A Stellar Finish: Highlights from the 2024 PokerGO Tour PLO Series II
The finale of the PokerGO Tour (PGT) Pot Limit Omaha (PLO) Series II at PokerGO Studio in Las Vegas has created a thrilling buzz in the poker community, showcasing exceptional talent and fierce competition. Among the many highlights, Ben Tollerene emerged victorious, clinching the $25,200 buy-in Pot Limit Omaha Championship with a remarkable payout of $496,000. This win marked Tollerene’s second PGT title within a month, underscoring his prowess in high-stakes poker.
The Championship Showdown
Tollerene’s championship victory came against Samuli Sipila of Finland, who fought valiantly but ultimately finished in second place, taking home $310,000. The final table displayed a competitive spirit with recognizable names including Joni Jouhkimainen (3rd – $217,000) and Ben Lamb (5th – $116,250), further emphasizing the depth of talent in the field.
Final Table Results
| 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 triumph came against a field of 62 players, including prominent competitors, confirming his status as an Omaha specialist. This victory not only added to Tollerene’s extensive line of accomplishments but also reflected his adeptness in closing out high-stakes series—a skill he showcased just weeks prior by winning the final event of the Poker Masters, a $25,200 No-Limit Hold’em event that netted him $510,000.
Matthew Wantman’s Stellar Series Performance
While Tollerene celebrated his win, Matthew Wantman solidified his position as the PGT series leader. Wantman nabbed the overall series title by securing points throughout the event, including finishing seventh in the championship finale, which earned him $10,080.
Series Leaderboard Highlights
Wantman outperformed fierce competition, surpassing Jeremy Ausmus and Alex Foxen, who sat in the runner-up and third positions respectively. His consistent performance, including cashes in six events, was a testament to his skill and resilience throughout the series.
2024 PGT PLO Series II Top 10
| 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 |
Despite tough competition, Wantman crowned the leaderboard over established professionals like Daniel Negreanu, proving that consistency in various events can pave the way to victory in the series standings.
The Series Recap
The 2024 PGT PLO Series II saw a rich array of events and competitive play, culminating in significant earnings and accolades for numerous players. Tollerene’s win, Wantman’s outstanding series performance, and the spirited competitions marked a successful event that highlights the diversity and excitement of Pot Limit Omaha.
Winners from the PGT PLO Series II
| 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 | 64 | $960,000 | Jeremy Ausmus | United States | $288,000 |
| Event #8: $25,200 Pot-Limit Omaha Championship | 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 PokerGO Tour PLO Series II was a thrilling chapter in the world of high-stakes poker. With standout performances, significant earnings, and the camaraderie of elite players, the event has set the stage for continued excitement in the poker community. As players refine their strategies and prepare for future series, all eyes will be on Tollerene, Wantman, and their peers, eager to see who will rise next in the hierarchy of high-stakes PLO poker.
Lead photo courtesy PokerGO
Written by Connor Richards, Editor & Live Reporter U.S. for PokerNews
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