Erik Seidel Placed Second in Las Vegas Backgammon
The Poker Hall of Famer returned to competitive backgammon at the Las Vegas Open this October.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Gambling
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Poker legend Erik Seidel returned to the backgammon board to finish as the runner-up in the $2,500 Super Jackpot event held in Las Vegas. The 66-year-old nearly claimed the title, with the match reaching a 16-16 tie before concluding at 17 points.
Why it matters
Seidel, a ten-time World Series of Poker bracelet winner and Hall of Fame inductee, made his first backgammon tournament appearance since 1986. His return marks a significant crossover between elite poker talent and high-stakes tournament backgammon.
Players in the $2,500 Super Jackpot event utilized 15 checkers each to compete for the title. While the final score reached 16-16, the tournament outcome remains notable for Seidel's return to a game he last played competitively 40 years ago.
The players
Erik Seidel
A 66-year-old Poker Hall of Fame inductee who finished as the runner-up in the tournament.
Zdenek Zizka
A professional player who won the Ultimate Backgammon Championship in July 2025.
The details
The tournament required players to roll dice to move checkers across the board, employing a doubling cube to increase stakes during the competition. This appearance follows years of poker success, including his 2010 induction into the Poker Hall of Fame. Seidel announced his return to the table via social media on October 6, 2026, ahead of the competition.
Timeline
1986: Erik Seidel last participated in a backgammon tournament.
July 2025: Zdenek Zizka won the Ultimate Backgammon Championship in Monte Carlo.
October 6, 2026: Seidel announced his tournament return on X.
October 2026: The Las Vegas Open tournament occurred.
Beyond the Strip
The Las Vegas Open continues a trend of elevated tournament interest following the 2025 Ultimate Backgammon Championship held in Monte Carlo. Seidel's participation signals a bridge between global poker circuits and specialized board game competition.
Residents interested in tournament play can track upcoming events hosted at local resort venues throughout the year. Keep an eye on local venue calendars for future backgammon or poker circuit announcements.
The takeaway
Seidel's second-place finish proves that elite strategy from the poker world translates effectively to the backgammon board. Keep watch for future tournament schedules if you are interested in following the professional circuit's return to the valley.
Further reading
For more news on local high-stakes play, visit the Gambling section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Pokernews.
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