"May the Flop Be With You" – Hoagie Poker League Season 16

 

May 2025

The galaxy aligned for an epic conclusion to Season 16 of the Hoagie Poker League, as Game 9 unfolded on May the 4th with lightsabers, chips, and baby news in the air.

Earlier that day, Hoagie revealed some out-of-this-world news with a Star Wars-themed gender reveal—and by evening, he carried that energy straight to the felt.  

🌌 A Tight Table Until the End

As the final cards hit the table, tension was thick. The competition for the top 6 spots—each carrying travel funds for Vegas—came down to the wire. It was a night full of dramatic swings, and in true Skywalker fashion, Mike Lopresti went full Jedi Master on the table, even announcing he would win lotto.

Lopresti crushed the final night by taking home:

• The lottery bonus

• The first-place cash prize for Game 9

• A tournament seat by climbing to 12th place overall—the last eligible spot.

🏆 Passing of the Bracelet

Last year’s champ Shinn handed the bracelet to a winner Hoagie. After grinding all season and surviving the turbo nights, mystery bounty madness, and deepstack marathons, Hoagie secured the #1 spot.

🎲 Final Season 16 Standings & Payouts

The top 6 players earned Vegas travel money and a chance to represent the league on the national felt.

🥇 Hoagie – $3,000 

🥈 Keane – $1,500

🥉 Matt L – $1,500

4th Pierre – $1,000 

5th Jacob – $1,000

6th 🧈 Butter – $1,000

7th  Ray C – $1,080

8th Pete L – $560

9th Horn – $560

10th Waldman – $560

11th Tina – $330

12th Mike Lopresti – $330 

🎟️ Unused Entries from Past Seasons:

• Neamand (22–23 Season) – $330

• TJ (23–24 Season) – $330

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🛸 Looking Ahead to Season 17

The cards will be back in the air when Season 17 kicks off in September 2025. 

Until then, may the run-good be with you.

Season 16 – Game 8: Deepstack Duel of the Basement Dwellers

 

Season 16 – Game 8: Deepstack Duel of the Basement Dwellers

Deepstack Night:

Two subs were called into action. Jacob, celebrating his birthday in Hawaii, sent in Vinny Subz as his stand-in. The aloha vibes must’ve been strong—Vinny not only held his own at the table but hit big on his first-ever lottery pull, winning $100 on a scratch-off.  

Meanwhile, Brian Horn brought in former champion, Chuck Aquino, who pulled double duty. Not only did Chuck bring his poker chops, but he also catered the event. If you liked what Chuck was cooking, you can check out his full weekly menu at The Grub at The Club, located at the AC Club in Beverly. Menu & Updates Here » 

The night took an unexpected turn when the bottom-of-the-board battlers made serious runs. Samero, Roger, and Jeff—long dubbed basement dwellers—flipped the script and fought their way deep into the tournament. Samero was on fire all night, making gutsy calls and finding the right spots, earning him a spot heads-up against Jeff.

In the end, it was Jeff who sealed the win, scoring his first victory of the season and proving that no one is truly out until the last chip falls.

As we head into the championship finale, Hoagie still holds the overall lead. Brian and Matt L are tied for second place, setting up a tight race for the top. With six Vegas seats up for grabs, it’s still anyone’s game—Pete L, Rick, Brian, Jacob, Butter, and Ray C are all on the bubble and ready to pounce in the final match.

Mark your calendars for the Season 16 finale on Sunday, May 4—a Star Wars-themed doubleheader that promises to be unforgettable. Hoagie will be hosting a Star Wars gender reveal party at noon, followed by the 2 PM Championship Deepstack Game.

Bonus Alert: Any player who brings or wears a Star Wars item will receive a 500 chip bonus. So grab your lightsaber, put on that Chewbacca hoodie, and May the 4th Be With You at the final table.