The Exciting Resurgence of the Super High Roller Bowl: PLO Edition
The world of poker has always been rife with thrilling competitions and high-stakes drama, but one event stands out more than most—the Super High Roller Bowl. This prestigious tournament is particularly notable for its Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO) variant, which has recently captivated both players and viewers alike. After an incredibly successful debut last year, the biggest-ever PLO tournament is back with the PokerGo Tour (PGT) Super High Roller Bowl, featuring a jaw-dropping $100,000 buy-in.
A Journey Through Last Year’s Triumph
Last year’s inaugural event not only made waves for its enormous prize pool of $3.8 million but also set the stage for astonishing performances from top poker professionals. Among them was Jared Bleznick, who became a legend in the making after winning the tournament, taking home an impressive $1.3 million. His victory was a testament to his skill and strategic prowess, essentially laying claim to the title of PLO champion.
As Bleznick returns to the felt, there is a palpable excitement surrounding the potential for back-to-back victories. On Day 1 of this year’s competition, he ended in second place in chips, highlighting his consistency and expertise in the game. His early success was driven by an incredible cooler against Samuli Sipila, where quad jacks trumped Sipila’s aces full. Such high-stakes moments are what make PLO not just a game but an electrifying experience.
The Competitive Landscape
Bleznick’s journey isn’t without formidable competition. He trails behind Artem Maksimov, a seasoned competitor who is on the hunt for his first PGT title after multiple final table appearances in past PLO events. Among those who also made it through Day 1 were notable names like Isaac Haxton, Josh Arieh, Sam Soverel, Sean Winter, and the recent PGT PLO Championship victor Ben Tollerene. Each of these players brings their own unique playing style and history, adding layers of intrigue to the tournament.
The following table summarizes the Day 1 chip counts, showcasing the tight race among elite players:
| Rank | Player | Country | Chip Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Artem Maksimov | Russia | 1,775,000 |
| 2 | Jared Bleznick | United States | 1,367,000 |
| 3 | Ben Tollerene | United States | 1,256,000 |
| 4 | Josh Arieh | United States | 1,231,000 |
| 5 | Jeremy Ausmus | United States | 859,000 |
| 6 | Jonas Kronwitter | Austria | 800,000 |
| 7 | Sam Soverel | United States | 752,000 |
| 8 | Joni Jouhkimainen | Finland | 706,000 |
| 9 | Sean Winter | United States | 517,000 |
| 10 | Isaac Haxton | United States | 468,000 |
The Quest for Glory: Challenges and Surprises
As the tournament unfolded, it became clear that not every participant would have smooth sailing. The likes of Daniel Negreanu faced a disappointing Day 1 as both of his entries were met with eliminations. In a poker showdown with John Riordan, Negreanu’s first attempt was thwarted, and in the second, he found himself on the wrong end of a bluff against Jason Koon. These unexpected twists highlight the unpredictable nature of PLO and further intensify the competitive atmosphere.
In a game where fortunes can rapidly change, the current leaderboard presents an exciting snapshot of the potential outcomes. With registration still open until the start of Day 2, the stage is set for both seasoned pros and up-and-coming players to stake their claim to become the next SHRB PLO champion.
What’s Next?
As players returned for Day 2, the blinds had increased to 4,000/8,000, leaving ample opportunities for those looking to make a comeback. PokerNews has committed to providing updates on the tournament as it advances toward crowning the next PLO champion.
The allure of the Super High Roller Bowl lies not only in the stakes but in the community of players and the stories woven through each round. Will Jared Bleznick continue his reign, or will someone else break through to seize the moment? One thing is certain: the action is just heating up.
For those eager to catch the latest happenings, follow the live updates on PokerGO and check out some thrilling highlights from the previous streams on YouTube.
About the Author
Connor Richards is an Editor & Live Reporter for PokerNews and host of the Life Outside Poker podcast. With two nominations for the Global Poker Awards for his writing, Connor brings expertise and insight into the poker world, further enriching the narratives that unfold in thrilling tournaments like the SHRB.
