The win follows a prop bet between Riess and Jess Lonis
Ryan Riess added another highlight to his competitive résumé this week, though it didn’t come at a poker table. The former World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event champion rolled a perfect 300 game in league play, cashing in on a $5,000 prop bet with fellow pro Jesse Lonis. The moment was captured on video and quickly made the rounds on social media.
The main event champ! Bowls a 300! Enjoy the video. That’s $5,000 I’ll never see again!💸💸💸 @RyanRiess1 pic.twitter.com/KFxzTK6ItB
— Jesse Lonis (@JesseLonis) February 24, 2026
Riess, who won the WSOP Main Event for $8.3 million at age 23, has long been known for his competitive drive. That edge was on display at a Las Vegas bowling alley, where he needed three straight strikes in the 10th frame to seal the deal. Lonis, filming the attempt, reminded viewers that a perfect finish would cost him five grand.
The stakes were friendly but real. Riess, Lonis, and Dan Sepiol bowl together in a league at South Point Casino & Hotel. When Riess and Lonis joined earlier this year, they agreed to pay $5,000 to the first player who recorded a 300 game. Monday night, Riess collected.
Coming into the match, Riess reportedly carried a 198 average and a previous high score of 280. He later admitted that nerves only crept in during his second shot of the final frame. The first nine frames looked routine, but the last two throws carried the weight of both pride and cash.
Lonis can afford the hit. The high roller regular has earned more than $28 million in tournaments and recently won a six-figure buy-in event on the Triton circuit. Still, this time the winner’s circle belonged to Riess, proving that competitive instincts travel well beyond the poker room.
