Chad Eveslage Wins PGT Championship, Showcasing Hold’em Mastery with $500K Prize
Chad Eveslage claimed victory in the 2025 PokerGO Tour (PGT) Championship Freeroll, demonstrating his exceptional skills in Texas Hold’em. This highly anticipated event featured a formidable field of competitors, culminating in Eveslage’s triumph and a substantial prize of $500,000.
Event Highlights
The $1,000,000 Championship Freeroll took place in January 2026 and included the top 40 players from the PGT leaderboard alongside 14 qualified participants from a Dream Seat competition. Eveslage showcased his versatility as a mixed game expert, having previously won the $100,000 Super High Roller Bowl Mixed Games in March 2025.
Final Table Results
The final showdown featured several notable players:
- 1st Place: Chad Eveslage (United States) – $500,000
- 2nd Place: Andrew “LuckyChewy” Lichtenberger (United States) – $200,000
- 3rd Place: Michael Wang (United States) – $120,000
- 4th Place: Daniel Negreanu (Canada) – $80,000
- 5th Place: Aaron Kupin (United States) – $60,000
- 6th Place: John Riordan (United States) – $40,000
Eveslage’s Journey
Starting the tournament as one of the shorter stacks, Eveslage expressed his lack of confidence in no-limit games. However, he overcame this hesitation and navigated through a competitive landscape to ultimately secure his win. “It feels awesome,” Eveslage noted in a winner’s interview.
Notable Performances
Daniel Negreanu, making his first appearance of the year, displayed remarkable gameplay. He engaged with fans during the event, discussing various topics and strategies. His tournament ended in fourth place, proving his skill against fierce competition.
Eveslage’s Reflections
Following his victory, Eveslage reflected on the importance of this win in his poker career. His passion for no-limit tournaments remains strong, despite his roots in mixed games. “I have a love for it. It’s fun,” he stated, emphasizing his enjoyment for the game.
This win not only highlights Eveslage’s skill but also marks a significant moment in the 2025 PGT season, concluding the championship with thrilling play and substantial prizes.
