PGT Championship | $1,000,000 Season Finale of the PokerGO Tour

Overview

The PGT Championship is the season-ending event of the PokerGO Tour (PGT) – an exclusive poker tournament that crowns the ultimate champion each season. The event features the top 40 players from the official PGT leaderboard plus select Dream Seat winners, all competing in a $1,000,000 freeroll at the PokerGO Studio in Las Vegas.

What Is the PGT Championship?

The PGT Championship is the culmination of every PGT season – a freeroll tournament with a $1,000,000 prize pool, available only to players who earn their way through season-long performance or special Dream Seat promotions.

• Top 40 Leaderboard Players qualify automatically based on their PGT points
• PGT Dream Seat Winners earn their spots through special giveaways and partner promotions
• All players start with a minimum of 100 big blinds, with chip stacks determined by leaderboard ranking

The event rewards consistency, skill, and results across the world's toughest poker events.

History of the PGT Championship

The PGT Championship has evolved rapidly to become one of the most prestigious titles in poker.

• 2021: The inaugural PGT Championship featured a $50,000 buy-in and 46 entries. Rok Gostisa won for $689,100.
• 2022: The event became a $500,000 winner-take-all freeroll. Jason Koon claimed victory, defeating Sean Winter heads-up.
• 2023: The prize pool grew to $1,000,000, introducing final table payouts. Daniel Smiljkovic topped 54 entries, defeating Dream Seat winner Arden Cho for $500,000.
• 2024: Jeremy Ausmus, the season's PGT Player of the Year, became the first player ever to win both titles in the same year. He defeated Nick Schulman heads up, earning $500,000.

The 2025 PGT Championship will mark the fifth edition of this prestigious event.

How To Qualify for the PGT Championship

Players can qualify in two ways:

1. PGT Leaderboard Qualification

• Finish in the top 40 on the official PGT leaderboard
• Record at least three cashes in PGT-qualifying events during the season
• Points are earned based on performance in qualifying tournaments, including PokerGO-owned events such as the PokerGO Cup, U.S. Poker Open, Poker Masters, Super High Roller Bowl, PGT PLO Series, and more

2. PGT Dream Seat Winners

• Earned through promotions and partner events
• Each Dream Seat winner receives a direct invitation to play in the PGT Championship
• Learn more about current Dream Seat opportunities here

If a qualified top 40 player declines participation, their seat is offered to the next eligible player on the leaderboard.

Event Details

• Event: PGT Championship
• Prize Pool: $1,000,000 freeroll
• First Place: $500,000
• Venue: PokerGO Studio, ARIA Resort & Casino, Las Vegas
• Dates: January 12-13, 2026

Watch the PGT Championship

The PGT Championship is broadcast live on PokerGO.com, offering fans around the world exclusive access to the season's finale.

View past PGT Championship episodes and highlights here.

Previous PGT Championship Winners

Last updated: October 2025