Andrew Lichtenberger took down the first event, setting the stage for more spectacular finishes
Andrew Lichtenberger kicked off the 2025 PokerGO Tour in style, claiming victory in the tour’s opening event at the ARIA Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. The $5,100 buy-in tournament attracted 84 entries, with Lichtenberger securing the title and a prize of $117,600 after a hard-fought heads-up battle against six-time bracelet winner Nick Schulman. This win marks Lichtenberger’s 17th tournament title, adding to a career spanning nearly two decades and over $22 million in live tournament earnings.
The event’s final day saw seven players return to the PokerGO Studio, each vying for a share of the prize pool. Lichtenberger entered with the chip lead and maintained his advantage through critical moments.
Early eliminations included Erik Seidel, whose pocket queens couldn’t hold up against Schulman’s A-Q suited, and Patrick Leonard, who lost a coin flip with pocket tens to Lichtenberger’s K-Q suited. The field continued to narrow as Dennis Beres and John Riordan hit the rail, with Schulman delivering key knockouts.
Matthew McEwan briefly overtook Lichtenberger during three-handed play but eventually succumbed to Schulman’s strong showing. In heads-up action, Lichtenberger held a commanding lead, which only grew as the match progressed. The final hand saw Schulman push all-in with J-7, only to be called by Lichtenberger’s K-9. The board delivered two pair for Lichtenberger, securing his victory.
This win is another milestone in Lichtenberger’s illustrious career, marking his 42nd six-figure tournament cash. Schulman, who earned $75,600 for his runner-up finish, has had an impressive start to the year with multiple deep runs. Both players have set an early pace in the 2025 Player of the Year race, ensuring an exciting season ahead.

Editor at the Big Blind, is a rising star in gambling journalism with a decade of experience, focusing on clear and accessible communication for a diverse audience.