2023 PGT PLO Series II: Matthew Wantman, Eelis Parssinen, Stephen Hubbard, Adam Hendrix & Bryce Yockey Emerge As Champions!

The 2023 PGT PLO Series II is a riveting ten-event PLO extravaganza, running from October 19 to November 1 at the illustrious PokerGO Studio in ARIA Resort & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada.

Matthew Wantman showcased unparalleled skill and strategy amidst a formidable 172-player field, clinching the top spot in Event #1: $5,100 Pot-Limit Omaha. This significant victory awarded him his maiden PGT title and a handsome prize of $150,500, a career-defining moment. In a neck-to-neck competition, Jim Collopy secured second place, earning himself an impressive $111,800.

Event #2: $7,600 Pot-Limit Omaha Bounty was a whirlwind of talent and intensity. Finland’s Eelis Parssinen ranked fifth in his country’s all-time money list, triumphed over 149 adversaries. He grabbed his debut PGT title, bagging $149,000 along with an extra $30,000 from bounty chips. Allan Le‘s commendable gameplay landed him in the second position, walking away with a combined sum of $131,800, including his bounty earnings.

In Event #3: $10,100 Pot-Limit Omaha, Stephen Hubbard‘s mastery was evident. Rising above 103 challengers, he claimed the championship title and a whopping $231,750. Bulgaria’s Vasil Medarov showcased his prowess, finishing a close second with an impressive $164,800 in his pocket.

Event #4: $15,100 Pot-Limit Omaha Progressive Bounty witnessed Adam Hendrix‘s stellar rise against 101 fierce competitors. His unparalleled gameplay earned him the crown, alongside a whopping $324,710, of which $152,000 was from bounties. Daniel Geeng displayed exceptional skill in an intense face-off, ultimately securing $320,710, inclusive of his bounty earnings, due to a heads-up agreement.

Event #5: $10,100 Pot-Limit Omaha was the Bryce Yockey show. Amidst 114 contenders, Yockey clinched the championship, marking his eighth live poker title. This win came with a sizable $239,400 purse and the esteemed championship trophy. Kyle Merron, with his unwavering determination, secured the runner-up position, bagging a notable $171,000.

On the PGT PLO Series II Leaderboard, Event #3 champion Stephen Hubbard reigns supreme with 262 points. Trailing closely are Event #5’s champion Bryce Yockey (250 points), the consistent performer Richard Gryko from Events #3 & #4 (246 points), and Event #2’s ace Eelis Parssinen (236 points).

Matthew Wantman Binks Event #1: $5,100 Pot-Limit Omaha ($150,500)

In a dazzling showdown, Matthew Wantman skillfully outplayed a formidable 172-entry roster in Event #1: $5,100 Pot-Limit Omaha, clinching his debut PGT championship. Along with this illustrious title, he bagged a whopping $150,500 in winnings and received an exceptional PLO series token. Hot on his heels in second place was Jim Collopy, taking home a respectable $111,800.

Long-time poker enthusiasts might recognize Wantman, who has intermittently dazzled poker tables since 2010. Throughout the decade, he’s amassed an impressive over $5.102 Million in live earnings. One of his standout feats includes a career-high of $443,474 from the 2019 WPT ARIA Summer Championship $10K NLHE.

While many poker giants cashed in, not all made it to the coveted final table. Notables include Maxx Coleman (12th for $25,800), Isaac Kempton (23rd for $12,900) and Josh Arieh (25th for $8,600).

The final table of Event #1 was indeed a visual treat. With powerhouses like the USA’s Evgeni Tourevski (3rd for $86,000) and Quan Tran (4th for $64,500), Hungary’s Benjamin Juhasz (5th for $51,600), and Canada’s Mathyeu Provost (6th for $43,000), it was a face-off that had spectators at the edge of their seats.

The $5,100 buy-in PLO event honored the top 25 players, sharing the substantial $860,000 prize pot. In a twist, Chino Rheem found himself just short, ending at the 26th spot.

Surprisingly, Wantman entered the final round with just 11 big blinds but rode an early wave of good fortune to sail past his rivals. Even when up against Jim Collopy, the table’s starting chip leader, Wantman’s prowess was evident. Collopy did manage to bridge the chip gap momentarily, but the stars aligned for Wantman.

On the final hand, with the board showing , Wantman’s top two pair combined with an eight-high flush draw overpowered Collopy’s top pair and jack-high flush draw, cementing Wantman’s victory.

Matthew Wantman

Jim Collopy

The turn and river sealed the deal, crowning Matthew Wantman the champion and relegating Collopy to second place.

