Phil Galfond has done it again. The Pot-Limit Omaha master has secured his second win in the much-anticipated Galfond Challenge, defeating formidable opponent ActionFreak after a 20-day online battle that showcased both skill and strategy at the highest level.
A More Comfortable Ride—But Still a Sweat
Unlike his nail-biting first challenge against “Venividi1993”, which came down to the final few hands, Galfond had a much smoother run this time. Heading into the final session with a cushion of over $260,000 and fewer than 1,000 hands left to play, it seemed like a sure thing. However, ActionFreak didn’t go down quietly—he clawed back nearly $134,000 during the final session, trimming Galfond’s margin to a $125,000 profit when the virtual dust settled.
Galfond’s smart, strategic approach on the last day showed his experience. Knowing he had a healthy lead, he began to “limp” into hands to protect his winnings and minimize variance. “There was no real chance of losing the challenge,” Galfond said, reflecting on the final day’s strategy.
Sweet Side Bet Bonus
Beyond his profit from the heads-up match itself, Galfond also cashed in a $164,000 side bet—a prearranged bonus for winning the challenge. That brought his total win to just under $290,000.
Still, Galfond remained modest in victory, refusing to compare ActionFreak with Venividi1993. Instead, he referred to both as “excellent players,” showing the same respect and class that’s made him a fan favorite in the poker community.
What’s Next for Galfond?
With the match concluded, Galfond now plans to return to the U.S., where he’s expected to eventually face Chance Kornuth in a future challenge, possibly on WSOP.com. However, Galfond admits that plans are still uncertain. “There’s a lot up in the air,” he stated.
For now, Galfond’s second win in the challenge solidifies his reputation as a dominant force in Pot-Limit Omaha and as one of the game’s most respected figures—both on and off the felt.
