The excitement of poker was palpable on Day 1a of the €5,200 PLO Grand Slam Opener, part of the illustrious Diamond Poker Series, held at the stunning Arena Casino Tirana. This much-anticipated event attracted 95 entries, weaving a tapestry of hope and ambition as players vied for a slice of the €1,000,000 guaranteed prize pool. While the enthusiasm was clear, the day unfolded with a mix of triumphs and tribulations, culminating in a riveting conclusion that set the stage for the upcoming rounds.
An Engaging Start
As the tournament kicked off, players settled in with a sense of expectation. The action was swift, with numerous entrants keen to make their mark. However, the ambitious prize pool target loomed large, and players faced the inevitable ups and downs that come with the high-stakes world of Pot-Limit Omaha. After 11 levels of intense gameplay, only 19 players managed to survive and bag their chips to prepare for Day 2.
Stars Rise to the Top
Leading the charge into Day 2 is Norwegian high roller Tom-Aksel Bedell, who demonstrated remarkable resilience. After a rocky beginning—at one point plummeting to a mere 45,000 chips from his starting stack of 200,000—Bedell found his footing in the latter part of the day. Post-final break, he surged to an impressive 2,165,000 chips, translating to a commanding 144 big blinds. His performance not only positioned him as the chip leader but also earned him a ticket to the €10,300 PLO Championship later in the series, a well-deserved accolade.
Just trailing Bedell is Spanish player Sergio Martinez Gonzalez, who executed a masterful five-way all-in midway through the day, amassing a staggering 400 big blinds. This pivotal moment cemented his standing, allowing him to conclude Day 1a with 2,010,000 chips—only the second player to breach the two million mark.
Tom-Aksel Bedell and Sergio Martinez Gonzalez
Notable Competitors Shine
Apart from the top two, several players made significant impressions. An anonymous entrant known only as “Tony” claimed the bronze position with a stack of 1,780,000 chips. Meanwhile, seasoned Omaha players Pavel Izotov and Grzegorz Derkowski, along with former soccer professional and bracelet winner Max Kruse, also secured seven-figure stacks, showcasing their expertise in the game.
End of Day 1a Top Ten Chip Counts
| Rank | Player | Country | Chip Count | Day 2 Big Blinds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tom-Aksel Bedell | Norway | 2,165,000 | 144 |
| 2 | Sergio Martinez Gonzalez | Spain | 2,010,000 | 134 |
| 3 | “Tony” | 1,780,000 | 119 | |
| 4 | Pavel Izotov | Belarus | 1,575,000 | 105 |
| 5 | Christoforos Chrysochoidis | Greece | 1,195,000 | 80 |
| 6 | Max Kruse | Germany | 1,170,000 | 78 |
| 7 | Dima | 1,090,000 | 73 | |
| 8 | Ggerga | 1,075,000 | 72 | |
| 9 | Lautaro Guerra | Spain | 940,000 | 63 |
| 10 | Borislav Bogdanov | Bulgaria | 810,000 | 54 |
Among those who successfully made it through was Andrew Leathem, Scotland’s eighth all-time money earner, who bagged 625,000 chips. Conversely, bracelet winner Cesar Garcia finished with 290,000 chips but still remains in contention as they move towards Day 2.
Highs and Lows
However, not all stories had a happy ending. Player “Jay” faced incredible misfortune, firing off eight bullets without a successful bag. Additionally, other prominent players, including Nikolaos Lampropoulos, Oleksii Kovalchuk, and Sonny Franco, were unable to progress beyond Day 1a, highlighting the unpredictable nature of tournament poker.
Looking Ahead
The stakes will be just as high on November 5, when Day 1b gets underway at 3 p.m. local time. Players will have another chance to make their mark, with the same 11 levels in play. Late registration will remain open until the shuffle up and deal on Day 2, ensuring that even newcomers or those needing a second chance can join the frenzy.
With the thrilling action expected to continue, be sure to stay tuned to PokerNews for all the updates and coverage from the PLO Grand Slam tournament floor. The drama is only just beginning, and all eyes will be on the remaining players as they navigate the challenges ahead in pursuit of glory and a piece of that enticing prize pool.
