Erik Seidel Finishes Second in Backgammon Tournament in Las Vegas

Erik Seidel, who has won ten World Series of Poker bracelets rather than nine, is keeping his poker schedule limited this year. However, he has made time for another game he loves.

The legendary poker player entered a backgammon tournament for the first time in roughly forty years. In a statement on his social media account, Seidel said he would be playing against the best players in the world. He jokingly added that he might retire after the tournament, but would try again in forty years.

Seidel finished second in the $2,500 Super Jackpot tournament held as part of the 2026 Las Vegas Open. He lost the final 16 to 17 points, narrowly missing a major title.

Born in New York, Seidel first became interested in backgammon as a young man. He says he earned money playing pinball and backgammon during his high school years. After spending eight years on the backgammon circuit, he decided to become a full-time poker player.

Seidel's tournament earnings at the poker tables have reached $50.5 million. In July, he came close to winning his eleventh bracelet. Earlier this year, he announced he was moving to semi-retirement because of the gambling tax provision in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act that took effect in the United States. The provision allows only 90 percent of gambling losses to be deducted, which means a player could owe taxes even after losing money.