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Natalie Ferguson raised from under the gun and Rodger Johnson called in the big blind.
Johnson checked on the flop of 4♠Q♠9♥ and Ferguson bet 300,000. Johnson raised her all in and Ferguson quickly called.
Natalie Ferguson Q♣Q♥ 
Rodger Johnson: A♠10♠
Ferguson had the stone nuts and the 5♣ turn had Johnson drawing dead before the 7♦ river confirmed a double for the start-of-day short stack.
Cards are in the air and action is underway in Day 2 of Event #1: $5,000 NLH.
Level: 19
Blinds: 30,000/60,000
Ante: 60,000
The first event of the 2026 U.S. Poker Open in Las Vegas continues on today with Day 2 of Event #1: $5,000 NLH, which has five players remaining in the chase for the top prize of $120,900.
Far in front with nearly half of the chips in play is high-stakes pro Jeremy Ausmus. And while this final table isn't streamed, there should be plenty of clips captured by Ausmus in his new role as high-stakes vlogger.
Ausmus will have to fend of a group of accomplished poker pros, including Justin Zaki, Rodger Johnson and Natalie Ferguson. Also in contention is Brock Wilson, who will look to run up a short stack to win his third PokerGO trophy in a month's time.
| Rank | Player | Country | Chip Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremy Ausmus | United States | 5,305,000 |
| 2 | Justin Zaki | United States | 2,215,000 |
| 3 | Rodger Johnson | United States | 2,035,000 |
| 4 | Brock Wilson | United States | 1,280,000 |
| 5 | Natalie Ferguson | United States | 790,000 |
Day 1 ended with the eliminations of a few very notable players, including Poker Hall of Famer Erik Seidel and high-stakes pro Kristen Foxen.
Day 2 action begins at 11:45 a.m. local time with 18 minutes remaining in Level 18 and blinds of 25,000/50,000/50,000. Levels will remain at 30 minutes in duration and there will be short breaks every four levels.
Each returning player is guaranteed at least $32,550. Don't be surprised to see those who bust hop right into the Event #2: $5,000.
| Place | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1 | $120,900 |
| 2 | $76,725 |
| 3 | $55,800 |
| 4 | $41,850 |
| 5 | $32,550 |
Stay tuned as the PokerNews live reporting team is on-site and ready for action here in the PokerGO Studio. Check out the live reporting hub before action kicks off.
| Table | Player | Country | Chip Count | Big Blinds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremy Ausmus | United States | 5,305,000 | 106 |
| 2 | Justin Zaki | United States | 2,215,000 | 44 |
| 3 | Rodger Johnson | United States | 2,035,000 | 41 |
| 4 | Natalie Ferguson | United States | 1,280,000 | 26 |
| 5 | Brock Wilson | United States | 790,000 | 16 |
Event #1: $5,000 NLH
Day 2 Started
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