Final Table Results (USD)

1. Matthew Wantman – $150,500
2. Jim Collopy – $111,800
3. Evgeni Tourevski – $86,000
4. Quan Tran – $64,500
5. Benjamin Juhasz – $51,600
6. Mathyeu Provost – $43,000

Eelis Parssinen Champions Event #2: $7,600 Pot-Limit Omaha Bounty ($149,000)

In an electrifying display at Event #2: $7,600 Pot-Limit Omaha Bounty, Finland’s Eelis Parssinen outclassed a competitive 149-entry field, clinching his premier PGT championship. His remarkable play earned him a solid $149,000, further enriched by an added $30,000 from twelve bounty chips amassed over the event’s two-day duration. Parssinen was also bestowed with a distinguished PLO series keepsake. Hot on his heels, Allan Le clinched second, bagging an admirable $104,300 and an extra $27,500 from eleven bounty chips.

Having made waves in the poker world since 2012, Parssinen’s prowess is well-established. Touting a whopping $3.28 Million in live tournament wins, he proudly occupies Finland’s all-time-money-list’s 5th spot. His accolades include a massive $545,616 win from the 2021 WSOP Event #64: $5K NLH/PLO – 8 Handed.

While several poker titans made their mark in the money list, they fell short of the final table. Standouts include Isaac Kempton (8th for $29,800), Joao Simao (10th for $22,350), Jeremy Ausmus (12th for $22,350), Ronald Keijzer (13th for $14,900) and Bryce Yockey (19th for $11,175).

Event #2’s final table was a nail-biter, predominantly featuring American talents. With ace players like Dustin Goldklang (3rd for $74,500), Sean Winter (4th for $59,600), Dylan Weisman (5th for $44,700), and Brian Rast (6th for $37,250), the suspense was palpable.

The $7,600 buy-in event honored the top 22 players, sharing a sumptuous prize pool of $1,117,500. Ricardo Alvarado, unfortunately, just missed the mark, finishing 23rd and becoming the event’s money bubble.

Parssinen’s commanding presence was evident as he led the charge into the final table. His strategic and assertive moves kept rivals on their toes. Highlights included Parssinen’s tactical ousting of Brain Rast and his successful counterplays against Sean Winter, Dylan Weisman, and Dustin Goldklang.

As the showdown neared its grand finale, Allan Le seemed on the verge of upending Parssinen, coming neck-and-neck in chips. However, Parssinen’s mastery prevailed, ensuring he retained his leading position.

In a nail-biting conclusion, Parssinen’s flush on the river secured him the ultimate victory in the tournament, reining in the final bounty and relegating Le to a respectable second place.

Eelis Parssinen

Allan Le

The board revealed

Final Table Results (USD)

1. Eelis Parssinen – $149,000
2. Allan Le – $104,300
3. Dustin Goldklang – $74,500
4. Sean Winter – $59,600
5. Dylan Weisman – $44,700
6. Brian Rast – $37,250

Stephen Hubbard Triumphs in Event #3: $10,100 Pot-Limit Omaha ($231,750)

In a captivating showdown in Event #3: $10,000 Pot-Limit Omaha, Stephen Hubbard emerged victorious from a competitive pool of 103 poker maestros. Claiming an enviable $231,750 prize purse and the prestigious championship trophy, Hubbard truly distinguished himself.

Vasil Medarov of Bulgaria wasn’t far behind, clinching the runner-up spot with a commendable $164,800 cash finish.

This triumph was a milestone for Hubbard, marking the zenith of his poker journey in terms of cash finishes. As Utah’s 11th-ranked player, this victory skyrocketed his total live tournament earnings to a staggering $411,538. Notably, Hubbard had previously showcased his mettle with a praiseworthy seventh-place finish in Event #2: $7,500 Pot-Limit Omaha – Bounty.

Event #3’s final table was nothing short of a spectacle, featuring poker luminaries like Richard Gryko (3rd for $123,600), Karel Mokry (4th for $97,850), Dylan Weisman (5th for $77,250) and Cliff Josephy (6th for $61,800).

With the stakes set at a $10K buy-in, the Pot-Limit Omaha event amassed a lavish prize pool of $1,030,000. The elite top 15 were assured a minimum reward of $15,450.

On the final hand, the board showcased . Both Hubbard, armed with , and Vasil Medarov, holding , found themselves with a king-high straight. However, Hubbard held a trump card – a diamond flush draw. The river card turned the tide in Hubbard’s favor, completing his flush and sealing his illustrious win.

