In a spectacular display of talent and determination, Michael Moncek swept a field record of 177 players to claim first place and a win of $185,850.
Another top performance for Moncek
The PokerGO Cup 2025 kicked off with a bang, attracting an unprecedented number of participants and setting a new record for a $5,100 buy-in event. Michael Moncek, nicknamed "Texas Mike" due to his time at the University of Texas, proved to be a force from the start, dominating the competition from beginning to end.
From day one, Moncek established himself as the chip leader, accumulating nearly 40% of the chips in play. His mastery of the game was evident from the outset of the final table, particularly when he eliminated Eric Baldwin in seventh place with a rivered flush, turning a mediocre hand into a winning one.
The final table featured top-tier players, each bringing their own set of challenges. Michael Brinkenhoff was the next to exit, followed by Stephen Song, who couldn't overcome Moncek's dominance.
A key moment in the tournament occurred when Moncek faced off against Cherish Andrews. After a series of aggressive bets, Moncek hit a straight to the river, but Andrews held a full house, temporarily reversing the game's dynamics.
However, Moncek's resilience prevailed. He quickly regained the advantage by eliminating Andrews in third place and then facing Joey Weissman heads-up. Despite an initial deficit, Moncek managed to turn things around, winning the final duel with a pair of aces against Weissman's queens.
This victory marks Moncek's first title on the PokerGO Tour, bringing his career winnings to nearly $4.2 million. With two WSOP bracelets to his name, he continues to cement his place among the poker elite.
The PokerGO Cup 2025 is just getting started, and if this inaugural event is any indication, poker enthusiasts can expect a series rich in emotions and exceptional performances.
Final Table Results of Event #1 $5,100 NLHE of the PokerGO Cup 2025:
1. Michael Moncek – $185,850
2. Joey Weissman – $123,900
3. Cherish Andrews – $88,500
4. Michael Brinkenhoff – $66,375
5. Stephen Song – $53,100
6. Danny Qutami – $44,250
7. Eric Baldwin – $35,400
All chip counts and results live on the Google Play app HERE AppStore HERE
(Photo credit: PokerGO)