Mixed Game Festival XIV Day 1 Recap: Las Vegas Packed

Return and Opening

Life doesn't always go according to plan, but those who can overcome obstacles and persevere will eventually realize their dreams. The Cardplayer Lifestyle Mixed Game Festival was originally scheduled to hold its thirteenth edition in Las Vegas this March, but was forced to be canceled due to various geopolitical reasons. It was a disappointing decision for founder Robbie Strazynski as well as all mixed game enthusiasts, but looking back, it was just a small bump in the road. A few months later, the festival returned, and the opening day of the fourteenth edition promises an exciting event.

MGF XIV kicked off in grand style on May 31, and based on attendance numbers, it is expected to be even more popular when the free pizza lunch is offered the next day.

Intense Action, Giveaways, and Surprise Guests

Day 1 started at noon at the Bellagio, and four tables were quickly filled. In addition to three $4/$8 tables, a $6/$12 level game was offered for the first time in the festival's history. The festival is very flexible in meeting player demands. As Robbie put it: "If there's enough interest, you can... do something."

Each festival brings free giveaways from sponsors. Chuck Martin received a copy of Jonathan Little's Complete Poker Workout as a special reward for showing a "zero" in Drawmaha Zero. Another lucky player won a deck of Faded Spade playing cards.

Although the festival is primarily aimed at recreational players rather than pros, it always attracts some big names. David Bach, winner of the 2009 WSOP $50k Poker Players Championship, attended the festival for the first time and played in the $4/$8 mixed games. The First Lady of Poker, Linda Johnson, and Jan Fisher also came to show support—they are outstanding ambassadors for mixed games. Tim Duckworth, Director of Live Events and Content at PokerGO, also joined in.

PokerCoaching.com Player of the Day: Christian Feng

The festival continues its tradition of spotlighting one player each day. The first honor went to Christian Feng from San Francisco, California. This was his first time attending the Mixed Game Festival, and he doesn't even play mixed games. He came to Las Vegas for the WSOP, but upon hearing about the Mixed Game Festival, he thought it was a great low-pressure opportunity to learn new games. He is a recreational player who works in the human resources department of the California government, usually plays low-stakes Texas Hold'em, and comes to Las Vegas once a year to try tournaments. With recent increased exposure to mixed games, he decided to give it a try. Feng said the most appealing aspect of poker for him is meeting people from all over. After about eight hours of mixed games with almost zero experience, the experience exceeded his expectations—the other players were very friendly and willing to teach. He believes this is the best way to get into mixed games, and it's very affordable.

RunGoodGear Dealer of the Day: Jeremy Fornachon

Jeremy Fornachon has been a dealer at the Bellagio for two years. He says the work atmosphere feels like family. He has been a dealer for 21 years, starting his career at the Peppermill in Reno. He feels that players at the Mixed Game Festival are more focused on enjoying the game. In his spare time, he enjoys kayaking on the Colorado River and watching baseball games, and he is currently working toward becoming a supervisor.

Action Continues

Day 1 play continued late into the night. The next day at noon, the traditional pizza party will be held. Players can call (702) 693-7291 to reserve a seat; arriving exactly at noon guarantees a spot. On the third day (June 2), the first major giveaway will take place: a $3,500 seat in the 2026 BetMGM Poker Championship through a blind PLO heads-up tournament.

Mixed games are back in Las Vegas. Everyone is welcome, the games are fun and affordable, and there's extra value. What are you waiting for?