Joey Weissman Claims Fifth PGT Title at 2026 Poker Masters in Las Vegas

Joey Weissman has demonstrated that his return to the live poker felt after an extended break is a resounding success. The New York-born, Las Vegas-based professional dominated Event #3 of the 2026 Poker Masters at the PokerGO Studio, securing his fifth career PokerGO Tour (PGT) trophy. In a field of 78 entrants who each paid the $10,500 buy-in for the No-Limit Hold’em tournament, Weissman emerged victorious. This win is particularly significant as it comes just days after he earned his second World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet during the fall online series.

Starting the final day fourth in chips among the six remaining players, Weissman faced a formidable lineup. His opponents included six-time WSOP bracelet winner Jeremy Ausmus and three-time bracelet winner Dylan Linde. Weissman, sporting a purple and blue Nike hoodie, capitalized on a heater where he reportedly did not lose an all-in during the final stages. This victory propelled him to second place in the race for the Poker Masters purple jacket, trailing only Myles Mullaly.

Numbers and facts

The tournament generated a total prize pool of $780,000, distributed among the top 12 finishers. Joey Weissman took home the top prize of $218,400 and 218 PGT points. This win brings his total career tournament earnings to over $11 million. Runner-up Daniyal Gheba earned $140,400, while Shannon Shorr finished third for $101,400. Notably, these were Weissman's first live cashes since the conclusion of the WSOP in July 2026. Despite the layoff, the 420 Card Player Player of the Year points earned from this win moved him to 113th place in the annual standings.

"It’s really sweet to kind of feel like I’m going kind of wire to wire winning an event online. Variance comes in waves and you got to be ready to take advantage of it when it comes. And I ran super, super hot. I don’t think I lost at all today." - Joey Weissman, Professional Poker Player

Background

The Poker Masters is a cornerstone of the PokerGO Tour, a series of high-stakes tournaments designed for the world's elite players. Joey Weissman has a storied history within this circuit. In February 2025, he was crowned the PokerGO Cup champion after a dominant performance that included four cashes and $930,600 in prize money. During that series, he outperformed top players like Eric Blair and Kristen Foxen. His current form suggests he remains a top contender for the PGT Championship at the end of the year. His heads-up battle against Daniyal Gheba was notably swift, ending on the very first hand when Weissman's full house bested Gheba's two pair.

Why it matters for German players

For German poker enthusiasts, participating in such high-stakes US events often remains a dream followed through media coverage. In Germany, online poker is strictly regulated by the Interstate Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021). While pros like Weissman play for hundreds of thousands of dollars in Las Vegas, players in Germany are subject to clear protective measures. The monthly deposit limit of 1,000 euros across all providers and the 1-euro stake limit per spin on virtual slots are central pillars of player protection. Although poker has different stake rules than slots, the Joint Gambling Authority of the States (GGL) strictly monitors compliance through the LUGAS system to prevent gambling addiction.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

German providers with a GGL license must ensure their platforms meet high standards of safety and fairness. While international success stories like Weissman's garner media attention, the integrity of the game is paramount in the regulated German market. Illegal providers from Curacao or Malta often advertise unlimited stakes but offer no legal certainty or player protection. Anyone wishing to play poker legally in Germany should rely exclusively on providers listed on the official GGL whitelist. Only there is it guaranteed that winnings are actually paid out and youth protection is maintained. The GGL's strict technical requirements also prevent the type of manipulation occasionally seen in the gray market.