Jason Koon Wins Monte Carlo PLO Event for 10th Triton Title

The latest Triton Poker Series title went to a very familiar face as the 13^th and final event of the Monte Carlo 2023 series was won by Triton’s most successful son, Jason Koon. The Triton ambassador, who won a top prize of $365,000 for his efforts at a final table packed with stars, is now well clear of his rivals in Triton terms, having won a record-extending 10^th title.

Legends Make the Money

With 50 entries (including 15 re-entries), only the final table of nine would make the money places. That meant a prizepool of $1.25 million and the man who would min-cash was Li Tong from New Zealand. It was the Hungarian Laszlo Bujtas who eliminated Tong, whose cash in ninth place was worth $36,500.

That elimination sent the final eight into a race down to the title and it was Bujtas who held the lead by a long distance. Eelis Parssinen, the Finnish super high roller regular, was in second place, and was followed by Jason Koon and Sam Greenwood as poker legends pursued the man in front.

The Spanish player Sergio Martinez was unable to survive the next elimination, cashing for $47,500 in eighth place. With the average stack dipping below ten big blinds, every decision was vital and After Martinez busted in eighth, he was quickly followed from the felt by Norwegian Tom Aksel-Bedell for $61,500 in seventh. All of a sudden, the final six were gathered around the same oval of felt as they fought for the final Triton title of the series in the Monaco province of Monte Carlo.

Greenwood Fades the Podium

With six left it was Ren Lin who busted next, cashing for $77,500. Lin lost as Eelis Parssinen hit a set on a board showing with two sevens in his hand. The Finnish pro was on a roll and steamrollered the next opponent he faced too. Bujtas had pocket kings, but they lost to Parssinen’s when the Finnish player hit.

Parssinen may have been ahead at the time but that lead didn’t last long as Jason Koon began his march to victory. Koon doubled up through the Finn when he rivered two pair to survive, and soon after, Koon took out one of his most dangerous opponents, Sam Greenwood. The Canadian, whose experience in high roller events is legendary, cashed for $129,000 in fourth place.

Two had big chip stacks in Parssinen and Koon, but Joao Vieira was not so lucky. He also lost his stack to Jason Koon, cashing for $171,000 in third place. Koon was the chip leader, but with Parssinen only marginally behind, there was to be no quick win for the American.

Koon is King Again

“It’s bizarre to get wiped out but playing really well.” ~ 10-time Triton Winner Jason Koon.

Parssinen, cosy in an oversized fleece jacket, was unable to win as with both men short, the first heads-up all-in and call saw Koon crowned the victor. As the Finn finished as runner-up, the banner proclaiming Jason Koon a ten-time champion was unveiled inside the Monte Carlo studio.

Congratulations again to @JasonKoon who is now a 10-TIME CHAMPION ✋??? pic.twitter.com/5wuKQHq98F

— Triton Poker (@tritonpoker) November 5, 2023

After the event Koon chatted to the Triton team on the sidelines.

“[I’m] happy to close it up,” he said. “Every night I go home, and I study my play and I think I played the best I’ve played in a couple of years.”

Over the years, that standard has, of course, been raised. It has taken its toll on Koon physically in the past and the situation was no different this time around.

“It’s bizarre to get wiped out but playing really well,” Koon admitted. “I’m going to go home, get myself in shape, and hang out with my family.”

If anyone has earned a rest, it’s the new 10-time Triton title winner, Jason Koon!