PLO Grand Slam Prague: Vandyshev Dominates Million-Euro Opening Event

PLO Grand Slam is a relatively new but incredibly ambitious brand, having been founded in 2024 in Tirana, Albania. This was followed by grand stops in Tallinn and particularly Malta, where the festival boasted nearly 5 million in guaranteed prizepools, establishing itself as one of the largest Omaha series on the continent. The concept is simple – solely Pot-Limit Omaha, high buy-ins, deep structures, and large guarantees.

Debut in Pre-Christmas Prague

After Tirana, Tallinn, and Malta, the Grand Slam is moving to Prague for the first time. From December 1st to 12th, All Inn Casino on Wenceslas Square hosts the PLO Grand Slam Prague – 17 Omaha tournaments with a total guarantee of over €3,000,000. The festival revolves around four main 'championship' events:

• €10,400 Championship with a €1,000,000 guarantee
• €5,200 5k Million with a €1,000,000 guarantee
• €2,200 Masters with another €1,000,000 prizepool
• €15,000 PKO High Roller with a €300,000 GTD

5k Million Featuring a Star-Studded Lineup

The million-euro opener 5k Million had straightforward expectations: a €5,200 buy-in, €1,000,000 guarantee, and two starting flights (1A and 1B), followed by Day 2 with open registration and a final Day 3. This tournament was set to kick off the festival in grand style – and it did exactly that. The opening days attracted a flurry of big names from the world of poker, resulting in 182 entries.

Day 2 began with 39 survivors, joined by players from late registration. This day narrowed down the contenders for the title to the final 11, including some heavyweights: PLO Grand Slam regular Carlo van Ravenswoud, WSOPE Main Event champion Omar Eljach, bracelet winner Cesar Garcia, and Russian contender Aleksei Vandyshev, who entered the decisive day with the second-largest stack. It was clear before the final began that someone from this elite group would take the first Diamond Poker Series trophy in Prague and €218,550 for the victory.

Final PLO Lesson from Vandyshev

The final table was predominantly led by Finnish players, who set the pace from the start. Omar Eljach – WSOPE Main Event champion – added another deep run to his list, though this time finishing in 7th place for €37,220. Ryynänen and Helppi held strong chances at the title, with Ryynänen ultimately finishing fifth for €64,680, and the iconic Helppi, one of the field's most seasoned tournament pros, claiming bronze for €98,700.

As is often the case in major Omaha battles, the outcome was decided by a lengthy, swing-filled heads-up match. Aleksei Vandyshev faced fellow Finn Aku Joentausta, with the chip lead swinging back and forth, both applying pressure and showing patience, narrowly avoiding elimination multiple times. In the final hand, Joentausta hit two pairs, while Vandyshev held a wrap – a broad straight draw with numerous outs. The river delivered the card that completed Vandyshev's straight, securing him the title of PLO Grand Slam Prague 5k Million champion.

For Vandyshev, this marks his first major live result in Pot-Limit Omaha. However, given his performance, few would doubt his capabilities. From WSOP Online Main Event champion and WPT finalist, he now emerges as a formidable presence on the Omaha scene – and the PLO Grand Slam found the perfect champion for its Prague debut.

Final Table Results:

Sources – PokerNews, DiamondPokerSeries, Allinnncasino