RGPS Kentucky Main Event | James Brashear wins his first career tournament on the money line, taking home $56,804 and a championship ring.
International newsOn September 8, 2026, the RunGood Poker Series (RGPS) Golden Expedition Kentucky $800 Main Event concluded at The Barrel Social Club. This event not only set a new Kentucky poker record with 606 entries, but also produced a rare championship story. James Brashear from Nashville had virtually no prior live tournament experience. He claimed to have only participated in about four live tournaments in the past five years, and this was his first time entering the tournament money bubble. Brashear went straight to the championship with his first cash prize. After nearly 12 hours of competition on the final day, he reached a four-way ICM deal with Eric Cunningham, John Mingus, and Christopher Borinsky, ultimately winning $56,804 and the RGPS championship ring. The 606 entries set a new Kentucky poker prize pool record, marking the first time the RunGood Poker Series had visited Kentucky. The $800 Main Event featured six starting groups and ultimately attracted 606 entries, creating a total prize pool of $424,200. This became the largest poker tournament prize pool in Kentucky history. Key Event Data: Event 2026 RGPS Golden Expedition Kentucky Main Event: Buy-in $800; 606 entries; 6 starting groups; Total prize pool $ $424,200; Final Day Attendance 74; Champion: James Brashear; Champion Prize: $ $56,804; Final Day Deal: Four-way ICM Deal. "My first cash was enough; everything after that was 'extra'." At the start of the final day, 74 players returned to the field. Brashear was in the middle of the chip stack, but for him, the real goal had already been achieved. He told PokerNews that he felt like he had "won" when he successfully sealed the bag the previous night and secured his first cash. Having participated in very few live tournaments before, winning his first prize was already beyond his expectations. Because of this, he didn't feel much pressure on himself as he entered the final day. As the tournament progressed, his chip ranking steadily rose, from the middle to the last two tables, and finally, he made it to the Final Table. The final day lineup also included three RunGood brand ambassadors. Heather Alcorn was the first to be eliminated, finishing in 50th place and earning $1,616. Preston McEwen...
