Nebraska Poker Player Jeff Banghart, 63, Passed Away After Battling Cancer, Leaving Behind His Wife, Tammi Helligso Banghart!

March 25, 2026

This article was last updated by Aditi Rai on March 25, 2026

Jeff Banghart, a well-known poker player from Nebraska, passed away on Thursday, March 20, 2026, at the age of 63, after battling brain cancer for two years.

is survived by his wife of 18 years, , and their children, and .

The poker player, Jeff, and Tammi had walked down the aisle in July 2006 and were married for almost two decades, 18 months to be precise.

Jeff and his daughters had a sound relationship. He took to his Facebook to share pictures of his youngest daughter Megan’s graduation ceremony, writing:

Very Proud of my youngest daughter Megan who got her Masters Degree today at Creighton, several years after graduating from Duke and breaking my bank account helping pay Coach K’s salary. No “NIL Money” from Creighton though!!! Oh yea, Maybe that’s all for hoopsters!

His daughter, Lauren, married in August 2019 and is a mother of a baby boy born in 2026.

Poker Player Jeff Banghart Had a Successful Career, Earning Over $1.1 Million in Tournaments!

Jeff was known for his deep WSOP runs, winning a WSOP Circuit ring, and even taking down the PokerStars Sunday Million for $230K.

Born on January 29, 1962, in Nebraska, Jeff Banghart began his journey with the game at just 12 years old.

A graduate of the University of Nebraska-Omaha with a degree in finance, Banghart channeled his sharp mind into both business and poker.

He built successful companies in Omaha, including one focused on lawn sprinkler systems, which earned him his memorable nickname.

According to The Hendon Mob, Banghart amassed $1,164,168 in lifetime tournament earnings. His most notable achievement came in 2007 when he finished 41st in the World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event, taking home $237,865, his career-best cash.

In 2010, Banghart showed his earlier win wasn’t just luck. He competed in the same event again and finished in 75th place, earning $94,942.

Banghart also secured two other six-figure scores: a runner-up finish in the 2017 WSOP Circuit Horseshoe Hammond Main Event for $205,755 and a third-place finish in the 2018 WinStar River Poker Series $2,500 Main Event for $206,570.

In 2009, Banghart won his only World Series of Poker Circuit gold ring. He beat 334 players in the Horseshoe Council Bluffs Event #1, a $345 No-Limit Hold’em tournament, and took home $30,127 as the prize.

In 2026, he had his last recorded win at the WSOP Seniors Championship. He came in 93rd place out of 8,180 players and won $6,898.

Beyond the live felt, Banghart was a force in the online poker world, winning the PokerStars Sunday Million for $230,000.

Nebraska’s 2003 WSOP bracelet winner Bob Slezak praised Banghart’s influence,

Jeff was a larger-than-life poker presence to many successful Nebraska tournament players who would follow. His easygoing banter and cool demeanor won him legions of fans.

Nonetheless, despite his success, Banghart remained humble and grounded.

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Aditi is an avid music lover whose interest's goes beyond the realm of music, with passion in digital marketing. A Gen Z who loves her personal space and is keen to exploring new things. An optimist who seeks silver lining in every circumstances life throws at her.

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