Jeremy Ausmus Triumphs at the 2024 PGT PLO Series II

Photo Credit: PokerGO / Antonio Abrego

In the world of professional poker, few names resonate as strongly as that of Jeremy Ausmus. The Las Vegas-based poker pro is having an exceptional year on the PokerGO Tour (PGT) in 2024, marked by impressive performances and significant earnings. As of now, Ausmus has recorded 24 cashes, totaling over $5.5 million in winnings, leading the PGT points race. However, one accolade had eluded him until recently—the elusive PGT title. That changed dramatically when Ausmus claimed victory at the 2024 PGT PLO Series II event, showcasing his skills and resilience on the felt.

The Moment of Glory

Jeremy Ausmus’s journey at the $15,100 buy-in PGT PLO Series II began with fierce competition, drawing a field of 64 entries. Despite a strong start to the season, including significant cashes and top finishes, Ausmus had yet to secure a title until this momentous victory. Winning this event not only added $288,000 to his impressive resume but also garnered him 288 PGT points, extending his lead at the top of the leaderboard. With this win, he now possesses one title, 25 cashes, and an impressive 2,789 points, leading second-ranked player Daniel Negreanu by 753 points.

Ausmus’s Year So Far

At 45 years old, Jeremy Ausmus continues to make waves in the poker world with over $23.7 million in career tournament earnings. This victory at the PGT PLO Series II marks his second title of the year, following an earlier triumph in a $25,500 pot-limit Omaha high roller at the World Poker Tour Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown. His performance has also propelled him to fifth place in the 2024 Card Player Player of the Year standings, with 432 points accrued from this latest win.

The Final Day Drama

As the final day unfolded, Gruffudd Pugh-Jones started with the chip lead, placing Ausmus in a precarious position with the second-shortest stack among the remaining competitors. However, Ausmus quickly turned the tide in his favor by doubling up early in the day and later eliminating Artem Maksimov and Alex Foxen in key pots using pocket aces.

The competition intensified with notable players such as Nick Schulman and earlier PGT Series champion Samuli Sipila vying for the title. Sipila was ousted in fourth place after failing to improve his two pair against a strong straight from Pugh-Jones. Schulman fell in third place after an intense battle with Ausmus, leaving the stage set for a thrilling heads-up match.

A Gripping Heads-Up Finale

Heading into heads-up play, Ausmus boasted a lead over Pugh-Jones, but the tides of poker are ever-changing. The duo exchanged leads multiple times, with Pugh-Jones briefly establishing a significant advantage. Determined not to be dethroned, Ausmus regained the upper hand just in time for the final hand of the tournament.

In an intense showdown, Ausmus limped in with J-9-3-2, while Pugh-Jones checked with Q-J-4-3. The flop brought A-5-4, giving Ausmus the wheel. As betting escalated, Pugh-Jones’s hopes hinged on an ambitious all-in, but the turn brought no change, and the river sealed his fate. Pugh-Jones was eliminated in second place, earning $187,200, marking his best cash to date.

Final Table Payouts

Here’s a summary of the payouts and points awarded from the final table:

Conclusion

Jeremy Ausmus’s remarkable performance in 2024 continues to solidify his status as one of poker’s elite competitors. With a hunger for further achievements and the accolades mounting, fans and fellow players alike eagerly anticipate what this talent will accomplish next. As he balances skill, strategy, and sheer perseverance, Jeremy Ausmus emerges not just as a player but as a burgeoning legend on the poker circuit.