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Can This Unknown Poker Player Take Down Top Pro's at the U.S. Poker Open?
The 2026 U.S. Poker Open continues inside the PokerGO Studio at ARIA Resort & Casino in Las Vegas with Event #8: $15,000 No-Limit Hold’em, where 61 entries combined to create a $915,000 prize pool. Nine players reached the money and locked up $27,450, but now the focus shifts to the $292,800 top prize as just six players return for Day 2.
Final Table Chip Counts
| Rank | Player | Country | Chip Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joao Simao | Brazil | 3,325,000 |
| 2 | Zach Bruch | United States | 2,070,000 |
| 3 | Aram Zobian | United States | 805,000 |
| 4 | Dylan Linde | United States | 745,000 |
| 5 | Justin Zaki | United States | 560,000 |
| 6 | Shannon Shorr | United States | 225,000 |
Out in front is Joao Simao, who bagged a commanding 3,325,000 to lead the way into the final day. Simao is no stranger to these high-stakes stages, with more than $17 million in career tournament earnings and three PokerGO Tour titles to his name, including a marquee victory in the 2022 $103,000 Super High Roller Bowl for $1,110,000.
Sitting closest to him is Zach Bruch, the only other player to cross the seven-figure mark with 2,070,000. Bruch, an entrepreneur by trade, is one of the more unknown quantities remaining with only five career cashes on his Hendon Mob but has put himself in prime position to contend for the title against some of the world's best.
The rest of the field is packed with experienced pros, including Aram Zobian, Dylan Linde, Justin Zaki, and Shannon Shorr, all of whom have the resumes to make a late push.
The final six have all locked up $50,325, but eyeing the top prize of $292,800.
Remaining Payouts
| Palce | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1 | $292,800 |
| 2 | $183,000 |
| 3 | $128,100 |
| 4 | $91,500 |
| 5 | $68,625 |
| 6 | $50,325 |
The final six players will return at 11:45 a.m. local time today to play down to a winner, with cards-up coverage streaming on PokerGO beginning at 1 p.m. Action will resume in Level 17 at the 20,000/40,000(40,0000 blind levels.
Be sure to stay tuned to PokerNews for live updates and full coverage of the U.S. Poker Open, as well as major tournaments from around the globe.