The Weekend Round Up – December 29, 2024
Welcome to this week’s GGPoker Weekend Roundup, where we celebrate the final chapter of an epic year of poker! As the last weekend of the year unfolded, the virtual felt came alive with electrifying action, breathtaking bluffs, and strategic plays that left poker fans shocked and awed. With 2025 just around the corner, this weekend proved to be a fitting finale, showcasing the rising stars and seasoned pros.
A Weekend of Poker Action
The GGPoker tables were ablaze with high-stakes drama as players from across the globe battled it out in events designed to test both their mettle and their poker mastery. At the heart of the action was The Weekender, drawing massive attention with its intense competition and dazzling prize pools. Adding to the festivities, GGPoker’s holiday promotions delivered one last hurrah for the year, with $24 million in giveaways sparking joy—and perhaps a little envy—among poker enthusiasts.
This weekend wasn’t just about big wins and flashy plays; it was about the real emotions and rivalries that make poker exciting. Players faced tough choices, deciding when to take big risks or play it safe, knowing one wrong move could end their run. Every hand was filled with tension as experienced pros showed why they are the best, while eager newcomers attempted to prove they truly belong amongst the elite. From daring bluffs to smart folds, each play reminded us why poker isn’t just about the money or the cards—it’s about outthinking your opponents.
The Weekender Omaholic Bounty
The Weekender Omaholic Bounty delivered another thrilling weekend of Pot-Limit Omaha action on GGPoker, drawing in fans and players alike. With a guaranteed prize pool of $100,000 and a relatively low $54 buy-in, the event attracted 1,989 entries, leaving the prize pool at $100,000 with an overlay of $1,186.48 to the players to battle over. The enthusiasm of the PLO community once again shone brightly in this high-octane format.
After multiple intense Day 1 flights, 367 players advanced to the final stage, each eager to chase a piece of the prize pool and stack up bounties along the way. The finale lasted 4 hours and 42 minutes, where every hand held the potential for massive paydays. When the tournament ended, it was ‘BiscuitMax’ emerging victorious, having outmaneuvered the competition to secure $5,326.45 in prize money and an additional $5,254.08 in bounties.
In second place was ‘jozsitomi’ whose impressive performance earned them $5,325.01 from the main prize pool and $1,711.50 in bounties. Rounding out the top three was ‘kokilida’ who showcased their skills to take home $4,036.48 in prize money along with $824.34 in bounties, solidifying their spot as a standout player in the event.
Sunday Showdown $108 [Mystery Bounty]
The weekend action continued to run strong with the Sunday Showdown $108 [Mystery Bounty], one of GGPoker’s most anticipated events. Rebranded for the Winter Giveaway Series as the Sunday SNOWDOWN, the tournament turned up the heat with a $500,000 guarantee and an extra $25,000 added to the prize pool. The response from players was electric, with 7,637 entries obliterating expectations and building an impressive $783,812.32 prize pool. The mystery bounty format kept everyone on edge, offering surprises and suspense over nearly ten and a half hours of intense play.
When the dust finally settled and the last hand played out, it was ‘King_ZZ’ who emerged victorious, taking home $43,397.29 in prize money along with $1,528 in bounties for a well-earned triumph. The runner-up, ‘Manuel Pochat’ put on a stellar display of skill, claiming $32,540.70 plus bounties. It was the bounties that made him the biggest winner of the tournament having plucked the largest mystery bounty, an incredible $50,000, plus an additional $9,548 in other bounties. At the end of the tournament, while only finishing in second, his total haul was $92,088.70. Completing the top three was ‘cxs6666’ who pocketed $24,402.05 and added $828 in mystery bounty winnings to their haul.
Sunday High Rollers Main Event
The Sunday High Rollers Main Event once again showcased why it stands as one of GGPoker’s most prestigious tournaments, attracting the crème de la crème of the poker world. Also part of the Winter Giveaway Series, this $1,050 buy-in guaranteed $250,000 prize pool and offered a $12,500 add-on. The event brought in 398 entries, elevating the total prize pool to an impressive $410,500. It was a battle of poker’s best, where strategy, skill, and resilience were put to the ultimate test.
The action unfolded over 10.5 hours of high-intensity play, with only the top 55 players making the money. Rising to the occasion was ‘Oscar Cueva’ whose impeccable performance earned them the title and a massive $78,857.60 payday. Following closely in second place was ‘Markku Koplimaa’, who walked away with $59,134.65 after a gripping heads-up duel. Claiming third was ‘Aubstriakk’, whose steady and sharp play netted them $44,344.72, adding another impressive result to their poker resume.
Bounty Hunters Sunday Main Event
The Bounty Hunters Sunday Main Event was another standout of the weekend and one of the most anticipated events. With its $54 buy-in and $500,000 guarantee, the tournament received an added boost as part of the Winter Giveaway Series, with a 5% add-on sweetening the pot. By the time late registration closed, an astonishing 17,298 players had taken their seats, driving the final prize pool to $884,364.64, including the $25,000 add-on.
The tournament ran for nearly 11.25 hours of fast-paced, bounty-laden action, delivering thrills at every turn. Rising above the massive field was ‘Mimi02’, whose stellar run secured them $41,771.94 in prize money, which included $19,424.14 in bounties. Not far behind, ‘HylKeK’ clinched second place, earning $22,337.06 from the main prize pool and $3,258.54 in bounty rewards for a stellar performance. Completing the podium was ‘inkipinkiponky’, who claimed $17,748.98 in winnings and an additional $9,243.70 in bounties.
