More than 4,000 players competed for the $4 million prize pool
SALT RIVER PIMA-MARICOPA INDIAN COMMUNITY, Ariz., Aug. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Twenty years of high-stakes competition culminated in a milestone moment at Talking Stick Resort on Wednesday, as Evan Sandberg captured the title of the 20th Annual Arizona State Poker Championship, taking home the first-place prize of $627,050 from the tournament's $3,977,820 prize pool.
Sandberg, 33, of Las Vegas, outlasted more than 4,000 players during the six-day tournament, held Aug. 13–19 inside Talking Stick Resort's ARENA Poker Room, the largest poker room in Arizona. The championship featured multiple opening flights, competitive semifinal play and an exciting final table, continuing a tradition that has made the Arizona State Poker Championship one of the Southwest's signature poker events.
"This year's Arizona State Poker Championship was especially meaningful as we celebrated 20 years of bringing together some of the most talented poker players from across the United States, including many strong local competitors who made it to the final table," said Patricia Tate, President and CEO of Talking Stick Resort. "We congratulate Evan on an outstanding performance and thank every player, fan and team member who helped make this milestone tournament one to remember."
The tournament marked Sandberg's first time playing in the ARENA Poker Room, but the full-time poker player credited years of work on his mental game with helping him stay grounded throughout the competition.
"The last couple of years, I've worked hard on my mental game," Sandberg said. "I find that if I appreciate the basic things in life, it makes it a lot easier for me to accept what happens at the poker table."
The victory marked Sandberg's largest tournament payday to date. For Sandberg, however, the milestone also carried personal significance as he reflected on the role his father played in sparking his interest in poker.
"My dad is gonna be really happy," Sandberg said. "Part of how I got into poker was when I was 10 or 11, me and my dad would watch ESPN and always look for Mike Matusow on TV. He'll definitely be the first person I call."
Since its inception, the Arizona State Poker Championship has grown into one of the Southwest's premier poker tournaments, drawing thousands of players to Talking Stick Resort and creating memorable moments at the tables year after year. The 2026 tournament marked the event's 20th anniversary, celebrating two decades of competition and community at the resort.
"Reaching 20 years is an incredible milestone for this tournament," said Ramon Martinez, Director of Public Relations. "The Arizona State Poker Championship has continued to grow while maintaining the energy and sense of community that have made it special from the beginning. We're proud of its history and excited for what comes next."
Later this year, Talking Stick Resort will continue its momentum as a premier poker destination when the World Series of Poker (WSOP) Circuit comes to the ARENA Poker Room Nov. 5–16, 2026. The event will bring another major tournament series to the resort, giving players the opportunity to compete on one of poker's most recognized stages and extending an already exciting year of championship poker at Talking Stick Resort.
Final Table Results
- Evan Sandberg – $627,050
- Jared Rogers – $359,937
- Brandon Conrad – $224,804
- John Riordan – $140,214
- Sergio Segura – $91,498
- Moussa Haddad – $63,495
- Jonathan Roeder – $47,133
- Hill Kerby – $37,143
- Ronnie Bardah – $30,566
- John Phan - $25,801
About Talking Stick Resort
Talking Stick Resort is a AAA Four Diamond destination in Scottsdale, Arizona, conveniently located just east of Loop 101 at Talking Stick Way. Owned and operated by the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, the resort offers 497 deluxe guest rooms and luxury suites, along with an array of premier amenities, including a full-service spa, three resort-style pools, live entertainment venues and more than 100,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting and event space. Guests can choose from six distinctive restaurants, including the award-winning Orange Sky, Mediterranean-inspired Tash, and Creole seafood favorite Ocean Trail. The resort also features a 240,000-square-foot gaming floor, an exclusive high-limit gaming area and Arizona's largest poker room, making it a dynamic destination for dining, entertainment, leisure and events.
For more information, visit TalkingStickResort.com or call (480) 850-7777.
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SOURCE Talking Stick Resort
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