Texas Poker Open Triumphs, Ravee Sundara Secures Championship Title
Rewritten Article:
PGT Texas Poker Open: Sonny Sundara Triumphs in High-Stakes Showdown
Last week, the PokerGO Tour made its grand entrance at the Champions Club in Houston, Texas, for the second installment of the PGT Texas Poker Open. The event surpassed expectations, with the $2 million guaranteed prize pool being shattered. In a thrilling finale, local player Ravee 'Sonny' Sundara outmaneuvered a field of 699 contenders, pocketsing an impressive $300,000+.
High-Profile Players Pounce on Action
The tournament boasted eight opening flights, with hefty buy-ins of $3,000, and attracting some big names. Jason Koon, Mike Watson, Tatjana Pasalic, and Matthew Wantman, among others, eyed their share of the prize pool. As the final table unfolded, the star power waned, with just a few recognizable faces remaining—Justin Liberto, Viet Vo, and Andrew Moreno. But their stint at the top was short-lived.
Liberto, crippled at the start of the final table, couldn't resurrect his fortunes and finished in a disappointing 9th place. Vo and Moreno put up a valiant fight, but they were eventually eliminated in 8th (Viet Vo) and 7th place (Andrew Moreno). Their demise left Aaron Gao riding high in the chip stack, with Kaleb Harwell close behind and Sonny Sundara in third place.
A Stranger Strategy Plays Out
As the tournament headed into its final stages, Sundara seized the initiative. When his Q-10 bested Phu Vo's A-J, which had rivered a Broadway straight, Sundara surged into the lead. He then nabbed a chunk of Gao's stack, moments before Jason Bullock bowed out in a skirmish with Gao. With four players remaining, Sundara, Gao, Harwell, and Bullock made a three-way deal, with the following payouts:
- Ravee 'Sonny' Sundara: $250,643
- Aaron Gao: $247,328
- Kaleb Harwell: $237,029
- Jason Bullock: $125,000
Although the event featured a thrilling head-to-head battle between Sundara and Harwell, it took an unusual turn. Instead of playing it out conventionally, they opted for a "best two of three" Pot Limit Omaha flip, with cards on display and no betting. Sonny won both hands, securing the championship and the remainder of the prize pool in a remarkable finish.
Ray Quartomy Roars Through High Roller Side Tournaments
During the PGT Texas Poker Open, four $5,000 "High Roller" events took place at the Champions Club, and Ray Quartomy dominated the field. The poker vet clinched two victories and a third-place finish, amassing more than $100,000 in winnings. Add $5,500 from his deep run in the PGT Texas Poker Open, and Quartomy's bankroll received a considerable boost during the week.
The PokerGO Tour takes a break but is gearing up for an action-packed lineup in the upcoming events. Over thirty tournaments will be held during the 2025 World Series of Poker, with all offering points towards the battle for the PGT World Championship. Players will have their eyes set on more than just WSOP gold, with the trip to the Meadows looming on the horizon.(Photo courtesy of PokerGO)
Enrichment Data:Matthew Wantman, who participated in the PGT Texas Poker Open, is currently ranked #9 in the Global Poker Index (as of April 30, 2025), boasting a total of 2,676.35 points. Recently, he scored his fourth PGT title by winning Event #4: $10,100 No-Limit Hold'em at the U.S. Poker Open.
- Sonny Sundara emerged victorious in the PGT Texas Poker Open, bagging a prize of over $300,000 in a high-stakes showdown.
- The event, held at the Champions Club in Houston, Texas, attracted big names such as Jason Koon, Mike Watson, and Matthew Wantman.
- In the final stages, Sonny Sundara seized the initiative with a strategic move, outmaneuvering his opponents.
- Phu Vo and Sonny Sundara faced off, with Sundara's Q-10 beating Vo's A-J to give him the lead.
- Sonny Sundara, Aaron Gao, Kaleb Harwell, and Jason Bullock made a three-way deal before the final heads-up match.
- In a unique twist, the final heads-up match between Sonny Sundara and Kaleb Harwell was decided by a "best two of three" Pot Limit Omaha flip.
- Ray Quartomy, a poker veteran, dominated the four $5,000 "High Roller" events taking place at the Champions Club, finishing with over $100,000 in winnings.
- Despite the PokerGO Tour taking a break, players are already looking forward to the upcoming events and the chance to earn points towards the PGT World Championship.
- Matthew Wantman currently ranks #9 in the Global Poker Index, having amassed a total of 2,676.35 points, and recently secured his fourth PGT title.
