The $600 event attracted a huge field before Ian Steinman was crowned champion
The RunGood Poker Series $600 Main Event set a new benchmark this year, drawing 370 entries over four starting flights and generating a prize pool of $188,700. Out of those competitors, just 44 advanced to Day 2, all with their sights set on the title. After eight hours of intense action, only one player was left standing, Ian Steinman.
Steinman, a familiar face on the poker scene, emerged as the champion. The California native, a World Series of Poker bracelet holder with over a decade of live tournament experience, added another achievement to his growing list.
By claiming his second RGPS ring and a $36,220 payout, Steinman solidified his status as a seasoned pro. Reflecting on his performance, he said, “I stay pretty composed, even if I make a mistake. Having the chip lead adds pressure because your chances of winning aren’t guaranteed. But I stayed focused throughout.”
The tournament concluded swiftly once Steinman, along with Art Tanimoto and Yang Zhou, reached a three-way deal. Steinman claimed the biggest slice of the prize pool and the championship ring, while Tanimoto and Zhou secured equal payouts, officially placing third and second.
For both runners-up, this marked their best finish in an RGPS Main Event to date. Tanimoto had previously made the final table at the Thunder Valley stop, and while Zhou played from the start, both Tanimoto and Steinman entered during the latest possible registration window.
Looking ahead, Steinman’s calendar is filling up, though he plans to take most of May off. “There haven’t been many events locally, and online poker’s been slowing down,” he explained. “The WSOP is coming up soon. Before then, I’ll be playing the Peppermill series and the WSOPC Tournament of Champions in Commerce.”
One tournament he’s particularly eager to return to is the Dream Seat Invitational at Thunder Valley. “I played it last time, and the final table was held in the nightclub. I’m really looking forward to it again,” he added.
