Chino Rheem Shines in Mixed-Game Tournament Weekend

This past weekend was nothing short of extraordinary for renowned poker pro Chino Rheem, who continues to solidify his reputation in the competitive landscape of mixed-game tournaments. Rheem, a three-time World Poker Tour champion, not only secured a commendable third place finish in the $10,000 H.O.R.S.E. event but also claimed victory in the $10,000 eight-game tournament, taking home total earnings of $309,500 from this festival.

An Impressive Performance

On Friday, February 28, Rheem showcased his strategic prowess by finishing third at the PokerGO Tour Mixed Games event, walking away with $114,000. His encouraging performance did not stop there; the following day, he navigated a field of 92 entries in the eight-game tournament, ultimately winning the title and a generous prize of $195,500. With this winning streak, Rheem has now put himself in an enviable position in the ongoing points race, especially as the festival moves into its last three tournaments.

In the fall of 2023, Rheem added another accolade to his name by winning the PGT Mixed Games II series title, underlining his exceptional skills and consistency in the mixed-game format.

Chino’s Career Journey

Rheem’s poker journey is remarkable. Since finishing seventh in the 2008 World Series of Poker Main Event, he has amassed over $15.6 million in career earnings. His latest accolades emphasize his enduring talent and adaptability. His triumphs at the PokerGO Studio at the ARIA Resort & Casino in Las Vegas have further cemented his status among the elite in competitive poker.

The recent mixed games event culminated in a prize pool of $920,000, which was shared among the top 14 players. Notable players such as Mike Gorodinsky—a three-time bracelet winner—and two-time bracelet winner Nick Guagenti were among those who also cashed in, highlighting the competitive nature of the tournament.

The Final Table Analysis

As the final day unfolded, there were seven players vying for the title, with Brian Breck leading the way. The momentum quickly shifted as Alexander Livingston, a two-time bracelet winner, was the first to exit, finishing in seventh place for $36,800. Rheem, who started the day as one of the short stacks, quickly began to climb the chip counts after eliminating Livingston with an ace-high flush in a crucial round of Stud.

Aaron Kupin followed Norman into the rail in sixth place with a payout of $46,000, falling short against the A-Q of six-time bracelet winner Josh Arieh in a hand of Hold’em. The tournament saw Breck exit in fifth, achieving a career-best payday of $64,400, before the chip lead changed hands multiple times throughout the rounds.

David Funkhouser was the next to fall, finishing in fourth place and earning $82,800 after losing a critical pot in stud to Nick Schulman, who made trip sevens. Schulman’s attempts to recover were thwarted in a hand where he lost to Arieh, placing him third for $110,400.

Finally, the heads-up battle between Rheem and Arieh ignited the audience’s excitement. Both players agreed to divide the remaining prize money, but the title was still up for grabs. In a thrilling climax, Rheem pulled off a significant pot-limit Omaha hand, ultimately securing the victory with his King’s pair, leaving Arieh with only two big blinds.

Conclusion

Chino Rheem’s recent triumphs not only highlight his exceptional skills in the world of poker but also position him as a formidable competitor in upcoming events. With a massive fanbase following his journey, fans eagerly await his performance in the remaining tournaments of this festival. Rheem continues to demonstrate that his expertise in mixed games is a combination of skill, strategy, and a touch of luck, ensuring his legacy within the poker community remains bright.

Final Table Results

Photo credit: PokerGO.