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Mr. & Ms. Smith Capture the Belts and the Knight’s Guard in Clash of Kings & Queens

By Dana Castaneda | Jan 11, 2026 10:24 PM
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The Clash of Kings & Queens Tag Team Championship delivered exactly what the title promised, elite competition, emotional moments, and a championship performance worthy of the belts.

An impressive 142 teams entered the arena, each pair chasing glory and the coveted Tag Team Championship belts. When the final cards were dealt, the crowns belonged to none other than Mr. & Ms. Smith. Joel Smith and Nikki Smith, a power couple whose résumé already reads like poker royalty.

Joel Smith, a two-time former FPN National Champion and past Tag Team Champion, once again proved why he remains one of the most respected competitors in the field. Alongside him was his wife Nikki Smith, who is every bit as formidable. Together, they have dominated online and live play, earning multiple titles, weekly and monthly tournament wins, League Championships, and TOC appearances. In the Smith household, competition is fierce, and championships are a family affair.

The victory carried even more significance as Nikki Smith was also crowned the King’s Guard heading into the Clash of Kings & Queens National Championship, entering as chip leader with an impressive 80K stack. When Nikki found out she had captured both the King’s Guard honor and the Tag Team Championship belts, she laughed and exclaimed, “Now I know what it feels like to be Joel,” drawing cheers, smiles, and applause from the crowd.

Poker News captured the moment perfectly, writing:
“Move over, Alex and Kristen Foxen. After Joel and Nikki’s victory, they shared a passionate kiss and FPN’s Dana Castaneda proclaimed that they were ‘the nicest couple in poker.’”

This wasn’t their first deep run either. The Smiths previously finished third in the 2023 Tag Team Championship, making this victory the culmination of years of teamwork, strategy, and shared success. Having been part of the Free Poker Network family for over 18 years, their win felt both earned and celebrated by the crowd.

Clash of Kings & Queens Tag Team Championship Results

  1. Joel Smith – Nikki Smith (Billy’s Bar & Grill) – $1,000 + Championship Entry

  2. Jim Morgan – Robin Stene (Billy’s Bar & Grill) – $500 + Championship Entry

  3. Ryan Burr – Hethe Berg (LV Putters) – $300 + Championship Entry

  4. Michael Burt – Jasen Witthuhn – $200 + Championship Entry

  5. Xeng Lor – James Nethery – $200 + Championship Entry

  6. Steve Dale – Donna Dale (Casselton Vets) – $200 + Championship Entry

  7. Russell Neil – Albert Buhr – $200 + Championship Entry

  8. Arda Ozcan – Benjamin Trehey (Chip Shots, MN) – $200 + Championship Entry

  9. Amy Chris – Vaschei Waszyk (Shorewood) – $200 + Championship Entry

Live reporting for the Tag Team Championship is available through Poker News, with feature table action and replays streaming on Youtube. Fans can also catch highlights, interviews, and behind-the-scenes moments from this unforgettable Clash of Kings & Queens event.

One team. One crown. And a championship moment that will be remembered for years to come.