Ognyan Dimov Achieves Milestone Victory at EPT Cyprus
Nine years ago, Bulgarian poker player Ognyan Dimov made headlines when he clinched victory in the European Poker Tour (EPT) Deauville Main Event. That stunning achievement earned him a shiny trophy and a spot on the poker map, but for nearly a decade, he had been searching for a second title. His quest ended triumphantly as he emerged as the champion of the $20,000 No-Limit Hold’em event at EPT Cyprus.
A Long-Awaited Triumph
Dimov expressed his joy post-victory, stating, “But I didn’t have the spadie, so now I’m pretty happy.” His win not only granted him the elusive spade trophy but also saw him finalize an ICM chop with fellow competitor Kayhan Mokri. Dimov took home $253,876, while Mokri secured $260,800, showcasing the high stakes and competitive spirit at EPT Cyprus.
EPT Cyprus $20,000 No-Limit Hold’em Final Table Results
The final table of this prestigious tournament saw seasoned players competing fiercely. Here are the results:
| Place | Player | Country | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ognyan Dimov | Bulgaria | $253,876 |
| 2 | Kayhan Mokri | Norway | $260,800 |
| 3 | Aleksejs Ponakovs | Latvia | $139,900 |
| 4 | Juan Pardo | Spain | $103,800 |
| 5 | Markkos Ladev | Estonia | $81,200 |
| 6 | Ren Lin | China | $63,200 |
With this victory, Dimov’s live tournament earnings soared to an impressive $6.2 million, placing him fourth on Bulgaria’s all-time money list. His resume includes not only EPT titles but also a coveted WSOP bracelet, solidifying his status as one of Europe’s prominent satellite poker players.
Competitive Landscape of the Tournament
The $20,000 No-Limit Hold’em event at EPT Cyprus drew 47 of the strongest names in the poker world, culminating in a robust prize pool of $902,776. Among those competing were past champions like Adrian Mateos, Dimitar Danchev, and Artur Martirosian, who, despite their reputation and skills, were unable to cash in this time.
The competition was fierce, and it was not long before the chip lead changed hands multiple times. One noteworthy moment was when Hassan Nashar seized the lead by eliminating two players in a dramatic three-way all-in. His momentum, however, was fleeting; soon after, he found himself eliminated before the money bubble burst.
Espousing camaraderie, poker offers surprising turns. Mehdi Chaoui found himself on the bubble, knocked out by Konstantin Voronin, who doubled up in dramatic fashion with pocket jacks.
Final Table Highlights
The final table kicked off with Markkos Ladev holding the chip lead. Notably, Juan Pardo, who had already made five buy-ins before the final table, upped the ante by moving all-in with pocket sevens, eliminating Jelle Moene who held ace-queen.
Aleksejs Ponakovs showcased remarkable skill, doubling with aces and then seizing the lead after another big hand, but his fortune soon turned when he faced Ognyan Dimov. Dimov’s steady play assured him the chip lead, propelling him to the final moments of the tournament.
As the field narrowed down, Dimov’s strategic gameplay became even more evident as he eliminated Pardo and Ponakovs, culminating in a heads-up duel against Mokri.
The Climax: Heads-Up Showdown
The heads-up battle saw Mokri slightly ahead at the start, with chips stacked at 2,500,000 to Dimov’s 2,200,000. Recognizing the competition, both players agreed to chop the prize money and flip for the trophy—a moment of high stakes poker jubilation.
With Mokri drawing an eight-high against Dimov’s ace-high hand, Dimov finally secured the victory, scoring the trophy that had been just out of reach for nearly a decade.
Conclusion
Ognyan Dimov’s win at EPT Cyprus marks a significant milestone in his career, reaffirming his dedication and prowess in high-stakes poker. With his victory, the Bulgarian poker scene comes alive, celebrating yet another success story within its ranks. Dimov’s triumph is a reminder of the relentless spirit and tenacity that define the world of professional poker, where every hand dealt carries the promise of new opportunities waiting to be seized.
