Elias Gutierrez Dominates the 2024 PokerStars EPT Cyprus with Back-to-Back High Roller Victories
In the sun-soaked setting of Cyprus, the poker community witnessed a remarkable display of skill and composure as PokerStars Ambassador Elias Gutierrez clinched his second high roller title at the 2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour (EPT) Cyprus. Amidst the scorching heat, Gutierrez not only kept his cool but also showcased his undeniable talent at the tables.
Major Wins in Quick Succession
Earlier in the week, Gutierrez celebrated his first triumph, emerging victorious in the $25,000 Super High Roller Warm Up, where he pocketed a staggering $417,570. This victory was just the precursor to an even more significant achievement as he swiftly followed it up with another win in the $25,000 Super High Roller Second Chance, where he took home an impressive $390,200 along with another coveted Spadie trophy.
These back-to-back victories propelled Gutierrez’s total earnings for the series to over $800,000, remarkably pushing his lifetime tournament earnings past the million-dollar mark. As a result, he climbed into the top 25 on Spain’s all-time money list, solidifying his status as one of the country’s premier poker talents.
A Thrilling Final Table
The final table of the $25,000 Super High Roller Second Chance saw Gutierrez outmaneuver a competitive field of 50 entries, navigating through an exhilarating atmosphere that culminated in a $1,200,500 prize pool. The heads-up battle against Teun Mulder was particularly gripping, lasting only a single level as Gutierrez seized the title in a decisive manner.
Final Table Results
The distribution of prizes at the final table reflected the high stakes of the event:
| Place | Player | Country | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Elias Gutierrez | Spain | $390,200 |
| 2 | Teun Mulder | Netherlands | $258,100 |
| 3 | Hassan Nashar | Gambia | $174,100 |
| 4 | Samuel Mullur | Austria | $132,100 |
| 5 | Kayhan Mokri | Norway | $102,000 |
| 6 | Ognyan Dimov | Bulgaria | $81,000 |
| 7 | Simone Andrian | Italy | $63,000 |
Gutierrez’s Reflections and Strategy
Reflecting on his performance, Gutierrez revealed to PokerNews the mental battles he faced during the finals. He expressed that the heads-up against Mulder felt more intense due to his desire to clinch the title once again. Gutierrez noted, "My first win was more difficult. The heads-up was very up and down. I started with a huge chip lead but my opponent turned it around. I suffered mentally because I really wanted to win."
Conversely, he approached this final with a more focused mindset. "Today, I entered heads-up better. I tried to relax and think clearly about what I was doing and what was going on," he remarked, highlighting the importance of mental preparation in high-stakes situations.
The Action on the Final Day
The final day saw 25 players return, bolstered by an additional 12 late registrants. Notable players, including fellow PokerStars Ambassador Sam Grafton, were eliminated before reaching the pay scale. The day kicked off with palpable tension as the bubble boy, Roman Hrabec, was the last player to leave without a payout, falling prey to Mulder’s set.
Once the bubble burst, the action escalated quickly. Gutierrez took a significant step in his favor as several players, including Day 1 chip leader Albert Daher, fell victim to unfortunate hands, leading to their exit just shy of the final table.
Dramatic Eliminations and a Spot in Heads-Up Play
As the final table unfolded, momentum shifted rapidly. Samuel Mullur, who had maintained a chip lead, faced a downturn leading to his fourth-place finish. Player Hassan Nashar, known for his animated table presence, was left devastated after a dominating flush turned the tide decisively in Gutierrez’s favor, eliminating him in third.
When heads-up play commenced, Gutierrez held an impressive five-to-one chip lead against Mulder, a familiar position for him in this series. However, unlike his first heads-up duel, this one concluded promptly. Gutierrez’s keen decision-making culminated in a successful shove on the river with top pair, compelling Mulder to call with a lower pair, ultimately sealing the championship for Gutierrez.
Conclusion and Future Prospects
With two high roller titles in a matter of days, Elias Gutierrez has firmly established himself as a formidable force in the poker community. His calm demeanor and strategic approach at the tables reflect a deep understanding of the game—qualities that will likely see him continue to excel in future tournaments. As the 2024 EPT Cyprus continues its run, players and fans alike eagerly anticipate what Gutierrez will achieve next in his burgeoning career. The poker world is undoubtedly watching closely!
