Elias Gutierrez Claims Second High Roller Title at EPT Cyprus
In the blistering heat of beautiful Cyprus, renowned PokerStars Ambassador Elias Gutierrez showcased remarkable composure and skill to secure his second high roller title at the 2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour Cyprus. With two major victories under his belt in just a matter of days, Gutierrez continues to cement his status as one of the top players in the high-stakes poker circuit.
A Triumphant Week
Gutierrez’s remarkable week commenced at the exquisite Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa, where he triumphed in the $25,000 Super High Roller Warm Up, netting a substantial $417,570. His winning momentum did not stop there. Just days later, he once again found himself in the spotlight, this time clinching victory in the $25,000 Super High Roller Second Chance event, which secured him an additional $390,200 and another coveted Spadie trophy.
These victories have significantly bolstered Gutierrez’s poker career. His series of wins has elevated his total earnings during the event to over $800,000 and pushed his lifetime earnings past the illustrious $1 million mark, earning him a spot among the top 25 players on Spain’s all-time money list.
Final Table Triumph
The $25,000 Super High Roller Second Chance event attracted a competitive field of 50 entries, creating a substantial prize pool of $1,200,500. Gutierrez emerged at the top, overcoming fellow poker star Teun Mulder in a swift heads-up duel that lasted just one level. The final table results were a testament to the intense competition and skill displayed by all players involved:
| 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 |
A Key Moment in Heads-Up
Reflecting on his victory, Gutierrez shared with PokerNews the emotions involved in his heads-up battle. He noted that this final showdown felt more challenging due to his strong desire to win, especially after his earlier triumph. “My first win was more difficult. The heads-up was very up and down,” he stated, adding that he had a better mindset going into this match.
Gutierrez emphasized the importance of mental preparation: “I tried to relax and think clearly about what I was doing and what was going on.” This mental clarity translated into a decisive performance, allowing him to execute his strategy effectively against Mulder.
Intense Action on Final Day
The final day of the event was packed with drama and suspense. After surviving intense competition on Day 1, the remaining players were joined by twelve more late registrants, intensifying the stakes. The excitement was palpable as the players vied for a limited number of payout spots, with only seven places available.
Heartbreak struck early for several hopefuls, including fellow PokerStars Ambassador Sam Grafton and Day 1 chip leader Albert Daher, who both fell short of cashing. Unfortunately for Daher, a cold four-bet with ace-queen against Gutierrez’s kings forced him out just shy of the final table.
The action intensified when Roman Hrabec found himself as the bubble boy, unable to secure a pay-out after clashing with Mulder’s set. The breaking of the bubble quickly led to fierce eliminations, with Simone Andrian being swiftly dispatched by Mulder after his pocket queens were cracked.
Conclusion of the Event
Throughout the final table, we witnessed incredible strategic moves, dramatic shifts in chip counts, and emotional highs and lows. The event concluded in a rapid yet thrilling heads-up where Gutierrez overcame all odds, showcasing his expertise and psychology in the high-stakes arena. On the last hand of the tournament, Gutierrez shoved the river with top pair, ultimately outmaneuvering Mulder to claim victory.
With this victory, Gutierrez continues to solidify his legacy in poker, proving yet again that he is a formidable force in the world of high rollers. As the EPT Cyprus tournament continues, fans and players alike eagerly anticipate more thrilling moments and nail-biting action on the felt.
