PokerGO Tour (PGT) PLO Series II: A Thrilling Conclusion in Las Vegas
The PokerGO Tour (PGT) has been making waves in the world of competitive poker, particularly with its recent highlight, the PLO Series II. Held inside the bustling PokerGO Studio in Las Vegas, this event brought together some of the brightest stars in poker to engage in the riveting game of Pot Limit Omaha (PLO). The series culminated in an exhilarating finale where key players emerged as champions, including Ben Tollerene, who added yet another significant title to his illustrious career.
Tollerene Triumphs in the PLO Championship
Ben Tollerene recently showcased his exceptional skills by clinching the $25,200 buy-in Pot Limit Omaha Championship, taking home a staggering $496,000. This victory marked his second PGT title within a month, a testimony to his growing dominance in high-stakes PLO tournaments. Tollerene outperformed a competitive field of 62 players, including notable names like Samuli Sipila from Finland, who finished in second place and earned $310,000.
Tollerene’s recent accomplishments are even more impressive considering the caliber of his competitors. Among those at the final table were respected players like Joni Jouhkimainen (Finland), who secured third place for $217,000, and American pros Ben Lamb and Josh Arieh, who finished fifth and sixth respectively. This event wasn’t merely a victory for Tollerene; it was a display of skill, resilience, and tactical acumen against some of the best in the business.
A Look at the Final Table Results
Below are the final results from the $25,200 PLO Championship, demonstrating the fierce competition players faced throughout the event:
| Place | Player | Country | Prize (In USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ben Tollerene | United States | $496,000 |
| 2 | Samuli Sipila | Finland | $310,000 |
| 3 | Joni Jouhkimainen | Finland | $217,000 |
| 4 | Michael Duek | United States | $155,000 |
| 5 | Ben Lamb | United States | $116,250 |
| 6 | Josh Arieh | United States | $85,250 |
| 7 | Fernando Habegger | Switzerland | $62,000 |
| 8 | Jesse Lonis | United States | $62,000 |
| 9 | Billy Tarango | United States | $46,500 |
Tollerene’s Winning Streak
With this latest win, Tollerene continues to bolster his impressive Hendon Mob earnings, now totaling over $16 million. Just weeks prior, he had won the final event of the Poker Masters series, which was a $25,200 No-Limit Hold’em competition, adding another $510,000 to his impressive bankroll. Earlier in 2024, he also finished as the runner-up in the $250,000 Super High Roller event at the WSOP, bringing his career-best single tournament payout to $3.5 million.
Tollerene’s ability to consistently perform under pressure sets him apart in high roller events, solidifying his reputation as one of the top players in the game today.
Wantman Wins Series Title
While Tollerene gained personal glory, Matthew Wantman captured the overall series title. After finishing seventh in the series finale and earning $10,080, Wantman secured his position at the top of the series leaderboard. His remarkable consistency throughout the series included six cashes, further establishing him as a formidable competitor amongst poker’s elite.
The competition was fierce, with heavy hitters like Daniel Negreanu and Erik Seidel also vying for supremacy in various events. Wantman ultimately rounded out the leaderboard with a hard-fought series display, edging out established players such as Jeremy Ausmus and Alex Foxen.
2024 PGT PLO Series II Standings
The leaderboard showcased many top players who made significant impacts during the series. Here are the top 10 players based on their performances:
| Rank | Player | Country | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew Wantman | United States | 453 |
| 2 | Jeremy Ausmus | United States | 420 |
| 3 | Alex Foxen | United States | 378 |
| 4 | Daniel Negreanu | Canada | 366 |
| 5 | Samuli Sipila | Finland | 347 |
| 6 | Isaac Haxton | United States | 340 |
| 7 | Ben Lamb | United States | 307 |
| 8 | Ben Tollerene | United States | 298 |
| 9 | Joni Jouhkimainen | Finland | 268 |
| 10 | James Chen | United States | 263 |
Event Highlights
The PGT PLO Series II was not just a singular event but an array of thrilling competitions. Here’s a brief rundown of the winners from each event:
| Event | Entries | Prize Pool | Winner | Country | Prize (In USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Event #1: $5,100 Pot-Limit Omaha | 155 | $775,000 | Lautaro Guerra | Spain | $178,250 |
| Event #2: $5,100 Pot-Limit Omaha Bounty | 159 | $795,000 | Dylan Weisman | United States | $195,245 |
| Event #3: $5,100 Pot-Limit Omaha | 155 | $775,000 | Matthew Wantman | United States | $192,560 |
| Event #4: $10,100 Pot-Limit Omaha | 100 | $1,000,000 | James Chen | United States | $220,000 |
| Event #5: $15,100 Pot-Limit Omaha Bounty | 82 | $1,230,000 | Isaac Haxton | United States | $383,740 |
| Event #6: $10,100 Pot-Limit Omaha | 104 | $1,040,000 | Daniel Negreanu | Canada | $265,200 |
| Event #7: $15,100 Pot-Limit Omaha Bounty | 64 | $960,000 | Jeremy Ausmus | United States | $288,000 |
| Event #8: $25,200 Pot-Limit Omaha Champ. | 62 | $1,550,000 | Ben Tollerene | United States | $496,000 |
| Event #9: $5,100 Pot-Limit Omaha Bounty | 84 | $420,000 | Anthony Hu | United States | $86,560 |
Conclusion
The PLO Series II has proven to be an unforgettable spectacle in the world of poker, marked by remarkable player performances and monumental wins. With Tollerene and Wantman leading the charge, the standards for excellence have been set high as we look ahead to the future of high-stakes poker tournaments. For players and fans alike, the excitement of the tables will continue to unfold, bringing new stories and legends along the way.
Photo credits to PokerGO. For more insights and updates, feel free to explore the series further on their official PokerGO Tour page.
