Mikalai Vaskaboinikau Claims Victory at EPT Cyprus $50,000 Super High Roller: A Journey of Ten Years
Poker, often regarded as a game of chance, is as much about strategy, psychology, and the relentless pursuit of victory as it is about the cards. Each player approaches the game with unique motivations—some eyeing financial gains, others relishing the social interaction, and many thrive on the thrill of competition. For Mikalai Vaskaboinikau, it has always been about one thing: the trophies. His recent triumph in the European Poker Tour (EPT) Cyprus $50,000 Super High Roller has not only fulfilled an aspiration chased for a decade but has also solidified his place in poker history.
The Quest for Glory
Vaskaboinikau’s passion for poker extends beyond monetary rewards. “Normally players play poker for money. I like to get trophies,” he stated after besting a formidable field of 47 elite players to capture the $601,397 top prize and the coveted Golden Shard trophy. This win marks a significant milestone in his career, coming ten years after he first set foot in the shark-infested waters of the EPT. For Vaskaboinikau, the trophy symbolizes more than just victory; it represents years of dedication and a commitment to competition.
“This is the second big one. Really amazing. This is the main target for me in poker, competition, and to win trophies,” Vaskaboinikau shared, reflecting on the hard work that led to this notable victory.
Final Table Results
The final table of the 2024 EPT Cyprus was packed with talent, with some of the biggest names in poker vying for the title. Below are the final results:
| Place | Player | Country | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mikalai Vaskaboinikau | Belarus | $601,397* |
| 2 | Artur Martirosian | Russia | $495,815* |
| 3 | Adrian Mateos | Spain | $555,758* |
| 4 | Roman Hrabec | Czechia | $262,200 |
| 5 | Alexander Zubov | Russia | $205,200 |
| 6 | Jamil Wakil | Canada | $159,600 |
*denotes three-way deal
A Year of Achievements
2024 is already proving to be a landmark year for Vaskaboinikau. Earlier in May, he clinched victory at the Triton Series Main Event in Montenegro, where he received over $4.7 million, bolstering his live tournament earnings to exceed $9 million. This positions him as the second-highest all-time earner among Belarusian players.
Vaskaboinikau characterized the Triton victory as “one of the top three or five events in the year,” underscoring the profound impact it had on his poker journey. “It’s a dream for a poker player to do it. It was a very big moment for me. I will never forget this moment in my life,” he reminisced.
The Long-Awaited EPT Title
Despite his significant winnings in other tournaments, the EPT title had eluded Vaskaboinikau—until now. Competing in the EPT since 2014, he had several close calls, including a second-place finish in a $25,000 event at the 2018 PCA and a fourth-place spot in the €100,000 Super High Roller at EPT Monte Carlo in 2022. “Ten years and never win even a small trophy. But now I have a big one, and I can relax,” Vaskaboinikau declared, savoring his well-deserved victory.
A Personal Touch
While poker is predominantly a game of skill, Vaskaboinikau also finds refuge in its exhilarating chaos. For him, it serves as a means to escape the pressures of his business ventures—an opportunity to rediscover youthful joy through competition. “Poker is something to clear your mind from business and to just get out of some problems, some routine, and so on. Just enjoy the game. To feel yourself like a child and compete for something,” he said.
Moreover, this victory carries personal significance, as Vaskaboinikau dedicates it to his family. He is a devoted father to two children, with a third on the way, and he desired nothing more than to bring the trophy back home. “For every father, if he gets success in something, he feels proud. His family feels proud for him,” he expressed.
The Final Table Action
Vaskaboinikau’s journey to victory in the final table was fraught with challenges. As the tournament progressed, he faced several iconic players, including Spanish superstar Adrian Mateos, who initially held a commanding chip lead. However, the dynamics shifted as players were eliminated one by one.
The final showdown was intense, with Vaskaboinikau ultimately facing Artur Martirosian in a heads-up battle. After several nail-biting hands, Vaskaboinikau secured victory when he made a remarkable comeback, boasting running cards to achieve a miracle flush that left Martirosian with few chips. With Martirosian eventually eliminated, Vaskaboinikau’s ambitions were realized.
Conclusion
Today, Mikalai Vaskaboinikau returns home not just as a champion, but as a father carrying the trophy of his dreams. After a decade-long pursuit, he has triumphed, culminating in a storied journey within the competitive poker landscape. His victory at the EPT Cyprus serves as an inspiring reminder that dedication and passion often lead to the sweetest rewards. As Vaskaboinikau continues his poker exploits, one thing remains certain: he plays not just for the prize money, but for the glory and satisfaction that comes with lifting that coveted trophy.
Stay tuned for more updates as the poker world watches this exciting player continue to make his mark.
