Elias Gutierrez Claims Second High Roller Title at EPT Cyprus
In a dazzling display of skill and composure amidst the Mediterranean heat, Elias Gutierrez, a PokerStars Ambassador, has cemented his place in the poker world by winning his second high roller title at the 2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour Cyprus. The Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa served as the backdrop for this high-stakes event, where Gutierrez navigated a competitive field to claim victory and a substantial payday.
A Remarkable Week for Gutierrez
Earlier in the week, Gutierrez had already made headlines by winning the $25,000 Super High Roller Warm Up, taking home an impressive $417,570. Hot on the heels of that victory, he entered the $25,000 Super High Roller Second Chance event, where he once again showcased his prowess, pocketing an additional $390,200 along with yet another coveted Spadie trophy.
With this latest win, Gutierrez’s total earnings for the series surged past the $800,000 mark, pushing his lifetime earnings over $1 million and propelling him into the top 25 of Spain’s all-time money list.
Conquering the Competition
The Second Chance event attracted a competitive field of 50 entries, generating a prize pool of $1,200,500. Gutierrez’s journey to victory included overcoming notable challengers, including Teun Mulder from the Netherlands. The heads-up showdown, however, was brief but intense, lasting just one level as Gutierrez asserted his dominance.
Final Table Results:
| 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 on Victory
In an interview with PokerNews, Gutierrez reflected on the challenges of the final heads-up battle, describing it as significantly more competitive than his previous encounters. He noted, "I started with a huge chip lead heads-up, but my opponent turned it around, and I suffered mentally because I really wanted to win."
This time around, however, he felt mentally prepared. Gutierrez emphasized the importance of relaxation and focus in high-pressure situations, stating, "I tried to relax and think clearly about what I was doing and what was going on." This mental clarity ultimately enabled him to secure the title swiftly.
The Final Day’s Action
The excitement of the final day began with 25 survivors returning to battle, along with 12 late registrants. Unfortunately, many renowned players, including fellow PokerStars Ambassador Sam Grafton, fell short of the money. Grafton was eliminated early in the day, setting the stage for a thrilling battle among the remaining competitors.
One notable moment occurred when Roman Hrabec faced the misfortune of becoming the bubble boy after being forced all-in with a weak hand, resulting in an early exit without a payout. The tension heightened immediately after the bubble burst, as Simone Andrian’s hopes of victory crumbled when his pocket queens were bested by Teun Mulder’s ace-ten, leading to a swift seventh-place finish.
As the stakes rose, Samuel Mullur, who had entered the final table as the chip leader, saw his tournament cut short when his ace-three was outmatched by Gutierrez’s ace-jack, resulting in a fourth-place finish. Hassan Nashar, who maintained a lively presence throughout the tournament, was eliminated in third place in a dramatic turn of events that saw Gutierrez hit a wheel.
The Thrilling Heads-Up Conclusion
When heads-up play commenced, Gutierrez held a commanding five-to-one chip lead over Mulder. Unlike his previous heads-up encounter, this match ended swiftly when Gutierrez shoved the river with a top pair, and Mulder called with a second pair. The moment crowned Gutierrez as the champion of the $25,000 Super High Roller Second Chance event.
Conclusion
Elias Gutierrez’s exceptional performance at the 2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour Cyprus not only highlighted his skills as a player but also underscored his growing reputation in the poker community. As the tournament season continues, fans eagerly anticipate what Gutierrez and other competitors will bring to the felt in upcoming events.
Stay tuned for more coverage of the EPT Cyprus as the competition unfolds, and witness the excitement of the poker world in action.
