PokerNews PowerStack Leaderboard returns for the Fall 2026 RGPS season

Learn all about the return of the PokerNews PowerStack leaderboard at the RunGood Poker Series: rules, prizes, and tips for PPPoker players.

In the fall season of 2026, the PokerNews PowerStack leaderboard returns—a special ranking that allows RunGood Poker Series (RGPS) players to gain not only prestige but also valuable prizes, including tickets to major live tournaments. In this article, we take a detailed look at how the race works, what awaits its winners, and the results from the first PowerStack season. At the end, you'll find practical tips for PPPoker club players. What is the PokerNews PowerStack Leaderboard and why does it matter? The PokerNews PowerStack Leaderboard is a points system for performances in select tournaments of the RunGood Poker Series (RGPS). During the fall 2026 season, players who earn the most points will get a unique opportunity—to travel to Thunder Valley Casino Resort and take part in the exclusive Dream Seat Invitational tournament with a $300 buy-in. The PowerStack leaderboard was first launched at the start of 2026 and quickly became a popular way for mid-stakes players to get a shot at playing at a higher level. Now, the organizers are expanding the prize pool and increasing the number of tickets for the top participants. Top 10 prizes: Trip to Thunder Valley and entry into the Dream Seat Invitational In the fall 2026 season, the top ten players on the PokerNews PowerStack Leaderboard will receive valuable prize packages. Each package includes: Buy-in to the exclusive $300 Dream Seat Invitational tournament Two-night stay at Thunder Valley Casino Resort The Invitational is held as part of the RunGood Dream Factory festival from November 27 to December 3. The winner of this tournament earns a seat in the prestigious PGT Championship , which will take place at the PokerGO Studio in January 2027. This is a unique chance for players starting out in $400 tournaments to make their way to the tables with world-class pros. The Dream Seat Invitational brings together RGPS champions and qualifier winners. This means PowerStack participants have a real opportunity not only to win big prizes but also to represent RunGood at the highest level. The exact points structure, the fall season tournament schedule, and current leaderboard standings will be published throughout the series. This will allow players to track their chances of making it into the coveted top ten. Results of the first PowerStack season: 11 players at Thunder Valley and JC Tran’s triumph In the debut season of PokerNews PowerStack, 11 players earned tickets to the main event of the RGPS Passport Season Finale, which took place at Thunder Valley Casino Resort in July. Each of them received free entry into the $1,200 Million Dollar Main Event . Nicholas Rigby topped the first leaderboard. However, it was Paul Schreiner and Sean Hold who managed to turn their free buy-ins into real winnings: both made the money and took home $5,400 each. The main event drew 1,086 entries, creating a prize pool of $1,140,300. The victory went to legendary player and Thunder Valley regular JC Tran . This was his first win in the RGPS Passport Season Finale Main Event, earning him $163,700. Main Event prize table: 1st place: JC Tran — $163,700 Paul Schreiner — $5,400 (ITM) Sean Hold — $5,400 (ITM) Total entries: 1,086 Prize pool: $1,140,300 Thus, participating in PowerStack opens the door not only to prestigious tournaments but also to substantial cash prizes. Fall season kickoff: PowerStack’s first stop—Dallas The new PowerStack season is starting soon: the first series will be part of the RGPS Golden Expedition at Palace Poker, Dallas, Texas. The festival runs from August 13 to 23 and features 16 ring events. The key event for PowerStack is the $300 PokerNews PowerStack Mystery Bounty , which kicks off on August 13 with a $100,000 guarantee. The tournament uses the Mystery Bounty format: part of the prize pool is randomly distributed among eliminated players, adding an element of surprise and extra incentive for aggressive play. Players who make it through the six starting flights will meet at the final tables on August 16 at 10 a.m., where the champion will be determined. The festival will conclude with the $600 RGPS Golden Expedition Main Event with a $200,000 guarantee. Seven starting flights will be held from August 20 to 22, and the final day will take place on August 23. The entire progress of the PowerStack and Main Event tournaments will be covered in detail by the PokerNews team: readers will be able to follow hands, chip counts, and key moments via live reporting. How are points awarded and who can participate? All results achieved in the relevant RGPS tournaments during the fall season count toward the PowerStack Leaderboard. Players can earn points at different stages of the series, increasing their chances of making the top 10. The exact points system, as well as the schedule of all qualifying tournaments, will be announced and updated as the season progresses. This will allow participants to plan their strategy and choose the best events for earning points. Anyone who registers for PowerStack tournaments at RGPS stops can participate. For many players, this is a chance to step up to a new level and gain experience in major live events. Who covers PowerStack events: the PokerNews team All up-to-date information, live reports, and hand analysis are provided by the PokerNews team. In particular, coverage is handled by Calum, who joined PokerNews in September 2021 after working in the UK energy sector. He has been actively playing poker since 2017 and now shares his knowledge and experience with readers, covering major events including the World Series of Poker (WSOP). What this means for PPPoker club players For PPPoker club players, the PowerStack Leaderboard experience is a clear example of how regular performances in mid-stakes tournaments can lead to participation in prestigious live events. Even if you start with small buy-ins, consistent play and making the money can open the door to major series and significant winnings. The PowerStack leaderboard structure can be useful for running your own rankings within PPPoker clubs. This encourages players to stay active and compete for long-term goals, not just one-off prizes. Finally, taking part in such races teaches you to strategically plan your schedule, choose the best tournaments for earning points, and analyze your results. This approach will help PPPoker players not only improve their game but also prepare for possible participation in live events beyond the platform.