Mikalai Vaskaboinikau: A Champion at the EPT Cyprus Super High Roller

Every poker player has a unique reason for playing the game. For some, it’s all about the financial gains, while others relish the social interactions it offers. Yet, there are those for whom the thrill of competition and the desire to win trophies overshadow all other motivations. Mikalai Vaskaboinikau falls squarely into the latter category. As he claims, “I like to get trophies,” and on a fateful day at the final table of the European Poker Tour (EPT) Cyprus $50,000 Super High Roller, Vaskaboinikau fulfilled a decade-long dream that culminated in both prestige and triumph.

A Dream Realized

Emerging victorious after defeating Artur Martirosian heads-up, Vaskaboinikau not only pocketed a generous cash prize of $601,397 but also claimed the prestigious Golden Shard trophy. “This is the main target for me in poker, competition, and to win trophies,” he noted, expressing his deep attachment to this hard-fought achievement. This win marked Vaskaboinikau’s second major title, following his triumph at the Triton Series Main Event in Montenegro, where he earned over $4.7 million earlier this year. With this latest victory, Vaskaboinikau’s live tournament earnings have surged past the $9 million mark, solidifying his rank as one of Belarus’s most accomplished poker players.

“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 reflected on his earlier success, showcasing his passion for the game.

The Final Table Dynamics

The final table kicked off shortly after noon local time at the breathtaking Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa. Vaskaboinikau began the day amidst tough competition, with Adrian Mateos, a Spanish poker superstar and EPT champion, holding a commanding chip lead of 5,175,000. This was an uphill battle for Vaskaboinikau, who, along with a few other players, was on the lower end of the chip spectrum at the start.

The action at the final table was both thrilling and tense. Quickly, Jamil Wakil was eliminated in sixth place, a decision made under pressure; he managed to quadruple up but ultimately fell to the relentless game strategies of his opponents.

Vaskaboinikau went on to double his stack with a bold play against Alexander Zubov, who was ousted soon after. The critical turning point came when Vaskaboinikau began to establish a dominant position, garnering chips while navigating the plays of seasoned competitors like Roman Hrabec and Mateos.

Developments saw Vaskaboinikau not only claiming the chip lead but effectively turning the tide of the competition. After a moment of negotiation among the final three players — Vaskaboinikau, Mateos, and Martirosian — a deal was reached, allowing Vaskaboinikau to focus solely on winning the coveted trophy.

The Unforgettable Heads-Up

As the heads-up play commenced, Vaskaboinikau initially had a slight lead over Martirosian. However, in the ever-shifting dynamics of poker, Martirosian managed to double up with a fortunate hand. The late game saw Vaskaboinikau face a pivotal moment when he bravely moved all-in against Martirosian’s pocket aces, only to miraculously hit a running flush to reclaim a commanding lead.

Martirosian put up a valiant fight, but ultimately, after a series of all-ins that kept both players on edge, Vaskaboinikau sealed the deal by calling Martirosian’s shove, exhibiting his confidence with a hand of pocket fours compared to Martirosian’s ace-deuce. When the board revealed no helpful cards for Martirosian, Vaskaboinikau emerged as the champion, the trophy and glory finally his after ten long years of dedication and competition.

Beyond the Casino

For Mikalai Vaskaboinikau, poker serves as more than just a source of income; it is an exhilarating escape from the complexities of everyday life. He describes it as an enjoyment that allows him to “clear [his] mind from business and to just get out of some problems, some routine.” His passion for the game is coupled with the joy of competition, enabling him to revisit a sense of childhood thrill.

Vaskaboinikau’s victory also holds immense personal significance. He dedicated this win to his family, expressing a heartfelt desire to bring the trophy back to his children. As he puts it, “For every father, if he gets success in something he feels proud. His family feels proud for him.” His thoughtful perspective amplifies the emotional stakes tied to the triumph, showcasing the deeper values of family and legacy intertwined within the world of competitive poker.

Conclusion

Mikalai Vaskaboinikau’s experience at the EPT Cyprus $50,000 Super High Roller epitomizes the combination of talent, perseverance, and the spirit of competition that makes poker a truly captivating endeavor. After ten years of dedicated pursuit in one of the world’s most revered poker series, he emerged as a champion, not just in securing monetary success but also in accomplishing his ardent quest for trophies and recognition. As he carries home the trophy to his family, this remarkable journey reflects the unique narratives that poker continues to inspire — stories where ambition meets relentless effort, culminating in unforgettable moments of victory.