Chinese poker pro Xixiang Luo has claimed his third World Series of Poker bracelet in spectacular fashion, winning the inaugural $1,500 pot-limit Omaha double board bomb pot event. This unique victory builds on Luo’s impressive recent WSOP performances.
Key Takeaways:
- Xixiang Luo won the first-ever WSOP $1,500 PLO double board bomb pot event
- This marks Luo’s third WSOP bracelet and second consecutive year with multiple wins
- The unconventional format showcased Luo’s adaptability and poker skills
Xixiang Luo has once again demonstrated his poker prowess by capturing the inaugural $1,500 pot-limit Omaha double board bomb pot bracelet at the World Series of Poker. This victory, worth $290,400, represents Luo’s third career WSOP bracelet and cements his status as a formidable force in the poker world.
A Unique Format
The PLO double board bomb pot event presented a novel challenge for players. In this format, all participants ante every hand, with two three-card flops dealt before any action occurs. The game features three betting rounds – on the flop, turn, and river – with the pot split between the best hand on each board. Players must use exactly two cards from their hand and three from the board, adhering to Omaha rules.
This chaotic environment proved to be the perfect stage for Luo to showcase his skills. Despite the format’s inherent volatility, Luo navigated the field with precision, outlasting a final table that included six previous WSOP bracelet winners among the final 13 players.
Building on Past Success
Luo’s victory in this event is particularly noteworthy as it follows his win in a similar format just one year ago. In 2024, Luo claimed the bracelet in a $1,500 mixed no-limit hold’em and pot-limit Omaha event that featured one double board bomb pot hand per game change. This year’s tournament amplified that concept, consisting entirely of PLO bomb pots.
The Path to Victory
Entering the final day with a slim chip lead, Luo steadily built his stack throughout the session. A pivotal moment came in a massive pot against Brian Smith, where Luo’s full house and straight combination on the two boards secured him a commanding chip lead with just three opponents remaining.
The heads-up battle against Robert Klein proved to be a swingy affair, with both players trading the chip lead. However, Luo’s persistence paid off in the final hand, where his ace-high spade flush and wheel straight on the two boards sealed the victory.
Player of the Year Implications
With this win, Luo has positioned himself as a serious contender in various Player of the Year races. The victory earned him 960 Card Player Player of the Year points, building on his impressive 2024 campaign where he finished fifth in one of the most competitive WSOP POY races in recent memory.
Final Table Results
The final table saw a mix of established pros and rising stars battling for the coveted bracelet. Here’s how the top finishers fared:
1. Xixiang Luo – $290,400
2. Robert Klein – $193,517
3. Samuel Stranak – $137,805
4. Danny Wong – $99,413
5. Brian Smith – $72,664
6. Bjorn Verbakel – $53,824
7. Ian Matakis – $40,410
8. Jacob Baumgartner – $30,756
Looking Ahead
Xixiang Luo’s triumph in this innovative format underscores his versatility and adaptability as a poker player. As the WSOP continues to introduce new and exciting variants, players like Luo who can quickly adjust their strategies will likely find continued success. With three bracelets now under his belt and a knack for excelling in unconventional formats, Luo has firmly established himself as a player to watch in future WSOP events.
