Erik Seidel Finishes Second in First Backgammon Tournament in Over 40 Years

Ronald Reagan was president, Michael Jordan hadn't made his NBA debut, and the Berlin Wall was still standing the last time Erik Seidel entered a backgammon tournament. More than 40 years later, the ten-time World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet winner decided to give it another shot. And despite joking that he'd probably be sent straight back into retirement, the Poker Hall of Famer nearly won the whole thing. The 66-year-old entered the $2,500 Super Jackpot at the 2026 Las Vegas Open , taking on some of the world's best backgammon players before finishing runner-up in a final that went…