Richard Gryko captured his first Triton Poker Series trophy in Montenegro. The veteran player earned $884,000 in the $50,000 Pot-Limit Omaha event. Gryko’s victory marks his largest tournament score after two decades as a PLO specialist.
The tournament generated substantial interest across the high-stakes community:
– 62 entries created a $3.1 million prize pool
– Seven players from seven different nationalities reached the final table
– Gryko’s previous highest cash was $340,000 from the 2017 WSOP Main Event
The money bubble burst dramatically when poker legend Patrik Antonius fell in 11th place. Gryko demonstrated exceptional technical skill throughout the final table. His methodical approach proved effective against multiple past Triton champions.
This victory represents more than just a payday. It validates Gryko’s long-term dedication to PLO’s technical mastery. The British professional maintained composure during critical moments to secure this career-defining championship.
Gryko wins first Triton title in Montenegro
The British poker professional cemented his place in high-stakes history at the Maestral Resort. Gryko outplayed a star-studded field to claim his inaugural Triton trophy. His exceptional skill and composure secured the largest tournament score of his career—$884,000.
Gryko built his reputation over two decades in poker:
– First as an early online crusher
– Then transitioning to coaching
– Establishing himself as a respected four-card expert
His journey began nearly 20 years ago. His first recorded live cash came in a $2,500 Omaha eight-or-better event at the 2005 WSOP.
“A battlefield is exactly how I’d put it,” Gryko remarked after his victory, visibly exhausted yet elated. “That was more or less how it felt.” Throughout the final table, Gryko experienced significant chip swings. At times holding commanding leads. Other times, fighting from short stack positions.
The tournament attracted 62 entries including 30 re-entries. This generated a substantial $3.1 million prize pool. This marked Gryko’s fourth Triton cash. All his previous successes came exclusively in PLO tournaments. Prior to this breakthrough, his highest tournament cash was $340,000 from an 18th-place finish in the 2017 WSOP Main Event.
The heads-up battle against Martin Dam began with Gryko holding a 4:1 chip advantage. The path to victory proved challenging as Dam mounted a spirited comeback. The decisive hand unfolded dramatically:
1. Gryko raised to 750,000 from the button holding Q♦10♣9♣7♠
2. Dam three-bet to 2,250,000 with K♣10♥8♥6♣
3. Flop showed Q♥4♣2♥
4. Dam moved all-in for 2,600,000 with his flush draw
5. Gryko called with top pair
6. The turn brought 9♦ and river delivered 5♦, sealing the championship
For Dam, this represented his second runner-up finish of the week. He also placed second in the $25,000 PLO event won by Punnat Punsri days earlier.
Gryko’s triumph reflects his deep understanding of PLO’s strategic evolution. “The evolution of PLO over the last 20 years is that it’s gone from a gambling game to a game where almost anyone who came to this table will have approached it through a studied, methodological lens,” Gryko explained.
His methodical approach has clearly paid dividends. “I’ve always thought of it as a very technical game,” he continued. “If you’re going to spend thousands of hours studying it, then you’re going to find a lot of incredibly interesting pathways to go down, study wise.“
This victory pushes Gryko’s lifetime tournament earnings beyond the $3.90 million mark. It validates his specialized focus in a poker variant gaining popularity among high-stakes tournament players.
The tournament attracted numerous poker luminaries. Notable deep runs came from Stephen Chidwick (10th), recent $25,000 PLO event winner Punnat Punsri (9th), Santhosh Suvarna (8th), and Triton co-founder Paul Phua (7th).
As Gryko accepted his trophy from Luca Vivaldi, the moment represented both personal achievement and recognition. His contributions to advancing technical play in high-stakes PLO stood validated.
How the $50K PLO event unfolded at Maestral Resort
The $50,000 PLO event at Maestral Resort created its own excitement despite running alongside the larger PLO Main Event. The tournament crowned Richard Gryko champion after several days of intense competition.
Prize pool and player turnout
The high-stakes contest attracted significant participation:
– 62 entries generated a $3.1 million prize pool
– First place paid $884,000
– Ten players secured payouts starting at $150,000 for seventh place
– Reentries allowed players multiple chances at the title
Despite smaller numbers than some hold’em events, the field featured exceptional quality. Poker observers noted this tournament assembled one of the toughest PLO lineups of the series. Several poker luminaries made deep runs, including Triton co-founder Paul Phua.
Impact of concurrent PLO Main Event
The scheduling alongside the $100,000 PLO Main Event created an unexpected advantage. Several world-class PLO specialists remained occupied in the Main Event:
– Ben Tollerene
– Laszlo Bujtas
– Artur Martirosian
– Dan Cates
Their absence improved equity for $50K participants. The Main Event itself broke records with 93 entries and a $9.3 million prize pool. Nevertheless, the $50K tournament maintained its status as a premier PLO skill test.
