Antanas Guoga, best known in the poker world as Tony G, is one of the most recognizable players in the world of poker. Known for his outlandish behaviour at the table, combined with natural ability, Tony G is one of the most successful Australian players in the world.
Born in Lithuania, Tony moved to Australia at the age of 11, settling in Melbourne. By the age of 18, Tony was playing poker. He immediately created a reputation as being an aggressive player and loudly berating his opponents, one he still deserves today.
The most infamous hand played by Tony G and watched around the world was at the Intercontinental Poker Championship, where Tony went all in pre-flop with As2s again Ralph Perry’s KcJs. After the cards were dealt Tony won the pot eliminating Ralph Perry from the tournament and Tony immediately let fly with insults. “C’mon Russian get out, it’s time to go” and “You’re a professional player and I can do this to you, you’re a terrible player” were just some of the insults heard at the table. Whilst the other players at the table were watching and trying not to laugh too hard, Ralph Perry wasn’t overly amused, but took it like a professional.
Aside from being famous for outbursts like the one against Perry, Tony’s accomplishments cannot be overlooked.
Tony currently sits second for most money won by an Australian player with over $4 million in winnings. What’s interesting about his winnings is he has never won for more than $1 million in a single tournament. His biggest win was $552,539 in May 2009 where he came 3rd in a €25,000 European High Roller Championship. He has had multiple wins in all forms of poker disciplines, from No Limit Hold’em, Pot Limit Omaha and Seven Card Stud. His highest first place was a win at the £5,000 Main Event at European Poker Championship for £260,000 ($456,822).
Tony is also a WPT champion, winning Event #2 of the Bad Boys of Poker Championship, when he outflopped Mike Matusow with Td8d against Matusow’s KsKh.
His World Series of Poker resume has yet to have a bracelet, but he has had 16 cashes for a total of $657,962 with his best result being a 3rd place in the £5,000 Pot Limit Omaha event at the World Series of Poker Europe in 2007. On top of his 3rd place finish, he has had 3 more final tables.
These days, he plays the biggest events available on the poker circuit. He has also made appearances on the new PokerStars Big Game cash television show. He also recently won a gold bracelet for a win in an event at the Wynn Casino in Las Vegas, which earned him $270,000.
Tony G has a large fan base, with his followers keeping up to date at his personal blog www.tonygpoker.com.