Qin Zhao Dominates Opening Tournament
The first High Roller attracted 29 entries, generating a prize pool of $87,000. Five players reached the money, with David Shaw unfortunately bubbling out as his A-7 ran into Jake White's Aces.
In the final heads-up, Qin Zhao faced Jake White. Zhao entered the duel with a slight lead, securing victory by catching two pairs on the flop then improving to a full house.
In the last hand, Zhao's Q-9 outperformed his opponent’s J-6 after a queen appeared on the flop. This victory marked Zhao’s first PGT title and his career-best win.
Results of Texas Poker Open High Roller #1:
|
Place |
Player |
Country |
Winnings |
|
1. |
Qin Zhao |
USA |
$34,800 |
|
2. |
Jake White |
USA |
$21,750 |
|
3. |
Qinghai Pan |
USA |
$13,920 |
|
4. |
Zhargal Tsydypov |
USA |
$9,570 |
|
5. |
Hayden Hetland |
USA |
$6,960 |
Justin Lapka Shines After Three-Way Deal
The series' second event saw 13 entries, generating a $39,000 prize pool. Although initially only two spots were to be paid, the final three players agreed on a deal, ensuring the third place was rewarded as well. Qinghai Pan ended up as the bubble boy.
Justin Lapka emerged victorious, maintaining pressure on Drake Kemper during the heads-up. In the final hand, Lapka’s J-8 surpassed Kemper’s K-10 after a jack hit the turn, securing his first PGT title and twelfth career win.
Results of Texas Poker Open High Roller #2:
|
Place |
Player |
Country |
Winnings |
|
1. |
Justin Lapka |
USA |
$25,000 |
|
2. |
Drake Kemper |
USA |
$10,000 |
|
3. |
Jeremy Becker |
USA |
$4,000 |
Joshua Barney Reigns in PLO
The third High Roller switched to Pot Limit Omaha, gathering 17 entries for a $51,000 prize pool. A dramatic moment came at the bubble when Kevin Kendrick’s aces were cracked, moving the last three players into the money.
Heading into heads-up against Casey Brown, Joshua Barney had a 3:1 chip advantage and quickly sealed the win as Brown’s two pair fell against Barney’s straight. Barney captured his first career triumph with this PGT title.
Results of Texas Poker Open High Roller #3 (PLO):
|
Place |
Player |
Country |
Winnings |
|
1. |
Joshua Barney |
USA |
$27,540 |
|
2. |
Casey Brown |
USA |
$15,300 |
|
3. |
Jake White |
USA |
$8,160 |
Florian Pesce's Maiden PGT Title
The fourth High Roller returned to No-Limit Hold'em, matching the PLO event with 17 entries and a $51,000 prize pool. Three players again cashed, with Jeremy Becker grabbing his ninth PGT win of 2026.
Florian Pesce claimed victory, defeating Jake White in the final showdown. Pesce secured his second career win and his first in the PGT 2026 season. For Jake White, it was his third cash in the current Texas series.
Results of Texas Poker Open High Roller #4:
|
Place |
Player |
Country |
Winnings |
|
1. |
Florian Pesce |
France |
$27,540 |
|
2. |
Jake White |
USA |
$15,300 |
|
3. |
Jeremy Becker |
USA |
$8,160 |
Sources: PGT, X