Bubble drama and Antonius’ exit
The money bubble produced the tournament’s most dramatic moment. Poker legend Patrik Antonius faced elimination against Gryko in a critical confrontation.
After multiple betting rounds, Antonius committed his stack holding AA76. Gryko revealed AAK10, creating a virtual tie in equity calculations. The J93 flop suddenly gave Gryko a freeroll to make a flush. When an 8 fell on the turn, Gryko’s draw completed, eliminating Antonius in 11th place.
This shocking bubble burst guaranteed the remaining players a minimum cash. Martin Dam and Santhosh Suvarna witnessed the elimination with mixed emotions – relief at securing paydays while sympathizing with Antonius’ unfortunate exit.
Final Table Eliminations
The Triton Montenegro $50K PLO final table showcased seven players from seven different countries. Each elimination unfolded with technical precision as Gryko methodically advanced toward victory.
Phua Exits First
Triton co-founder Paul Phua entered with the shortest stack despite vast experience. The Malaysian businessman fell in seventh place when his top pair faced Parssinen‘s middle pair plus flush draw. A queen on the turn gave Parssinen two pair, ending Phua’s tournament for $150,000.
Coolers Claim Two Victims
Dirk Gerritse, the online specialist known as ‘Venividi1993‘, departed next. The Dutchman’s K♦K♠J♦4♥ initially led Danny Tang’s Q♠Q♦J♥8♥. A queen on the flop changed everything, giving Tang top set and sending Gerritse home with $190,000.
Austria’s Klemens Roiter suffered a similar fate soon after. Down to just 12 blinds, Roiter got it in with A♠A♣Q♦8♣ against Martin Dam‘s A♦K♠K♣9♠. The K♥ river delivered a devastating blow, awarding Roiter fifth place and $245,000.
Parssinen’s Fatal Bluff
Finland’s Eelis Parssinen started as chip leader but couldn’t maintain his advantage. His stack collapsed after an ill-timed river bluff against Gryko‘s top two pair. The British pro made the correct tank-call, catapulting himself to the chip lead.
Shortly after, Parssinen made his final stand with Q♠9♠8♥7♣ against Gryko’s A♣J♣6♥4♣. The board ran out A♦7♦3♠J♥4♥, giving Gryko aces up and awarding Parssinen fourth place with $310,000.
Tang’s Wheel Crushing Exit
Five-time Triton champion Danny Tang saw his sixth title hopes vanish dramatically. The Hong Kong pro committed with A♦J♥10♠10♣ on a 9♦5♦4♠ flop, holding an overpair. Gryko called with A♥J♣9♥3♠, having flopped top pair and a gutshot.
The 2♦ turn completed Gryko’s wheel straight, leaving Tang drawing dead. The 8♦ river confirmed Tang’s third-place finish worth $410,000, setting up the heads-up battle between Gryko and Dam.
How Gryko outplayed Martin Dam heads-up
The final confrontation showcased technical pot-limit Omaha at its highest level. Gryko and Dam delivered a masterclass in four-card strategy throughout their heads-up battle.
Gryko began with a commanding 4:1 chip advantage over his Danish opponent. This substantial lead positioned him favorably to claim the title. Dam refused to concede without resistance. His resilience proved remarkable as the match progressed.
The early exchanges saw Dam mount an impressive comeback. He drew almost level through the opening phase of heads-up play. This momentum shift created genuine tension at the final table. Dam had already demonstrated his prowess by reaching a second consecutive PLO final table in Montenegro.
The tournament’s defining moment arrived with both players committed to a massive pot:
1. Gryko raised to 750,000 from the button holding Q♦10♣9♣7♠
2. Dam three-bet to 2,250,000 with K♣10♥8♥6♣
3. Flop showed Q♥4♣2♥
4. Dam moved all-in for 2,600,000 with his flush draw
5. Gryko called with top pair
6. The turn brought 9♦ and river delivered 5♦, sealing the championship
The 9♦ turn strengthened Gryko‘s position by giving him two pair. This card simultaneously provided Dam with additional straight outs. The 5♦ river changed nothing, securing Gryko‘s victory with queens and nines.
Throughout the match, Gryko maintained remarkable poise. This represented uncharted territory in his Triton career. Even as Dam threatened to erase his chip advantage, Gryko stayed focused on his methodical approach.
“A battlefield is exactly how I’d put it,” Gryko remarked after his victory. “That was more or less how it felt.” This statement encapsulated the mental fortitude required to navigate high-pressure situations.
For Dam, this marked his second runner-up finish of the week. He had also placed second in the $25,000 PLO event won by Punnat Punsri days earlier. His $626,000 consolation prize reflected significant achievement with consecutive final table appearances.
