The 2024 PokerGO Tour Pot-Limit Omaha Series II: A Celebration of Skill and Competition
The glimmering lights of the Las Vegas Strip served as the perfect backdrop for the 2024 PokerGO Tour Pot-Limit Omaha Series II, held from October 14-22 at the illustrious PokerGO Studio within the ARIA Resort & Casino. This year’s festival has etched its mark in poker history, with more than $8.8 million in prize money distributed across nine electrifying events that drew the best players from around the globe.
A Thrilling Conclusion
Capping off the series was a highly competitive $5,100 buy-in bounty event, which attracted 84 participants and culminated in a prize pool of $420,000. The excitement was palpable as players vied not just for cash but for prestige, as each bounty created an added layer of anticipation and strategy. As the dust settled on the final day of action, it was Anthony Hu who claimed the final bounty of the tournament, triumphing in a field that included several renowned poker marauders.
Anthony Hu: A Rising Star
Anthony Hu’s victory marked his second career title on the PokerGO Tour. Already celebrated for his impressive win in the 2023 PokerGO Cup’s $15,000 buy-in event, Hu has solidified his status as a formidable player. With this latest achievement, he walked away with a trophy, the top prize of $70,560, and an additional $16,000 in bounties, pushing his lifetime tournament earnings close to the $2.9 million mark.
Hu’s route to victory was anything but easy. He navigated a stacked final table, outlasting heavyweights such as two-time bracelet winner Bryce Yockey (8th place), series champion Matthew Wantman (7th place), seven-time bracelet winner Daniel Negreanu (6th place), and ten-time bracelet winner Erik Seidel (4th place). This victory not only boosted Hu’s chip count but also his confidence as he continues his journey through the competitive poker landscape.
Final Table Dynamics
The final table showcased an intense display of skill and strategy, where each player’s decision could tip the scales of fortune. Below are the final payouts and rankings for the event:
| Place | Player | Earnings | POY Points | PGT Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anthony Hu | $70,560 | 384 | 99 |
| 2 | Jonathan Bowers | $45,360 | 320 | 64 |
| 3 | Frank Brannan | $32,760 | 256 | 46 |
| 4 | Erik Seidel | $23,940 | 192 | 34 |
| 5 | Chase Steely | $17,640 | 160 | 25 |
| 6 | Daniel Negreanu | $12,600 | 128 | 18 |
| 7 | Matthew Wantman | $10,080 | 96 | 14 |
Series Leaderboard
Aside from Hu’s impressive performance, the broader series witnessed fierce competition for top points in the season. The rankings reflect not just wins but overall consistency and participation across multiple events. The final top ten in the series points race resemble a who’s who of contemporary poker talent, with Matthew Wantman emerging as the series champion.
| Rank | Player | Points | Wins | Cashes | Winnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew Wantman | 453 | 1 | 6 | $434,380 |
| 2 | Jeremy Ausmus | 420 | 1 | 4 | $416,140 |
| 3 | Alex Foxen | 378 | 0 | 3 | $339,540 |
| 4 | Daniel Negreanu | 366 | 1 | 5 | $351,675 |
| 5 | Samuli Sipila | 347 | 0 | 3 | $471,000 |
| 6 | Isaac Haxton | 340 | 1 | 3 | $220,540 |
| 7 | Ben Lamb | 307 | 0 | 4 | $336,790 |
| 8 | Ben Tollerene | 298 | 1 | 1 | $496,000 |
| 9 | Joni Jouhkimainen | 268 | 0 | 4 | $334,660 |
| 10 | James Chen (US) | 263 | 1 | 2 | $227,750 |
Conclusion
The 2024 PokerGO Tour Pot-Limit Omaha Series II has not only highlighted the depth of talent within the PLO community but also underscored the thrilling nature of high-stakes poker. With Anthony Hu adding another title to his resume and players like Matthew Wantman and Jeremy Ausmus demonstrating consistent excellence, the series was a resounding success. As players and fans alike reflect on this event, one thing is clear: the stakes are higher than ever in the world of competitive poker. Will we see more new champions rise next season? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain; the stage is set for more thrilling poker action in the future.
Photo credits: PokerGO / Antonio Abrego.
