John Riordan won the Super High Roller Bowl PLO and $1,250,000
John Riordan claimed victory in the prestigious Super High Roller Bowl Pot-Limit Omaha tournament in Las Vegas, winning $1,250,000 — the best result of his career.
John Riordan claimed victory in the prestigious Super High Roller Bowl Pot-Limit Omaha tournament with a $100,000 buy-in, held at the PokerGO Studio in Las Vegas, and took home the top prize of $1,250,000 — the best result of his career. Final Table: Battle for the Title and Prize Pool This year marked the third edition of the Super High Roller Bowl Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO), once again confirming its status as the largest tournament of its kind in the world. The $100,000 buy-in event attracted 37 players, creating an impressive prize pool of $3,700,000. The final table brought together top professionals from various countries. Among them were Americans Jared Bleznick ( Jared Bleznick ), who finished 7th for $150,000, and Bryce Yockey ( Bryce Yockey ), who took 6th place for $225,000. Representing Russia was Artur Martirosian ( Artur Martirosian ), who finished 5th and earned $300,000. Finnish pro Joni Jouhkimainen ( Joni Jouhkimainen ) ended the tournament in 4th place with $400,000, while two-time WSOP bracelet winner from Brazil Joao Simao ( Joao Simao ) finished third, adding $550,000 to his bankroll. Sam Soverel ( Sam Soverel ) stood out in particular, dominating the final table by knocking out four opponents on the last day. However, in heads-up play, he was stopped by John Riordan ( John Riordan ), who managed to turn the tide and claim the championship ring. Details of the Final Hands and Tournament Progress The tournament started with 37 entrants, notably without Daniel Negreanu ( Daniel Negreanu ), a frequent Super High Roller Bowl participant and the 2022 champion of the $300,000 No-Limit Hold'em event (where he won $3,300,000). Jared Bleznick, winner of the inaugural edition of this tournament in 2023 and fourth-place finisher in 2024, once again made a deep run. On the bubble (the threshold for making the money) on Day 2, he doubled up several times, surviving the elimination of Omaha specialist Dylan Weisman ( Dylan Weisman ). As a result, Bleznick finished 7th and received $150,000. After Bryce Yockey was eliminated at the end of Day 2, the top five returned for the final table on Day 3. Sam Soverel led in chips and immediately began to extend his advantage. Artur Martirosian found himself in a tough spot: he went all-in against Soverel, who had already flopped trips, leaving Martirosian with almost no chance to survive. Next to bust was Finnish player Joni Jouhkimainen — his pocket aces couldn't hold up against Soverel, who made a flush on the river. Brazil's Joao Simao also fell to Soverel: his kings were cracked when Soverel, holding a lower pair on the flop, managed to make a full house on the turn and river. Thus, Soverel entered heads-up against John Riordan with a comfortable chip lead. Heads-Up: Turning Point and Riordan's Victory At the start of the duel for the title, Riordan managed to win a crucial pot to even the stacks and then take the lead. In one of the key hands, Soverel, holding two pair, played aggressively on the flop against Riordan's flush draw. On the turn, Riordan completed the nut flush, and the river didn't improve Soverel to a full house, giving Riordan a decisive advantage and, ultimately, the tournament win. For John Riordan, an experienced pro from Florida, this was the biggest success of his career. Previously, his largest win was $210,180 for taking down the WSOP Circuit West Palm Beach Main Event in 2011. Earlier this month, Riordan also cashed by finishing second in the PGT PLO Series II $5,000 event, winning $103,700. Now, according to Hendon Mob, his total live tournament earnings exceed $6,300,000. Super High Roller Bowl Final Table Results: $100k Pot-Limit Omaha Place Player Country Prize 1 John Riordan USA $1,250,000 2 Sam Soverel USA not specified 3 Joao Simao Brazil $550,000 4 Joni Jouhkimainen Finland $400,000 5 Artur Martirosian Russia $300,000 6 Bryce Yockey USA $225,000 7 Jared Bleznick USA $150,000 Context: The Series, Venue, and Key Players The Super High Roller Bowl is a series of tournaments with the highest buy-ins, held at the PokerGO Studio in Las Vegas. The $100,000 Pot-Limit Omaha event has been held for three consecutive years and has already become the main event for PLO enthusiasts. This year, the tournament once again attracted the elite of the poker world, and the absence of Daniel Negreanu, one of the most famous players, was a notable development. Jared Bleznick continues to prove himself as one of the strongest PLO players, consistently making deep runs in this tournament. Artur Martirosian once again demonstrated solid play on the international stage, while Joao Simao further cemented his status as one of the most successful Brazilian players in poker history. Format Explained: Pot-Limit Omaha and Super High Roller Bowl Features Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO) is a poker variant where each player is dealt four cards, and must use exactly two of them along with three community cards to make a hand. Unlike No-Limit Hold'em, the maximum bet is limited to the current size of the pot (pot-limit), making the game more dynamic and often leading to big pots and exciting hands. The Super High Roller Bowl is a brand of the largest tournaments with the highest buy-ins, attracting only the best professionals and wealthy amateurs. The $100,000 PLO event is considered the biggest of its kind in the world, and winning it is a prestigious achievement for any player. What This Means for PPPoker Club Players John Riordan's victory in the largest Pot-Limit Omaha tournament once again highlights the importance of flexibility and readiness to adapt to the game's dynamics. Even if an opponent is dominating at the final table, smart strategy and the ability to capitalize on key moments can lead to victory — this is true for any format, including club games on PPPoker. For PPPoker club players, this tournament is a great example of how PLO continues to gain popularity among both pros and amateurs. By mastering this format, you not only expand your skill set but also open up new opportunities to grow your bankroll and improve your game. Follow major tournaments, analyze the play of top players, and apply their strategies in your club games — this will help you achieve better results. Additionally, participating in regular club PLO tournaments on the PPPoker platform is an excellent way to prepare for more serious competitions. Use the experience of professionals to improve your game, and remember that even against strong opponents, you always have a chance to succeed if you stay focused and flexible in your thinking.