Final Table Results
| Place | Player | Earnings | POY Points |
| 1 | Richard Gryko | $884,000 | 612 |
| 2 | Martin Dam | $626,000 | 510 |
| 3 | Danny Tang | $410,000 | 408 |
| 4 | Eelis Parssinen | $310,000 | 306 |
| 5 | Klemens Roiter | $245,000 | 255 |
| 6 | Dirk Gerritse | $190,000 | 204 |
What Richard Gryko’s Win Means for the PLO Scene
Gryko’s victory signifies a pivotal moment in PLO’s competitive evolution. His triumph represents more than just another high-stakes payday. It validates a study-driven approach that has transformed four-card poker.
PLO’s Technical Evolution
“The evolution of PLO over the last 20 years is that it’s gone from a gambling game to a game where almost anyone who came to this table will have approached it through a studied, methodological lens,” Gryko explained after his victory.
This perspective highlights PLO’s transformation within the poker ecosystem:
– Former reputation: primarily a game of chance
– Current status: complex strategic challenge requiring technical understanding
– Previous era: high-variance diversion for hold’em players
– Today: respected discipline with distinct tactical frameworks
Study-Driven Success
The British pro attributes his success directly to analytical methodology. “I’ve always thought of it as a very technical game,” Richard Gryko remarked. “If you’re going to spend thousands of hours studying it, then you’re going to find a lot of incredibly interesting pathways to go down, study wise.”
His championship performance validated this approach through:
– Disciplined decision-making throughout critical spots
– Correct calls under pressure
– Technical understanding displayed in his tank-call against Parssinen’s river bluff
The New PLO Landscape
The $50K event field demonstrated how elite players now approach PLO. Competitors exhibited calculated aggression based on equity calculations rather than loose-aggressive gambling. This technical shift parallels developments in no-limit hold’em, where solver-based study has replaced intuitive play.
For aspiring PLO specialists, Gryko’s success provides a clear blueprint:
– Disciplined study trumps gambling instinct
– Technical mastery creates sustainable edges
– Situational awareness improves decision quality
As PLO continues gaining popularity in high-stakes tournaments, Gryko’s methodical approach stands as the new competitive standard.
Head over to our PLO Starter Guide to learn what it takes to become the next PLO Triton Champ:
Gryko’s Triumph Marks Milestone for PLO Evolution
Richard Gryko’s victory at Triton Montenegro represents technical mastery in action. His path from online crusher to Triton champion mirrors PLO’s evolution in poker history. The British professional defeated 61 opponents on his way to an $884,000 payday.
The tournament showcased several defining moments:
– Patrik Antonius’ dramatic bubble elimination
– Seven nationalities competing at the final table
– Gryko’s technical excellence against Martin Dam heads-up
– Mental fortitude during significant chip swings
PLO has transformed from gambling game to technical discipline. Players now approach the game through equity calculations and range analysis. Gryko’s methodical approach validates this shift toward solver-based study over pure instinct.
“The evolution of PLO over the last 20 years is that it’s gone from a gambling game to a game where almost anyone who came to this table will have approached it through a studied, methodological lens,” Gryko noted after his win.
This victory serves as both personal achievement and PLO blueprint. Gryko applied technical knowledge consistently throughout the tournament. His decision-making remained calm during critical moments. The final table’s international makeup demonstrates PLO’s global appeal among high-stakes players.
Gryko’s championship stands as significant milestone in pot-limit Omaha’s competitive evolution. After two decades in professional poker, his technical approach finally secured a career-defining triumph.
FAQs
What was the prize pool for the Triton Montenegro $50K PLO event?
The prize pool for the Triton Montenegro $50K PLO event was $3.1 million, generated from 62 entries including 30 re-entries.
Who were the final two players in the tournament?
The final two players in the tournament were Richard Gryko and Martin Dam, with Gryko ultimately emerging as the champion.
How much did Richard Gryko win for his first-place finish?
Richard Gryko won $884,000 for his first-place finish in the Triton Montenegro $50K PLO event.
What was the significance of Gryko’s win for the PLO scene?
Gryko’s win signified the evolution of PLO from a gambling game to a highly technical discipline requiring methodical study and strategic depth.
How many different nationalities were represented at the final table?
The final table featured seven players from seven different nationalities, highlighting the global appeal of high-stakes poker.
As a PLO enthusiast with nearly 12 years of experience, I’m passionate about breaking down the complexities of Pot Limit Omaha, helping you sharpen your strategy and grow your bankroll – no matter your current level. I also share exclusive bonus and rakeback deals, along with discounts on poker courses and tools, so you can get an extra edge. When I’m not writing, you’ll usually find me online, playing PLO cash games and turbo MTTs.
