Earlier this week, the PokerGO Tour journeyed to the Champions Membership in Houston for the second working of their PGT Texas Poker Open. The occasion was a rousing success, because the $2 million assured bounty was exceeded. In the long run, native participant Ravee ‘Sonny’ Sundara outlasted the 699-entry area to take dwelling a pleasant payday of over $300,000.
Execs Come Out for Texas Occasion
The match, which ran eight opening flights to construct the prize pool ($3000 buy-ins), was not wanting for star energy. A number of high execs had been in a position to scoop a little bit of the prize pool, together with David Chen, Phil Hellmuth, Isaac Kempton, Matthew Wantman, Ray Quartomy (extra on him later), and Joey Weissman. By the point the ultimate desk was decided, nevertheless, there have been just a few notable names among the many gamers, Justin Liberto, Viet Vo, and Andrew Moreno, however they might not final lengthy on the ultimate desk.
Liberto was the brief stack at first of the ultimate desk, and he couldn’t discover the magic to climb above ninth place. Vo and Moreno would final a bit longer, with Vo dropping his chips to Aaron Gao to depart in eighth and Moreno dropping in seventh place as soon as his open-ended straight draw failed to return dwelling in opposition to a turned two pair from Kaleb Harwell. The win in that hand forged Harwell into the chip lead with 5 gamers left to go.
Sundara started to make his transfer when he topped Phu Vo’s A-J that rivered a Broadway straight by holding a Q-10 for a Queens over tens full. Sundara then took a bit out of Gao to tug almost equal with Harwell and Gao, whereas Jason Bullock fought from the brief stack. After Bullock departed in fourth place after a conflict with Gao, the remaining three males determined to cube up the remaining pool:
Sundara (chip chief): $250,643
Gao (second): $247,328
Harwell (third): $237,029
The trio did depart $60,000 for the eventual champion, in addition to the shiny gold belt buckle signifying the champion of the occasion.
Though it might take a few hours, Sundara’s run good was nonetheless in line. Harwell would knock off Gao in third place, drawing nearly equal with Sundara for the heads-up battle. Then got here a quite unusual conclusion…as a substitute of taking part in it out usually, Sundara and Harwell determined to do a “finest two of three” Pot Restrict Omaha flip (playing cards up, no betting) to resolve the winner. Sundara gained each flips to win the PLO decider 2-0 and take down the championship and the rest of the prize pool.
1. Ravee ‘Sonny’ Sundara, $310,643*
2. Kaleb Harwell, $237,029*
3. Aaron Gao, $247,328*
4. Jason Bullock, $125,000
5. Phu Vo, $100,000
6. Andrew Moreno, $80,000
7. William Benson, $60,000
8. Viet Vo, $50,000
9. Justin Liberto, $40,000
(* – displays three-way deal)
Ray Quartomy Rages on Facet Excessive Rollers
There have been additionally 4 $5000 “Excessive Curler” occasions held on the Champions Membership property whereas the PGT Texas Poker Open was ongoing, and Ray Quartomy raged by way of these tournaments. Of the 4 contests, Quartomy not solely gained two of them, however he additionally ultimate tabled a 3rd to scoop up greater than $100,000 ($101,450, to be actual). Tack on $5500 for his deep end within the PGT Texas Poker Open, and it was a worthwhile week for Quartomy!
The PGT now goes on hiatus, however a slew of tournaments are on the horizon. Over thirty occasions might be held throughout the 2025 World Collection of Poker, and all are points-paying occasions in the direction of the battle for the PGT World Championship. Gamers might be setting their sights on extra than simply WSOP gold in terms of the journey to the Meadows later this month.
(Picture courtesy of PokerGO)
