A thrilling weekend of poker at Atlantis Casino Resort crowns a new champion
Poker players and fans witnessed a spectacular showdown this weekend at the RunGood Poker Series (RGPS) Grand Prix Reno $800 Main Event, held at the Atlantis Casino Resort in Reno, Nevada. Against all odds, Toan Nguyen emerged victorious, capturing the prestigious title and a top prize of $45,000 after a six-way deal concluded the event.
Nguyen’s triumph capped off what has been a remarkable month of consistency, momentum, and sheer determination at the tables.
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A Journey That Almost Didn’t Happen
Interestingly, Nguyen wasn’t initially planning to attend the RGPS stop in Reno. However, the decision to enter the tournament turned into one of the best choices of his poker career.
“Part of it is luck, but I’ve been playing really solid lately,” Nguyen said with a wide smile. “I’m picking the right spots, folding when I should, and the cards have been rolling my way.”
The win came after Nguyen already collected the RGPS Grand Prix Deepstack title earlier in the festival, making this weekend a double triumph. Just weeks before, he finished runner-up in the Hendon Mob Mid Major Championship and secured the RGPS heads-up event title. Clearly, momentum was on his side.
The Power of Family Support
Beyond the cards, Nguyen was quick to credit his family for his success. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to his wife and children for standing by him during the grind of tournament play.
“I’m grateful that my wife and both my kids are very supportive,” Nguyen said. “They’ve been cheering me on from the start, and that has made all the difference. I’m just thankful for this whole weekend.”
Final Table Drama and Results
The final table featured fierce competition as nine players battled for glory. After hours of intense play, the top six agreed to a chop deal, securing their payouts while leaving Nguyen with the title and the trophy.
Final Table Results:
- Toan Nguyen (USA) – $45,000*
- Paul McGurk (USA) – $31,595*
- James Cihla (USA) – $26,170*
- Roger Van Valkenburg (USA) – $25,483*
- Daniil Fedunov (USA) – $21,766*
- Brian Curtis (USA) – $18,481*
- Rian Mullins (USA) – $9,340
- Rick Murray (USA) – $7,605
- Denis Lee (USA) – $5,875
Day 2 Comeback: From Short Stack to Chip Leader
Nguyen’s run was far from smooth sailing. Entering Day 2 with only 18 big blinds, he needed to find spots to survive. His breakthrough came early when his pocket kings held strong against Kim Le, doubling him up and giving him new life.
By the three-table redraw, Nguyen had built a healthy stack of over half a million chips. Still, the rollercoaster ride continued, as he dropped to 315,000 before surging again. His momentum returned after eliminating Andrew Joros in 15th place, followed by knocking out Kim Le and David Bridgett.
Nguyen entered the final table as the chip leader, holding nearly four million chips after busting Rian Mullins in seventh place. This dominant position gave him the leverage needed to secure victory when the deal was struck.
A Weekend to Remember
With his name now etched into RGPS history, Toan Nguyen’s win highlights the magic of poker—where resilience, timing, and strategy meet. His story also resonates with players who balance personal life and competitive play, showing that family support can be just as crucial as pocket aces. As the RGPS Grand Prix Reno closes, Nguyen leaves with not only the trophy and prize money but also the pride of knowing he is at the peak of his game. The poker community will surely be watching closely to see where his journey leads next.
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FAQs
1. Who won the RGPS Grand Prix Reno $800 Main Event?
Toan Nguyen won the event, taking home $45,000 after a six-way chop.
2. Where was the tournament held?
The event took place at the Atlantis Casino Resort in Reno, Nevada.
3. How many entries were there in the Main Event?
The tournament attracted 405 players, creating a highly competitive field.
4. What was special about Toan Nguyen’s run?
Nguyen entered Day 2 short-stacked with just 18 big blinds, fought back, and eventually dominated the final table.
5. What other achievements did Nguyen secure recently?
Nguyen also won the RGPS Grand Prix Deepstack and the RGPS heads-up event, while finishing runner-up in the Hendon Mob Mid Major Championship.
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