Thrilling Action Unfolds at Arena Casino Tirana: Day 1 of the €10,300 PLO Grand Slam Championship
The air was thick with anticipation as players gathered at the Arena Casino Tirana for the inaugural €10,300 PLO Grand Slam Championship, part of the prestigious Diamond Poker Series. Despite a rocky start, with registration delayed for an hour due to lukewarm early interest, the day quickly transformed into a bustling spectacle, surpassing all expectations.
A Promising Start
As the cards hit the table, excitement surged among the competitors. Over a frenetic nine levels, 96 entrants flocked to the tournament, quickly pushing the prize pool tantalizingly close to its €1,000,000 guarantee. With two more late registration levels available on Day 2, the stage was set for an explosive finale as players fought for a slice of this significant prize pool.
Leading the Charge
At the conclusion of Day 1, 37 players had successfully bagged up their chips, but none shined brighter than Alex Livingston. A well-known figure in the poker community and a two-time bracelet winner, Livingston has made a name for himself primarily in North America. However, he made a notable appearance here, showcasing his talent and resolve by elevating his initial stack of 200,000 to an impressive 1,258,000. This feat placed him second on the leaderboard, trailing only the formidable Harun Ertural.
The Rise of Harun Ertural
Ertural’s performance was equally remarkable, as he concluded Day 1 with a staggering 1,488,000 chips, a commanding 149 big blinds heading into Day 2. Although not much is known about the German player—his total live earnings less than a minimum cash at this event—his prowess at the table has captured the attention of spectators and fellow competitors alike. His strategic gameplay and chip accumulation throughout the day set him up as a serious contender for the championship.
Notable Performances
The tournament saw a melting pot of skilled players, each bringing their unique style to the table. One of the first entrants of the day was Spanish regular Ka Kwan Lau, who maximized his early bird advantage to finish third with a stack of 1,200,000. Following closely was Daniel Montagnolli, who made a late-night surge to bag 1,134,000. Meanwhile, Aaron Pahlawani—a recent champion at the €5,200 PLO Opener—made the last-recorded seven-figure stack that day, adding to the tournament’s competitive atmosphere.
Another noteworthy entry was Finnish poker legend Joni Jouhkimainen, who made his first appearance of the week and quickly asserted his skill, landing himself a spot in the top ten.
Standout Chip Counts
As Day 1 wrapped up, the chip counts reflected the fierce competition and skill on display. Here’s a breakdown of the top ten chip counts:
| Rank | Player | Country | Chip Count | Big Blinds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Harun Ertural | Germany | 1,488,000 | 149 |
| 2 | Alex Livingston | Canada | 1,258,000 | 126 |
| 3 | Ka Kwan Lau | Spain | 1,200,000 | 120 |
| 4 | Daniel Montagnolli | Austria | 1,134,000 | 113 |
| 5 | Aaron Pahlawani | Austria | 1,019,000 | 102 |
| 6 | Joni Jouhkimainen | Finland | 911,000 | 91 |
| 7 | Vlado Banicevic | Montenegro | 886,000 | 89 |
| 8 | “Sie Pie” | 772,000 | 77 | |
| 9 | Lautaro Guerra | Spain | 750,000 | 75 |
| 10 | Vadim Zakharyan | Israel | 711,000 | 71 |
A Mixed Bag of Fortune
While many players enjoyed success, others faced the harsh reality of the tournament. Acclaimed bracelet winners such as Simeon Naydenov, Amir Mozaffarian, and soccer star Max Kruse were among the notable names who exited without a bag. Cesar Garcia humorously earned the title for the most re-entries, having fired five bullets unsuccessfully throughout the day.
Looking Ahead to Day 2
As anticipation builds for Day 2, all eyes will be on the returning players as they reconvene on November 8 at 3 p.m. local time. Late registration remains open for the first two levels, allowing new players to join the fray and existing players the chance to rebound. The goal for Day 2 is clear: play down to the final 16 contenders, who will then prepare for the event’s climactic conclusion.
As the stakes continue to rise, PokerNews promises to bring fans all the latest updates and insights from the thrilling €10,300 PLO Grand Slam Championship in Tirana. The quest for glory is just beginning, and the players are ready to lay it all on the line to claim their share of the lucrative prize pool. Tune in tomorrow for what promises to be a gripping continuation of this high-stakes poker event!
