A Triumph at EPT Cyprus: Mikalai Vaskaboinikau Claims His First EPT Title
This week, the European Poker Tour (EPT) Cyprus played host to a $50,000-entry Super High Roller event that captivated the poker world with its thrilling display of skill, nerve, and a record-breaking prize pool of $2,279,970. After ten years of chasing the elusive EPT trophy, Belarussian player Mikalai Vaskaboinikau finally broke through, clinching the title and etching his name into the annals of poker history.
The Final Table: A Battle of Elite Talent
The final table featured some of the most formidable players in the game, including Spanish superstar Adrian Mateos, rising star Artur Martirosian from Russia, and Roman Hrabec from Czechia. As the players vied for their share of the impressive prize pool, tensions ran high.
Final Table Results:
| Position | Player | Country | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Mikalai Vaskaboinikau | Belarus | $601,397* |
| 2nd | Artur Martirosian | Russia | $495,815* |
| 3rd | Adrian Mateos | Spain | $555,758* |
| 4th | Roman Hrabec | Czechia | $262,200 |
| 5th | Alexander Zubov | Russia | $205,200 |
| 6th | Jamil Wakil | Canada | $159,600 |
(*Indicates a deal was made prior to the conclusion of the tournament.)
Eychenne Busts on the Bubble
The tournament attracted a total of 47 entries, setting the stage for only six players to leave with profits. The bubble burst dramatically when French player Thomas Eychenne, holding pocket queens, was eliminated by Martirosian’s ace-king after a chilling board produced a river that left Eychenne empty-handed. This early exit highlighted the tough nature of the competition, where even skilled players paid dearly in this high-stakes environment.
With the bubble burst, the remaining players secured their first payouts. However, it was not long before the field was reduced to five, with Canadian Jamil Wakil finishing in sixth place as his pocket deuces fell victim to Alexander Zubov’s flush, netting him $159,600.
Zubov and Hrabec Take Turns Exiting
With five players left, Alexander Zubov soon fell victim to the aggressive play around the table, ultimately being eliminated in fifth place. His all-in with jack-four was met with Adrian Mateos’s pocket fives, and when the board failed to bring hope for Zubov, he departed with $205,200.
For Hrabec, the level of play intensified. He went in all-in with ace-ten but was unable to secure a victory against Vaskaboinikau’s pocket eights and was knocked out in fourth place with a prize of $262,200. The action escalated, leading to a strategic discussion regarding a deal among the three remaining competitors.
The Deal Decides It
In the shadow of impending eliminations, the remaining three — Vaskaboinikau, Martirosian, and Mateos — engaged in deal negotiations. With over $1.6 million at stake, the discussions proceeded under the guidance of experienced tournament director Toby Stone. The agreement led to significant payouts, with Vaskaboinikau securing the Golden Shard trophy, particularly meaningful given that it had eluded him for so many years.
Ultimately, it was round after a series of hands, after which Mateos went out in third place when his ace-three met Vaskaboinikau’s ace-king. This thrust Vaskaboinikau into a commanding position, carrying a stack of 6.42 million against Martirosian’s 5.33 million.
In a final hand rife with tension, Martirosian moved all-in with ace-deuce but was swiftly called by Vaskaboinikau’s pocket fours. The ensuing river sealed the deal, awarding Vaskaboinikau the grand prize of $601,397 and fulfilling his years-long dream of winning an EPT trophy.
Celebrating the Victory: A Personal Triumph
In an emotional response to his significant victory, Vaskaboinikau expressed what the win meant to him. “Poker is something to clear your mind from business and to just enjoy the game,” he shared with PokerNews. This trophy is more than just a financial reward; it represents a decade’s worth of perseverance and dedication to the craft.
Vaskaboinikau revealed that winning an EPT trophy had long been an ambition, feeling honored to finally realize it. His comment, “Now I have a big one and I can relax,” reflects not just the relief of achievement but also the fulfillment of a lifelong goal to compete and win within the prestigious world of poker.
Looking Forward
As the dust settles on this thrilling Super High Roller event, Mikalai Vaskaboinikau’s victory at EPT Cyprus serves as an inspiring reminder to all aspiring poker players: sometimes, ten years of hard work and determination can lead to unforgettable triumphs. The trophy on his mantelpiece stands as a testament to his commitment, and for Vaskaboinikau, it’s just the beginning of what he hopes will be an illustrious career in the world of poker.
