Chengdu Pandas Win the First Season of Global Poker League China
The inaugural season of the Global Poker League China has concluded and it was the Chengdu Pandas who emerged victorious, winning one million Chinese Yuan (approx. $151,000) and writing their names into the GPL’s history books.
Twelve teams competed during the GPL China’s first season, all from different regions of China.
- Beijing Great Dragons
- Chengdu Pandas
- Guangzhou Pioneers
- Hangzhou Legends
- Hong Kong Treasure Ships
- Kunming Phoenix
- Macau Lions
- Shanghai Golden Tigers
- Shenzhen Eagles
- Taiwan Black Bears
- Tianjin Guardians
- Xi’an Warriors
By the time the finals came around, it was only the Chengdu Pandas and the Hong Kong Treasure Ships who were in with a chance of GPL glory. The Pandas and Treasure Ships faced off in a best-of-three contest showcasing their six-max, heads-up and “2v2” skills on the big stage.
The Pandas won the first round despite falling behind during the six-max element. Consecutive wins in the 2v2 and traditional heads-up battle gave the Pandas a one-nil advantage.
In the second round, the action went right down to the wire and ended in spectacular style courtesy of a three-way all-in. The Pandas won the 2v2 contest so a victory in either the traditional heads-up or six-max would see them crowned champions.
Winfred Yu won the heads-up contest for the Treasure Ships to even matters up. The six-max event was packed with drama and saw the last remaining Panda flanked by two of the Treasure Ships’ players. On a 8♥A♦2♠ flop, all three players moved all-in. The Panda held A♠3♥ and while he was ahead of one of his opponents, who held 9♠4♣, he needed some help to beat the A♥10♠ of the other Treasure Ship member.
That help arrived on the turn as the dealer put the 3♦ onto the felt and when the Q♣ completed the community cards, the Pandas were crowned GPL China’s champions.
Fans of the Chengdu Pandas enjoyed an exciting and successful debut season and must be delighted with their team’s performances off the table because the Pandas generously donated five percent of their winnings to local charitable causes.
