Welcome to 2026 and the official start of the Free Poker Network Winter Season! The new year wasted no time bringing the heat, as twenty-five Mavericks hit the felt, including first-time players Butch Fackler and Chase Fackler, setting the tone for a fast and competitive season right out of the gate.

And fast it was.

Game One saw Drew Bovee, Sylvia Pinson, and James Ramsey explode out of the gates, each taking down their tables and making it very clear that they came into 2026 ready to be reckoned with.

But if there’s one thing we’ve learned in this league, it’s that nothing comes easy—and Game Two proved exactly that. Fall Season Champion Rick Hoag reminded everyone why he wears the crown, locking up a table win and sending a message that he’s not slowing down anytime soon. He was joined by the brothers from another mother, Steve Cooper and Jim Elwart, who each took down their tables and threw themselves firmly into the mix.

As the points were tallied heading into Game Three, it was Jim Elwart holding the narrowest of leads—just one point ahead of Bovee, Cooper, and George Pethers, with three more Mavericks, including Hoag, lurking dangerously close behind. The question wasn’t who could win—it was who wanted it more.

The final game delivered answers fast.

Bovee was the first to stumble, exiting his table early, with Cooper following close behind. When Pethers hit the rail, the night came down to a heavyweight showdown: Rick Hoag vs. Jim Elwart.

And champions do what champions do.

Hoag closed out his table, applying maximum pressure and putting the entire night squarely on Elwart’s shoulders. But when the moment demanded it, Elwart rose to the occasion, winning his final table and locking up the first nightly win of the Winter Season.

Congratulations to Jim Elwart on a well-earned victory. A strong second-place finish went to Rick Hoag, while a big shoutout goes to Mike Swaim for an excellent third-place finish.

After Week One, the Winter Season standings read:

Jim Elwart

Rick Hoag

Mike Swaim

George Pethers

Scott Sutter

And if this opening night is any indication, this season is going to be an absolute battle.

Now, our attention turns west as we set our sights on Las Vegas for the FPN National Championships. Let’s bring hardware and some big cashes back to Michigan!

I’ll keep you all updated.

Until next week, Mavericks—
see you on the felts. 🂡

Winter Season Starts Off Hot!