Elias Gutierrez Shines Brightly at EPT Cyprus with Second High Roller Title
In the sweltering summer heat of Cyprus, a remarkable poker showdown unfolded at the 2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour Cyprus. The spotlight was firmly fixed on Elias Gutierrez, a PokerStars Ambassador, as he solidified his presence in the high-stakes poker arena by claiming his second title at this prestigious event. Demonstrating remarkable skill and composure, Gutierrez navigated a field of elite players to seize the day and expand his growing resume.
A Winning Streak in Cyprus
Earlier in the week, Gutierrez showcased his capabilities by winning the $25,000 Super High Roller Warm Up at the luxurious Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa, earning a staggering $417,570. The thrill didn’t stop there; only days later, he followed up this success by taking down the $25,000 Super High Roller Second Chance, which added another $390,200 to his burgeoning bankroll. With both victories, Gutierrez captured not only massive payouts but also the coveted Spadie trophies that symbolize excellence in the poker world.
These triumphs elevated the player’s total series earnings to over $800,000, and more importantly, vaulted his lifetime earnings over the $1 million mark, landing him within the top 25 players on Spain’s all-time money list. The impressive feat highlights how Gutierrez has transformed his online prowess into live tournament success.
The Road to Victory
Facing stiff competition, Gutierrez battled through a field of 50 entries to claim the lion’s share of the $1,200,500 prize pool. A particularly notable moment was the brief yet intense heads-up battle against Teun Mulder, which lasted just a single level. The ability to adapt and remain focused under pressure exemplified Gutierrez’s growth as a player, showcasing his capability to thrive in high-stakes environments.
$25,000 Second Chance 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 |
Winner’s Reaction
Following his hard-fought victory, Gutierrez shared his thoughts with PokerNews, highlighting the emotional and psychological challenges of heads-up play. Reflecting on his journey, he remarked, "My first win was more difficult. The heads-up was very up and down. 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 approached the heads-up with a clearer mindset. “Today, I entered [heads-up] better. I tried to relax and think clearly about what I was doing and what was going on. I went back to the game a lot more mentally prepared,” he stated with confidence.
The Final Day’s Action
The final day of the tournament brought intense competition, with 37 players returning after they advanced from Day 1. Gutierrez’s path was not without hurdles; several high-profile players fell short on the money bubble, setting the stage for drama and excitement. Renowned figures like Sam Grafton, Boris Angelov, and Steve O’Dwyer found themselves eliminated as they sought to capitalize on this lucrative opportunity.
In a particularly notable moment of heartbreak, Roman Hrabec became the unfortunate bubble boy, unable to secure a payout after a challenging all-in scenario against Mulder.
The action heated up as the bubble burst, with players being eliminated in quick succession. Significant moments included Hassan Nashar, a lively competitor throughout the tournament, who had a golden opportunity to regain the chip lead, but fell victim to a punishing turn card that sent him packing in third place.
As the dust settled, Gutierrez found himself in a familiar position: heads-up against Mulder, this time holding a commanding chip lead. With keen instincts and sharp decisions, he executed a masterful final hand, sealing his victory with confidence and skill.
Conclusion
Elias Gutierrez’s triumph at the 2024 PokerStars EPT Cyprus cements his status as a formidable force in the world of high-stakes poker. With two titles under his belt within the same week, Gutierrez’s journey illuminates not just his skill, but the relentless determination and strategic thinking vital to rising in the ranks of elite poker professionals. As he continues to clash with the best of the best, fans and fellow competitors alike can expect even greater feats from this remarkable player in the future.
