Michael “Texas Mike” Moncek took down the event and the $185,850 top prize
The 2025 PokerGO Cup is officially underway, with Michael “Texas Mike” Moncek taking down the first event of the series. The Illinois native, known for his aggressive playing style, bested a field of 177 entrants in the $5,100 No-Limit Hold’em tournament, securing the top prize of $185,850. The event took place at the PokerGO Studio in Las Vegas, where some of the biggest names in high-stakes poker battled for an early lead in the prestigious series.
Moncek entered the final day with a commanding chip lead and wasted little time extending his dominance. Eric Baldwin was the first to fall, exiting in seventh place for $35,400 after Moncek’s rivered flush outdrew top two pair. Danny Qutami followed in sixth for $44,250, while Stephen Song’s run ended in fifth place, earning him $53,100. However, Moncek’s momentum briefly stalled when Cherish Andrews, one of the tournament’s toughest competitors, doubled up through him in a crucial pot.
Andrews took the chip lead for a short time after her pocket jacks held up against Moncek’s aggressive play. But the shift in momentum didn’t last long, as Moncek regained control when Weissman doubled through Andrews, and Michael Brinkehoff was eliminated in fourth place for $66,375. Andrews, who has made a name for herself in the high-stakes scene, finished in third place, adding $88,500 to her career earnings, which now surpass $2.8 million.
Moncek entered heads-up play against Weissman with a significant chip advantage and needed less than ten minutes to close it out. Weissman’s pocket queens looked strong, but Moncek’s ace-ten connected with the board to seal the victory. Weissman took home $123,900 for second place, while Moncek celebrated another major title, bringing his live tournament earnings above $4 million.
Despite dealing with heart issues, Moncek continues to thrive in poker’s toughest arenas, with his fearless approach earning him both victories and admiration. The PokerGO Cup resumes with Event #2, a $10,100 No-Limit Hold’em tournament, as the series builds toward its high-stakes finale on February 19.
