The Fiery Rivalry of Online PLO Pros: Kontautas vs. Gerritse

In the ever-evolving world of online poker, the forums can be as fierce a battleground as the felt itself. While many players opt for social media platforms such as Twitter to express their discontent and grievances, the vibrant Two Plus Two forums continue to serve as a hub for poker-related discourse, as evidenced by the recent fiery exchange between two of the game’s most notable Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO) pros: Grazvydas Kontautas from Lithuania and Dirk "Venividi1993" Gerritse from the Netherlands. Their feud encapsulates not only the competition within the realm of high-stakes poker but also the evolving nature of player interaction in a digital age.

The Spark Ignites

The drama began on October 11, 2023, in the High Stakes Thread on Two Plus Two—a popular forum known for its in-depth discussions among poker enthusiasts and professionals alike. Grazvydas Kontautas, riding the high of his recent success, casually dismissed what he perceived to be a lesser achievement by Venividi, stating that running up a $1 million stack against poker legend Phil Galfond was no great feat. In the same breath, Kontautas flaunted impressive graphs of his own multi-million dollar PLO profits. It was clear that he was not just aiming for friendly banter but was issuing a challenge to his peers and the forum at large.

Escalating Tensions

Fast forward to the following Friday, and the atmosphere had grown even more charged. A forum member initiated a conversation, proposing that Laszlo "omaha4rollz" Bujtas, Grazvydas, and Venividi should be considered for the title of the best six-max PLO player in the world. Grazvydas, however, was having none of it. He quickly fired back that “Venividi ain’t no heavyweight,” clearly questioning Venividi’s status among the greats.

In a follow-up post, when asked to rank the top six-max PLO players, Grazvydas placed himself at an impressive No. 2, only behind omaha4rollz, and relegated Venividi all the way down to No. 12. The playful trash talk took a sharper tone when he sarcastically suggested creating a top-50 list to include less notable players like Fernando "JNandez" Habegger, further stoking the flames of rivalry.

The Gauntlet is Laid Down

In a bold move, Grazvydas challenged his rival to not only a heads-up poker match but also suggested a chess match and a power slap match, showcasing a penchant for theatrics that has become somewhat of a hallmark in the poker community. The audacity of his challenge left many forum members buzzing, speculating whether this was a serious proposition or merely banter designed to escalate interest in their rivalry.

The Twist: Declarations and Denials

However, the plot took a twist early that Tuesday when Finnish PLO standout Eelis Parssinen posted a screenshot indicating that Grazvydas had actually rejected an invitation to join a three- or four-handed match with both him and Venividi. Parssinen added that Grazvydas had been offered “a few bb/100 handicap,” a gesture that suggested good faith on the part of the other players.

In a dramatic retort, Grazvydas countered with proof that it was, in fact, Parssinen who had declined his proposal for a heads-up challenge wherein Grazvydas was willing to put up $600,000 against Parssinen’s $200,000 over 50,000 hands of no-limit poker at a notable 3:1 odds. This exchange has fueled the fire, showing that not only are there clashes of ego and talent at stake, but also significant financial implications.

The Show Must Go On

As the heated discussions continue to permeate the Two Plus Two forums, the rivalry is far from over. With Grazvydas and Venividi both being formidable players in their own right, the poker community is left to wonder whether we will see an actual match materialize or if this will remain a war of words with heightened stakes. What is clear, however, is that the drama surrounding Kontautas, Gerritse, and Parssinen electrifies the world of online poker, engaging fans and players alike as they tune in to witness how this rivalry unfolds.

The world of high-stakes poker is about far more than just the cards being dealt; it involves pride, a quest for recognition, and the primal instinct to outdo one another. In this landscape, the age-old adage applies: all is fair in love and poker. The question remains—who will come out on top when the chips finally hit the felt? Time will tell in this riveting showdown in the world of PLO Poker.