The WPT Cambodia 2024 is running full steam and adding fuel to the fire is the highly anticipated $1 Million guaranteed championship, which commenced on January 25. The inaugural event kicked off in a thundering fashion as Day 1A attracted an impressive turnout of 373 entries, surpassing its guaranteed amount and generating $1,193,973 in prize pool. With Day 1B still left to play out today, excitement is building for a prize pool that could easily exceed $2 million. The action is slated to unfold at 11:30 AM local time for Day 1B, promising another thrilling chapter in this prestigious WPT tournament.
Adding an extra layer of excitement is the prominent presence of Indian poker pros. On Day 1A, many Indians joined the action, and an impressive seven players advanced to Day 2, set to unfold on Saturday. At the forefront of the Indian representation from Day 1A was none other than Amit Kaushik, the 2023 WPT Prime Vietnam Main Event Warm Up champion. Kaushik has been showcasing a stellar performance at the festival and has already secured two notable cashes, a 12th place finish at the WPT Championship Warm Up and a third-place at the Megastack Action Clock. Bagging an impressive 403,000 chips, Kaushik currently holds the third position among the 118 survivors gearing up for Day 2.
Another standout Indian contender who made his mark in the WPT Cambodia Championship was Sriharsha Doddapaneni, securing the ninth-largest stack of 295,000 on Day 1A. He was followed by the two-time GPI POY (India) winner Ankit Ahuja, holding a robust stack of 232,500, Asish Ghosh (178,000), Anil Adiani (159,000), Zarvan Tumboli (87,500), and Abhijith Cheruku (43,500).
It is worth mentioning that Tumboli is known for incorporating lucky charms into his play, having already clinched two WPT titles, including one in Cambodia. This time, he brings a grey-colored soft toy resembling a shark as his new lucky charm, adding an intriguing element to the tournament. However, it remains to be seen if this new unique charm will contribute to another WPT title victory for the pro.
ALSO READ:ZARVAN TUMBOLI HAS A NEW LUCKY CHARM AND IT’S NOT HIS DAUGHTER THIS TIME
As Day 1A concluded following 11 intense levels, Thailand’s consecutive GPI POY National champion, Punnat Punsri, emerged at the top of the leaderboard with a whopping 528,500 chips. He is closely followed by Vietnam’s Trung Ha Nguyen, who assessed an impressive 489,000 in chips.
Abhishek Dalmia Scores in Event #26: Deepstack Freezeout
Indians also shone in other side events. In Event #26: Deepstack Freezeout, which saw a field of 99 participants, India’s Abhishek Dalmia finished 13th, pocketing $864 ( INR 71,836). Philippines’ Justin Geronimo shipped the event, taking home $8,513 after a heads-up deal with Malaysia’s Victor Chong, who walked away with the same $8,513 as the runner-up, scoring his third cash finish at the stop.
Among other side event winners, Australia’s Thang Minh Truong took down Event #27: Turbo PLO Bounty (100), taking home $3,299. Vietnam’s Nguyen Khoi finished in second place, winning $2,041.
Image Credit: WPT & SMP