What would you do?:
Bounty Hunters HR Main Event
Continuing the weekend excitement of the Winter Giveaway Series, the Bounty Hunters High Roller Main Event raised the stakes even higher with a $50,000 add-on supplementing the already impressive $1,000,000 guarantee. With a $525 buy-in, this premier event attracted 2,868 entries, surpassing expectations to generate a jaw-dropping $1,484,000 prize pool. The competition was fierce, with high-stakes regulars and ambitious challengers locking horns in an all-out battle for glory.
After an epic 11-hour-and-15-minute marathon, it was ‘Tern12’ who triumphed, taking home $54,386.89 from the main prize pool and an additional $53,722.60 in bounties, a testament to their tactical brilliance and resilience. The runner-up, ‘C Sampaoli’ gave an incredible performance, earning $54,385.45 in prize money and $32,855.32 in bounties, coming just short in a dramatic heads-up clash. Rounding out the top three, the same spot he finished at the 2024 WSOP Main Event, was ‘Niklas Astedt’ who secured $43,214.52 in winnings along with $24,880.93 in bounty prizes, proving again he is one of the best in the world.
GGMasters Bounty $320
Another cornerstone of the weekend schedule, the GGMasters Bounty, added even more excitement to the Winter Giveaway Series. This $320 buy-in freezeout event came with a guaranteed $300,000 prize pool bolstered by a $15,000 add-on. With 1,630 players taking their shot, the tournament exceeded expectations, creating a final prize pool of $500,088. The stage was set for an all-out battle where every elimination carried satisfaction and bounty rewards.
After an intense 10 hours and 24 minutes of play, ‘KVeit’ emerged victorious, claiming $20,392.22 for first place and $29,774.98 in bounty prizes, delivering a remarkable performance. Coming in second was ‘openthe’, who fought valiantly to secure $20,391.60 from the prize pool and $1,596.09 in bounties, narrowly missing the top spot. Rounding out the top three was ‘CTPELOK5242’ whose steady and skilled approach earned $21,437.17 in total, including $5,234.06 in bounty winnings.
GGMasters High Rollers $1,050
The GGMasters High Rollers added an extra dash of prestige to an action-packed weekend. With a $1,050 buy-in, this high-stakes tournament drew 736 elite players, each eager to prove their mettle. The overwhelming turnout pushed the prize pool well past its $500,000 guarantee, landing at an impressive $736,000 and setting the stage for an intense, high-level showdown.
Over 11 hours and 46 minutes of fierce competition, ‘Fernando Olimpio’ emerged triumphant, claiming an impressive $102,990.60 for their stellar performance. Following closely in second place, ‘Dmitriy Kopyl’ demonstrated exceptional skill and tenacity, earning $78,957.49 after a thrilling heads-up duel. Completing the podium was ‘Barboza’, who showcased consistent play and endurance to take home $60,532.90.
GGMasters $150
The weekend continued to hit new highs with the GGMasters $150 Freezeout, a fan-favorite in the prestigious GGMasters series. With its pure freezeout format and a guaranteed $500,000 prize pool, this event drew an impressive 3,974 players, pushing the total prize pool to $548,412. With no rebuys or second chances, the pressure was palpable as competitors gave it their all during 11 hours and 45 minutes of intense gameplay.
Rising above the pack was ‘DveKartonki’, whose sharp strategy and unwavering focus secured the title and a remarkable $61,887.29 in prize money. Close behind in second place was ‘huangjunmei’ who fought valiantly to claim $46,406.73 after a stellar performance. Rounding out the top three was ‘PLAYNOGAME,’ whose disciplined play earned them $34,800.14 for an impressive third-place finish.
The Weekender
Closing out the weekend with its signature excitement, The Weekender once again delivered the high-energy competition, making it a cornerstone of GGPoker’s tournament lineup. With a $50 buy-in and a guaranteed $250,000 prize pool, the event attracted 5,186 entries, leaving the total prize pool at $250,000 with an $11,444 overlay. Players worldwide battled through multiple Day 1 flights, with 1,026 advancing to the final day to chase glory.
After 6 hours and 35 minutes of heated competition, it was ‘BooYaH_’ who claimed the title, taking home a hard-fought $25,071.77 after a thrilling heads-up clash. In second place, ‘BobLeKiller’ delivered a stellar performance under pressure, earning $19,312.85 for their efforts. Completing the podium was ‘LMD208’ whose disciplined play secured $14,893.15—a fitting reward for their consistency throughout the event.
The End of an Epic Weekend of Poker
As another electrifying weekend at GGPoker wraps up, the virtual felt has once again delivered unforgettable moments, remarkable performances, and life-changing payouts. From edge-of-your-seat finishes to exhilarating bounty chases, this weekend embodied everything that makes poker magical—a captivating mix of strategy, skill, and adrenaline-pumping drama.
Whether it was the fast-paced action of The Weekender, the high-stakes intensity of the Bounty Hunters High Roller, or the elite competition in the GGMasters High Rollers, every event brought its own excitement to the Winter Giveaway Series. New champions were crowned, rivalries were forged, and poker fans were reminded why GGPoker continues to lead the way in online poker innovation.
With more massive tournaments and jaw-dropping prizes on the horizon, the future of poker on GGPoker looks brighter than ever. So, keep refining your strategy, take your seat at the table, and chase your poker dreams. Until next year, shuffle up, deal, and let the cards create your next big story!