The PokerGO Tour Bounty Blitz festival made its highly anticipated debut on September 1, 2025, and just a day later, its first champion was crowned. Known as the “King of Las Vegas nightly tournaments,” Jeremy Becker entered the six-handed final table as the short stack, yet he showcased composure and resilience on his way to victory.
Becker captured the $5,300 buy-in no-limit hold ’em bounty event, earning a total of $55,600, which included $10,000 in bounties thanks to five knockouts. The victory also awarded him 76 PGT points for the season-long leaderboard and marked his second career PGT trophy. Becker’s earlier triumph came in a 2024 Poker Masters event, and with this latest win, his career earnings surpassed $3.1 million.
“Every time I sit down at the table, I feel like I have something to prove,” Becker said after the win. “To take down another PGT title against such strong competition feels incredible.”
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A Field of Elite Competitors
The event drew a field of 46 entrants, featuring some of the most accomplished players on the circuit. By the time the final table was set, Becker faced off against Qin Zhao, Darren Rabinowitz, Andrew Lichtenberger, John Andress, and Josh Arieh. Despite entering play as the underdog, Becker played with patience and confidence, picking his spots and avoiding early disaster. His run was built on timely doubles, strong reads, and precise execution.
Key Hands at the Final Table
The final table kicked off with plenty of fireworks:
- Josh Arieh’s Exit: Arieh found himself in a brutal cooler situation. His pocket jacks clashed with Zhao’s pocket queens on a dangerous board, sealing his fate in sixth place.
- Becker’s First Double: Short-stacked, Becker doubled up against Rabinowitz in a blind-versus-blind confrontation, sparking his comeback story.
- Rabinowitz Busts in Fifth: John Andress’s ace-queen prevailed over Rabinowitz’s king-ten, sending Rabinowitz home in fifth.
- Lichtenberger Falls: “LuckyChewy” Lichtenberger looked strong with ace-ten but ran into Zhao’s ace-king, bowing out in fourth.
The battle intensified as stacks deepened, with Becker gradually gaining momentum.
Becker Seals the Title
Three-handed play saw Becker land a crucial knockout when he called Andress’s shove with ace-five. The flop delivered a full house for Becker, knocking Andress out in third place and giving Becker his fourth bounty.
The final heads-up match against Zhao began with the stacks nearly even, but Becker quickly pulled ahead. In the decisive hand, Becker turned a straight with 5♥2♦, while Zhao hit two pair. Zhao moved all in, only to be snap-called. The river blanked, handing Becker the victory.
“Sometimes the cards fall your way, but you have to be ready when they do,” Becker said. “This title is proof that perseverance pays off.”
Final Table Payouts
| Place | Player | Earnings | Bounty Prize | PGT Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Jeremy Becker | $45,600 | $10,000 | 76 |
| 2nd | Qin Zhao | $29,000 | $14,000 | 48 |
| 3rd | John Andress | $19,300 | $6,000 | 32 |
| 4th | Andrew Lichtenberger | $14,500 | $16,000 | 24 |
| 5th | Darren Rabinowitz | $11,700 | $6,000 | 19 |
| 6th | Josh Arieh | $9,600 | $4,000 | 16 |
The Rise of Jeremy Becker
Jeremy Becker has become one of the most recognizable grinders in Las Vegas, with a reputation for consistency and determination. At one point, he won eight tournaments in a single month at the Wynn, cementing his status as a rising star.
This win reinforces his position as a serious contender on the PokerGO Tour. His growing list of accolades, combined with his nightly dominance in Las Vegas, continues to build his brand as one of poker’s most exciting talents.
What’s Next in the Bounty Blitz
The PokerGO Tour Bounty Blitz is off to a thrilling start, and Becker’s triumph sets the tone for the series. With more bounty events on the horizon, players and fans alike can expect more action-packed showdowns, high drama, and unforgettable storylines.
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FAQs
1. What event did Jeremy Becker win?
He won the $5,300 buy-in NLH bounty event, the kickoff tournament of the PokerGO Tour Bounty Blitz.
2. How much did Becker earn for his victory?
He collected $55,600 total, including $10,000 in bounties.
3. Who finished runner-up?
Qin Zhao finished second, earning $29,000 plus $14,000 in bounties.
4. How many players entered the event?
The tournament attracted a field of 46 entrants.
5. How many PGT trophies does Becker now hold?
This is his second career PGT trophy, adding to his Poker Masters victory in 2024.
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