The PokerGO Tour Texas PLO Roundup’s $3,300 buy-in main event drew a massive field
Lawrence Chang has cemented his name in poker history by winning the largest Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO) event ever held in Texas. The year is coming to an end and this poker professional seems to be closing it with a flourish.
The 2024 PokerGO Tour Texas PLO Roundup’s $3,300 buy-in main event took place at Champions Club Texas in Houston and attracted a record-breaking 474 entries. The event not only shattered its $1 million guarantee but also set a new state record with a $1.42 million prize pool. Chang walked away with the $300,000 top prize, marking his first six-figure tournament win.
Chang, a Texas resident, had previously achieved modest success on the poker circuit, with his highest cash being $25,650 at the 2019 L.A. Poker Classic. This victory significantly elevates his profile, adding 1,080 Card Player Player of the Year (POY) points to his tally, bringing him closer to the top 500 in the standings.
The final day of the tournament began with seven players vying for the title. Early eliminations included LaDarren Banks in seventh place and Sean Rafael in sixth, both earning significant payouts. The game intensified, and Andrew Ige and Senovio Ramirez emerged as major contenders, with Ige delivering key knockouts to climb the leaderboard.
Chang entered heads-up play against Ige with a slight chip deficit. The match saw the lead swing back and forth before the pivotal hand occurred. On a dramatic board featuring a straight and flush draw, Chang’s ten-high straight turned into a flush on the river, clinching him the title and leaving Ige as the runner-up with $200,000.
This event not only highlights the growing popularity of PLO but also underscores Texas’s status as a burgeoning poker hub. With its massive turnout and record prize pool, the tournament sets a high bar for future events in the Lone Star State.
