Biggest Poker Winners Of January 2026: WPT® Lucky Hearts And Bogotá

WPT® kicks off Season 24: Giuseppe Iadisernia wins $611,700

Season 24 of the WPT Main Tour kicked off with a thunderclap at the Seminole Hard Rock in Hollywood, Florida. Between January 16 and 21, the Lucky Hearts Poker Open saw 1,229 entries battle for a piece of a nearly $4 million prize pool. 

In the end, Giuseppe Iadisernia, a long-time high-stakes regular known for his presence in Super High Roller events, pocketed $611,700 and secured his first Main Tour title. The victory was a display of pure stamina; 

Iadisernia had finished as the runner-up in a $25,000 High Roller earlier that same week before immediately jumping into the Championship event and securing the win.

Jorge Gomez: The Local Hero’s Runner Up Finish

Fort Lauderdale local Jorge Gomez turned the Championship into a tactical war, refusing to go quietly in a spirited heads-up battle against Iadisernia. 

Though he ultimately finished as the runner-up, his $395,000 payday stands as a career-best live score and solidifies his reputation as a premier threat on the Florida circuit.

Event Summary: WPT® Seminole Lucky Hearts

Note: The first-place prize includes a $10,400 seat into the WPT® World Championship at Wynn Las Vegas.

Sebastián Orjuela wins the Winner Poker Series Bogota

While Florida saw a seasoned pro win, Bogotá crowned a hometown hero. The Winner Poker Series "Millón Histórico" lived up to its name, drawing a massive field to the Hollywood Casino Bulevar Niza from January 14–26. 

The festival’s crown jewel, a COP $3,000,000 Main Event, shattered expectations with a prize pool that underscored the explosive growth of the Latin American poker scene.

In a thrilling finale, Colombian player Sebastián Orjuela emerged as the definitive winner. After navigating a grueling final table and securing a three-handed deal, Orjuela lifted the trophy as the first "Maestro del póker" of 2026, taking home COP $390,400,000 (approx. $100,000 USD).

This victory was a significant one for Orjuel. Many of the deep runs in Bogotá were fueled by WPT Global’s online satellites, which allowed players to turn modest online buy-ins into full Main Event seats. 

Orjuela’s six-figure (USD) score stands as the ultimate roadmap for 2026: qualify online, dominate locally, and walk away with a championship prize.

Event Summary: Winner Poker Series Bogota

Key Takeaways for WPT® Global Players

1. WPT Main Tour Sets the Bar: Florida remains the premier destination for those seeking a "Champions Club" moment and a seat in the Las Vegas World Championship.
2. The Satellite Path Works: Orjuela’s win in Bogotá was heavily fueled by WPT® Global online qualifiers, proving that you can turn a small buy-in into a six-figure live score.
3. Global Momentum: With Asia and North America currently hosting major festivals, the first quarter of 2026 is poised to be the most active in WPT history.

Responsible Gaming Note: Real-money poker carries financial risk. Treat these events as entertainment, not a solution for financial problems. Only play what you can afford to lose and stay within your budget for both online and live play.