June 2026 Oriolelion plus Graypack TR
Hi LVL-hope everyone has been having a great 2026 so far. I’m more of a frequent lurker/reader vs poster, but I will att
Was hoping to be in the main room, but unfortunately the table was in the Sportsbook.Interesting note about a player at the table. For those of us who watched poker on TV during the 2000s heyday, you may recognize the name Chau Giang. Not sure why he was slumming with us plebes at low stakes, but he didn’t interact much before leaving after an hour or so.
Believe there was another thread last year about him playing $1/$3 as well. Most likely he is busto and/or doesn't really have the skill level to play much higher. Not that there is anything wrong with that, as you can still supplement your income decently in these games.
Good luck on your trip!
I don't get too starstruck by poker players anymore since you see recognizable faces all around the venue at the WSOP every year, but I did have a brief fanboy moment when Scotty Nguyen casually walked right past my table during the Colossus. 'Hey, that's Scotty Nguyen!' I assume he was also playing the event since we were out in the middle of the field. His Hendon shows zero cashes at the 2026 WSOP, a lone 2025 cash in the $1k WSOP Seniors, and a lone 2024 cash in the $1500 WSOP Closer.
There are a couple ways you can look at these situations. These top pros often have a shelf life at the peak of the game. On the one hand, it's a little sad to see a legend like Chau playing 1/3 or a $50k HORSE champ like Scotty slumming it in a $500 tournament. On the other hand, it's nice to see them still engaging with the game even if their peak as professional players is behind them. Provided that Chau isn't desperate for cash, I think it's pretty cool that he loves poker enough to grind a 1/3 game.
We had high expectations for Gymkhana and while my Father in Law loved it, his brothers liked it, I was a bit underwhelmed.
The service was on the whole really good and attentive. The ambiance was a mixed bag-really liked the decor and layout, the latin background music was an odd choice, and the dim lighting made it very difficult for us to read the menus. Drinks and cocktails were excellent, the appetizers were really good (especially the Gol Guppas and the chicken tikka), the entrees were average, and the desserts were good. I definitely enjoyed the meal and experience, but I’ve had better Indian meals at a fraction of the cost.
We watched the USA vs Turkey match at the Aria Lobby Bar afterwards. Pretty sick ending to the game with the last minute Turkey winner, but glad that the USA still won the group.
Update incoming about my all night session at MGM.
