Underdog Chris Jones stuns poker world with $30K Super Bowl Main Event win

From starstruck amateur to Main Event contender—how an unexpected Pick 3 win changed Chris Jones' poker career forever. The nerves, the legends, and the $30K twist.

, and Administrator

2026 February 18 . 1:26 AM

1 min read

The image shows a group of men sitting around a table playing poker, with coins and cards spread... — The image shows a group of men sitting around a table playing poker, with coins and cards spread out in front of them. In the background, there is a pillar and other objects, suggesting that the men are participating in a poker tournament.

Underdog Chris Jones stuns poker world with $30K Super Bowl Main Event win

Chris Jones secured a surprise victory in PokerOrg's Pick 3 competition, earning a $30,000 package for the Super Bowl Main Event. The win came as a shock to Jones himself, who had never expected to finish in first place.

Jones arrived at WSOP Paradise feeling starstruck, surrounded by some of poker's biggest names. His excitement grew when he found himself playing against his favourite player, Ike Haxton, in the Super Bowl Main Event.

By the second break, Jones held 120,000 chips, giving him 15 big blinds. Earlier, he had defended his big blind with Q9 and won a pot against Joe Serock. But later, Serock got the better of him, taking a hand with a full house while Jones held only a flush.

The final day brought nerves, with Jones describing a 'pins and needles' sensation. His victory in the Pick 3 competition was confirmed when Mark Darner won Event #1 at WSOP Paradise. Before that, Jones had already cashed in the $2,500 Closer Bounty event, finishing 43rd for $3,700.

Jones now heads into the Super Bowl Main Event with a $30,000 entry covered by his Pick 3 win. His performance at WSOP Paradise has already included a cash finish and a memorable clash with a poker legend. The experience marks a significant step in his poker career.