,100 |
| PGT Last Chance #3 – $10,100 NLHE | Jan 4 | 2 | $10,100 |
| PGT Last Chance #4 – $10,100 NLHE | Jan 6 | 2 | $10,100 |
| PGT Last Chance #5 – $10,100 NLHE | Jan 7 | 2 | $10,100 |
| PGT Last Chance #6 – $10,100 NLHE | Jan 8 | 2 | $10,100 |
| PGT Championship Dream Seat Invitational | Jan 9 | 1 | $0 |
Each event promises intense competition, with players vying not only for payouts but also for points that could alter the season standings dramatically.
The Road to the Million-Dollar Championship
The PGT $1,000,000 Championship begins on January 10, featuring a two-day freeroll event with a seven-figure prize pool. Starting stacks will be determined by PGT leaderboard rankings, giving top players a clear advantage heading into this high-stakes finale.
Only the top six players will cash in the Championship, with the winner set to claim $500,000. For many, this represents not just a financial reward but a career-defining moment.
The Last Chance Series is more than just a poker tournament—it’s a battleground for glory, redemption, and one final shot at making history. With the stakes so high, expect nothing less than electrifying action from start to finish.
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