Erik Seidel Finished Second at Las Vegas Open
The Poker Hall of Fame member secured runner-up in a $2,500 backgammon tournament.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Gambling
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Erik Seidel, a renowned poker professional, finished as the runner-up in the $2,500 Super Jackpot backgammon event. The tournament, held in Las Vegas, marked his return to competitive backgammon for the first time since 1986.
Why it matters
The result highlights the competitive intersection between professional poker and high-stakes backgammon. Seidel utilized his decades of gaming experience to reach the final match in a field of elite players.
The match concluded at a score of 17 points after a tight 16-16 tie. Participants in the $2,500 entry Super Jackpot event moved 15 checkers each across the board using dice and a doubling cube.
The players
Erik Seidel
He is a 66-year-old professional gambler and Poker Hall of Fame inductee who has won ten World Series of Poker bracelets.
The details
Seidel, who was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame in 2010, returned to the game after a forty-year hiatus. The final match against his opponent was decided by a single point, illustrating the precision required in the competition.
Timeline
1986: Erik Seidel last participated in a backgammon tournament.
October 6, 2026: Seidel announced his tournament return on X.
October 2026: The Las Vegas Open tournament occurred.
Culture Shift
This performance follows the global interest generated by the 2025 Ultimate Backgammon Championship. It signals a broader cultural trend where veteran strategy gamers are increasingly testing their skills in varied high-stakes competitive formats.
Tournament attendees and local enthusiasts can anticipate high-level strategy matches in future city events. This result may influence entry participation for upcoming $2,500 events held in Las Vegas.
The takeaway
Top-tier strategy games require immense focus regardless of the specific board or card format. Mastering the use of tools like the doubling cube remains a critical skill for players transitioning between different gambling disciplines.
Further reading
Learn more about the local industry in our Gambling section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Pokernews.
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