Jonah LaBranche

Jonah LaBranche, who plays under the screen name "PhoenixKid," hails from Phoenix, Arizona. He first made a name for himself in the online poker world, where he accumulated substantial earnings across multiple platforms. His live tournament record, tracked by The Hendon Mob, shows total live earnings of $636,826, with a best live cash of $227,561 prior to 2025. As of 2025, he ranks 49th on the Arizona all-time money list and 2,516th on the United States all-time money list.

LaBranche's most notable live result came at the 2025 Wynn Summer Classic, a major stop on the summer poker calendar. The $10,400 Championship attracted 1,537 entries, generating a prize pool of $15,062,600. LaBranche navigated a tough field to reach the final table, which featured eventual champion Michael Sklenicka, runner-up Jun Obara, and third-place finisher Daniel Rezaei. He ultimately finished 4th, earning $875,589 – by far the largest cash of his career. This result more than tripled his previous live earnings total and established him as a force in live tournaments. The final table was notable for a dramatic hand where Sklenicka hit a one-outer on the river to make quads and win the title.

Prior to the Wynn Summer Classic, LaBranche had several other live cashes, though none approaching this magnitude. His previous best live cash of $227,561 likely came from an earlier event, possibly a World Series of Poker or World Poker Tour stop. The Hendon Mob lists him with multiple cashes in both US and international events, reflecting consistent performance.

LaBranche is recognized for his tight-aggressive style and ability to handle deep stacks, skills that serve him well in both online multi-table tournaments and live high-roller events. He is known for his discipline and patience, often outlasting opponents in long tournaments. While he maintains a relatively low profile compared to some of poker's biggest names, his consistent cashing and deep runs demonstrate a solid understanding of the game. His performance at the Wynn Summer Classic has raised his profile in the live tournament arena, and he continues to compete in major events. Online, he is known for multi-tabling and has a reputation as a formidable opponent in high-stakes tournaments.

Following his breakthrough at the Wynn, LaBranche is likely to attract more attention from sponsors and event organizers. He continues to play both online and live, with a focus on high-value tournaments. His ability to perform under pressure, as evidenced by his deep run in a massive field, suggests he has the potential for even greater achievements in the coming years. As of 2025, he remains a player to watch on the tournament circuit.