Evan Sandberg captured the title at the 20th Annual Arizona State Poker Championship at Talking Stick Resort, taking home $627,050. The 33-year-old Las Vegas resident earned the first-place prize from a total tournament prize pool of $3,977,820.
The six-day tournament took place from August 13 to August 19 inside the ARENA Poker Room. More than 4,000 players competed through multiple opening flights, semifinals, and a final table.
The victory marks the largest tournament payday to date for Sandberg, who works as a full-time poker player. Sandberg credited recent efforts focused on his mental game for helping him manage the pressure during the competition.
Talking Stick Resort executives noted that the 2026 event marked a milestone 20th anniversary for the regional tournament. The competition drew players from across the country, as well as local competitors who reached the final table.
Major poker events will continue at the venue later this year. The World Series of Poker Circuit is scheduled to take place at the ARENA Poker Room from November 5 through November 16, 2026.
Final Table Results
- Evan Sandberg – $627,050
- Jared Rogers – $359,937
- Brandon Conrad – $224,804
- John Riordan – $140,214
- Sergio Segura – $91,498
- Moussa Haddad – $63,495
- Jonathan Roeder – $47,133
- Hill Kerby – $37,143
- Ronnie Bardah – $30,566
- John Phan – $25,801
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