The Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa Winter Poker Open, powered by BetMGM, kicked off 2025 with two weeks of thrilling poker action, featuring 30 trophy events and $5,000,000 in guarantees. The grand finale was the BWPO Championship, which concluded with an exciting heads-up chop. Nguyen Le took home $425,000, while Joseph Neiman pocketed $406,791. Neiman won the final all-in flip, securing the title of BWPO Champion and besting a field of 932 entries. The BWPO Championship surpassed its $2,000,000 guarantee, culminating in a prize pool of $2,875,255.
This tournament marked the largest live cash win for both Le and Neiman. For Neiman, it adds to his impressive resume; the Teaneck, New Jersey resident also won the World Amateur Backgammon Championship in 1982.
“It felt great because my kids are telling me I’m too old to play in these tournaments,” said the 66-year-old Neiman, whose son flew from Los Angeles to watch the Final Table. “I was a winner from the beginning. It didn’t matter how this ended.”
Final Table Results and Payouts
- Joseph Neiman – $406,791
- Nguyen Le – $425,000
- Clemen Deng – $233,882
- Philip Saracino – $153,430
- Dorian Rios – $105,691
- Sal Evola – $82,033
- Thomas McNicholas – $65,053
- Kitty Kuo – $51,919
- Ryan Depaulo – $41,315
“BetMGM Poker was excited to start the year working with Borgata to power another Borgata Winter Poker Open,” said Angus Nisbet, VP of Gaming at BetMGM. “This winter’s version showcased what BetMGM Poker can do when we have our product and promotions working seamlessly. We are excited to carry the momentum gained through the WPO series into the rest of our 2025 schedule.”
Kellie DeCelis, Director of Poker Operations at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, added, “Bringing back the Borgata Winter Poker Open to East Coast players has been an honor. This year, we saw incredible participation, record-breaking events, and unforgettable moments. Borgata is proud to partner with BetMGM and together, we will always strive to set the standard for world-class poker experiences.”
Highlights of the Borgata Winter Poker Open
- For the first time ever, BetMGM offered same-day registration and re-entry through the BetMGM Poker app. This real-time registration was positively received and will be available at future BetMGM events.
- The Borgata Winter Poker Open began with the largest Kick Off Deepstack event in Borgata Poker history. The total prize pool of $2,186,175 more than doubled the $1,000,000 guarantee.
- BetMGM Poker ambassador Darren Elias finished 20th and cashed for $20,8015 in the BWPO Championship.
- BetMGM partner and digital baseball show Foul Territory brought together former MLB players for a single table tournament. Foul Territory host AJ Pierzynski emerged as the winner.
The Borgata Winter Poker Open has once again proven to be a major success, with players and fans alike eagerly anticipating future events.
