Chino Rheem capped the best year of his career in 2025 with $3,487,508 in live tournament earnings, the highest annual total of his career. And the Californian wasted no time in taking this excellent moment to 2026.
Rheem opened the new year with four consecutive final tables in the PokerGO Tour’s Last Chance series, as well as three more cashouts within the PokerGO Studio. The positive streak continued this week when he captured his first title of 2026 by winning the $5,300 PGT Mixed Games HORSE event.
The tournament featured 101 entries and was decided after a heads-up deal against Dylan Linde. Both secured $100,000, with an additional $12,100 up for grabs, which ultimately went to Rheem.
PGT Mixed Games $5,300 HORSE Final Table Results
1st – Chino Rheem – US$ 112,100*
2nd – Dylan Linde – US$100,000*
3rd – Alex Livingston – US$58,075
4th – Matt Vengrin – US$45,450
5th – Brian Breck – US$32,825
6th – Eli Elezra – US$25,250
7th – Chad Eveslage – US$20,200
* Values adjusted after heads-up agreement.
Chino Rheem turns the tide and confirms victory
Rheem was left with just two-thirds of a big bet at the start of the final table, but managed a crucial triple-up, in addition to executing chip steals at strategic moments. Eli Elezra’s elimination in sixth place and a decisive pot win against Brian Breck at Stud put him in the lead.
The balance of the tournament briefly returned to Dylan Linde, who eliminated Matt Vengrin in No-Limit Hold’em to take the game to three players, alongside Alex Livingston. Rheem, however, took control again by eliminating Livingston at Stud and advancing to heads-up.
During the final duel, the Stud again favored Rheem, especially in a 7.4 million chip pot that gave him a 2:1 advantage. The title was sealed at Stud Hi-Lo, when Rheem’s full house overcame Linde’s trips, ending the tournament.
Another big year ahead for Chino Rheem?
Chino Rheem’s resume speaks for itself. There are three PGT Mixed Games titles, nine victories on the PokerGO Tour, three World Poker Tour (WPT) titles and winning the PCA Main Event in 2019. In total, his career has already accumulated almost US$20 million in live prizes.
Still, one achievement remains missing: the World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet. Rheem has already hit the post four times, finishing runner-up in different formats, such as Stud, PLO, PLO Hi-Lo and No-Limit Hold’em.
This history, however, reinforces its versatility. Few players can be competitive in so many different sports and maintain a high level of performance year after year. Rheem doesn’t specialize in just one format — he’s comprehensive.
A WSOP bracelet would also put you in poker’s select Triple Crown club, alongside only ten players in history who have won titles in the WPT, EPT (considering the PCA Main Event) and WSOP. The last person to achieve this feat was Mike Watson, in 2024.
By early 2026, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Rheem not only fighting for that bracelet, but also entering contention for the WSOP Player of the Year award.
Upcoming PGT Mixed Games and SHRB Mixed Games events
With the first event concluded, the PGT Mixed Games series continues with an intense schedule. The highlight is the US$25,300 10-Game Championship, scheduled for February 10th, before the Super High Roller Bowl: Mixed Games, between February 12th and 14th.
The next live stream takes place on Saturday, February 7th, starting at 1pm (local time), with coverage of the US$10,200 8-Game event on the official PokerGO YouTube channel.
Calendar of upcoming events:
February 3 – $5,300 HORSE
February 4th – $5,300 8-Game
February 5th – US$10,200 TORSE
February 6 – $10,200 8-Game
February 7th – $15,200 Big Bet Mix
February 9 – $15,200 Dealer’s Choice
February 10 – $25,300 10-Game Championship
February 12-14 – Super High Roller Bowl Mixed Games $100,500
This content marks the debut of the editorial Poker of Gaming365, dedicated to covering the international scenario, games, technology, cryptoactives and the main global trends that are shaping the future of iGaming.
Fonte: Gaming365 – Brasil