Final Table Results (USD)

1. Stephen Hubbard – $231,750
2. Vasil Medarov – $164,800
3. Richard Gryko – $123,600
4. Karel Mokry – $97,850
5. Dylan Weisman – $77,250
6. Cliff Josephy – $61,800

Adam Hendrix Clinches Event #4: $15,100 Pot-Limit Omaha Progressive Bounty ($324,710)

Adam Hendrix stamped his authority on the poker world by clinching the top spot in the 2023 PGT PLO Series Event #4: $15,100 Pot-Limit Omaha. Facing stiff competition from a field of 101 contenders, Hendrix rose to the challenge and bagged a whopping $324,710 ($152,000 from bounties) and the coveted championship trophy.

In a fierce showdown, Daniel Geeng asserted himself, securing the second-place finish. After a heads-up deal, he walked away with an impressive $320,710, of which $148,000 came from bounties.

Adam Hendrix’s recent triumph is a notable addition to his impressive poker journey, securing his first title of the year. Hendrix’s accomplishment further solidified his position as Alaska, USA’s highest poker earner. With this win, his cumulative live tournament earnings have reached an impressive $5.2 million.

His poker journey this year boasts an impressive array of finishes, some of which include:

– 1st place in the 2023 PGT PLO Series Event 4: $15,100 Pot-Limit Omaha, walking away with a handsome $ 172,710.

– 5th place in WSOP 2023 $50,000 Pot Limit Omaha – High Roller (Bracelet Event 71), walking away with $ 570,671

– 3rd place in WPT Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown $ 10,000 No Limit Hold’em – Deep Stack (Event 37), pocketing $ 101,500

– 3rd place in 2023 PGT PLO Series $ 10,000 Pot Limit Omaha (Event #3), bagging $ 130,000

The final table of Event #4 certainly did not disappoint, boasting a lineup of poker elites such as Richard Gryko (3rd for $118,080), Christian Heich (4th for $131,355), Daniel Negreanu (5th for $95,175) and, Joni Jouhkimainen (6th for $69,540).

With a hefty $15K buy-in, the Pot-Limit Omaha event saw 101 poker enthusiasts vying for the top spot. The collective buy-ins generated a substantial prize pool of $1,515,000. Players who managed to outlast the majority and reach the top 15 positions were ensured a payout, with the minimum cash set at a notable $18,180.

In a gripping conclusion, the final hand’s board displayed . Daniel Geeng revealed his hand, , holding a powerful nines full of fives. However, Adam Hendrix turned the tables with his , revealing a commanding quad fives, clinching the title and the championship trophy.

Final Table Results (USD) (Including bounties)

1. Adam Hendrix – $324,710*
2. Daniel Geeng – $320,710*
3. Richard Gryko – $118,080
4. Christian Heich – $131,355
5. Daniel Negreanu – $95,175
6. Joni Jouhkimainen – $69,540

*denote a heads-up deal

Bryce Yockey Wins Event #5: $10,100 Pot-Limit Omaha ($239,400)

In the 2023 PGT PLO Series Event #5: $10,100 Pot-Limit Omaha, Bryce Yockey stamped his authority, clinching the top spot from among 114 competitive players. Yockey not only added an eighth live poker title to his impressive tally but also pocketed a whopping $239,400, complemented by the distinguished championship trophy. Kyle Merron, demonstrating great skill, secured the second position, taking home a notable $171,000.

Bryce Yockey, ranked 49th on California’s All-Time Money List, added another feather to his cap. He’s a previous bracelet winner from the 2017 WSOP Event #51: $10,000 Pot-Limit Omaha. With his latest triumph, Yockey’s total live tournament earnings have now soared to a commendable $4 million.

The final table of Event #5 was nothing short of a spectacle, boasting poker heavyweights such as Jeremy Ausmus (3rd for $125,400), John Riordan (4th for $102,600), Artem Maksimov (5th for $79,800), Ben Yu (6th for $68,400) and Alex Foxen (7th for $57,000).

The Pot-Limit Omaha event, with its $10,100 entry fee, attracted 114 contenders, creating a hefty prize pool of $1,140,000. Ensuring a rewarding experience, the top 17 finishers were assured of pocketing at least $17,100.

On the decisive hand, the community cards revealed . Yockey, holding , turned a straight. In contrast, Merron, with , hoped for a board pairing, but luck wasn’t on his side this time.

Final Table Results (USD)

1. Bryce Yockey – $239,400
2. Kyle Merron – $171,000
3. Jeremy Ausmus – $125,400
4. John Riordan – $102,600
5. Artem Maksimov – $79,800
6. Ben Yu – $68,400
7. Alex Foxen – $57,000

Content and Images Courtesy: PokerGO

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