Week 3 in the Books — And Time is Running Out to Join the Chase
The Elite Tampa Bay Poker League’s Winter 2026 Season is Heating Up
Three weeks down, seventeen to go — and the race for WSOP Main Event seats is already producing fireworks.
⏰ LAST CALL: Tomorrow is Your Final Chance to Register
If you’ve been on the fence about joining the Elite Tampa Bay Poker League this season, the fence is about to disappear. Tomorrow night is the absolute last opportunity to register for the Winter 2026 season.
Here’s what you need to know: To qualify for the ultimate prizes — including seats to the $10,000 WSOP Main Event in Las Vegas — you must play a minimum of 17 out of 20 weeks. That math doesn’t lie. Miss this week’s registration deadline, and you’re mathematically eliminated before the cards even hit the felt.
Full details and registration at www.tampabaypoker.com/about
Level 2, Tammy opened 700, Mike called & Juan bet 4200. Call call. Flop checked around. Tammy, who had flopped a straight, lead 5100 on the turn leaving about 5k behind.
The turn gave Juan a higher straight with his AA & Mike Robinson had flopped a flush draw. Mike called Tammy’s raise & Juan ripped his stack that covered both of them. Tammy called, Mike called. River gave Mike his flush & he scooped.
A double for John Coleman through Araujo
Rayko AK >Rob Fulton KQ
Rob Fulton 9th
Hugh K3> A5 John Coleman
John Coleman 8th
Hugh Mayes KQ> Q7 Steve T
Steve Trizis 7th
Rayko 66>K2 Chrissy
Chrissy 6th
Juan 77>K2 Dan Cuesta
Dan Cuesta 5th
Evan P 66> QT Juan
Juan Rodriguez 4th
Hugh AJ> 96 Rayko
Rayko 3rd
The final table in order of finish was;
1.Hugh Mayes/ Evan Pantano
2.Chop
3.Rayko Garcia
4.Juan Rodriguez
5.Dan Cuesta
6.Chrissy Holubeck
7.Steve Trizis
8.John Coleman
9.Rob Fulton
The Week 3 Leaderboard
After three weeks of competition, here’s how the top of the standings looks:
| Rank | Player | Points | Weeks Played |
|---|---|---|---|
| T-1 | Evan Pantano | 20 | 3 |
| T-1 | Marv Karlins/Chrissy Holubeck Team | 20 | 3 |
| 3 | Tammy Leonard | 19 | 3 |
| T-4 | Hugh Mayes/Lee Tran Team | 16 | 3 |
| T-4 | Maribeth Hilliard | 16 | 3 |
| T-4 | Mike Robinson | 16 | 3 |
| T-7 | Ray Mancini | 15 | 3 |
| T-7 | Saif Keshwani | 15 | 3 |
| T-9 | Brian Fuchs | 13 | 3 |
| T-9 | Rayko Garcia | 13 | 3 |
Week 3 Storylines
A Two-Way Tie at the Top. Evan Pantano exploded onto the scene with a dominant 13-point Week 3 performance, vaulting into a first-place tie with the Marv Karlins/Chrissy Holubeck Team at 20 points apiece. Both are positioned perfectly for the long haul.
Tammy Leonard Stays Hot. After torching the field in Week 2 with a win, Tammy sits alone in third place with 19 points. She’s been a model of consistency through three weeks.
The Week 1 Champions Hold Strong. Mike Robinson, who chopped Week 1 with Marv Karlins, remains in the top tier at 16 points despite a quiet couple of weeks since. Meanwhile, Maribeth Hilliard — who had a sub step in for a Week 1 third-place finish — continues to ride that momentum.
Ray Mancini is Lurking. Last season’s dominant force (103 points, $10K seat winner) is tied for 7th with 15 points. His 12-point Week 2 showing reminded everyone why he’s dangerous. Don’t sleep on the defending champ.
Fresh Faces Making Noise. Rayko Garcia’s 10-point Week 3 finish rocketed him into the top 10, while Daniel Cuesta sits at 14th with only two weeks played — meaning he still has runway if he shows up consistently.
By the Numbers
- 48 players have competed through three weeks
- $15,100 collected season-to-date (not including League Fees all due by 1/29)
- 151 total entries across three weeks (including rebuys)
The prize pool is building. The seats are waiting. The only question is: will you be in the hunt?
Why This Season is Different
The expanded 20-week format means more opportunities to compete, more chances to bounce back from a tough night, and ultimately, a truer test of poker skill over variance. The cream will rise to the top — but it takes commitment.
The attendance requirement isn’t just a rule; it’s a statement. This league rewards the dedicated, the consistent, the players who show up week after week ready to battle. If that’s you, we want you at our tables.
Qualified members who have not received a seat yet this season are eligible for the Last chance tournament for one more $10K seat after the season ends!!!
Don’t Watch From the Sidelines
Every season, we hear from players who wish they’d joined earlier. Don’t be that person in May, watching others book their flights to Vegas while you wonder what might have been.
Tomorrow night. Last chance. Be there.
For complete league rules, prize structure, and registration information, visit www.tampabaypoker.com/about
See you at the tables.
