Joao Simao Wins U.S. Poker Open Event No. 8, Secures $292,800

Joao Simao won the U.S. Poker Open Event No. 8, earning $292,800. This victory extended his lead atop the Brazilian all-time money list, giving him more than a $4.6 million lead over the second-ranked Yuri Dzivielevski. Simao has made three final tables so far in 2026, with his latest deep run being his best score so far in 2026.

Simao earned 234 PokerGO Tour points, moving him into fifth in the USPO series-long points race. Zachary Bruch earned a personal best poker tournament payday of $183,000 as the runner-up. Shannon Shorr was the first to fall on day 2. Aram Zobian also fell at the hands of the newcomer to the PGT scene. Joao Simao earned four titles across 13 final-table finishes last year, including the two largest paydays of his career.

The first of those two seven-figure scores saw him take down the World Series of Poker Paradise $150,000 eight-max event for his third bracelet and nearly $3.1 million. Just ten days later, he emerged victorious in the Super High Roller Bowl X for another $1.1 million. Simao finished 17th in the 2025 Card Player Player of the Year race after his massive year on the circuit, with more than $7.3 million in POY earnings. Simao overcame a field of 61 entries in event no. 8 of the U.S. Poker Open. With this win, Simao’s career earnings ticked past the $17.7 million mark.