Mikalai Vaskaboinikau: A Rising Star at the PokerStars European Poker Tour Cyprus
The air was electric at the PokerStars European Poker Tour (EPT) Cyprus as players gathered for the thrilling conclusion of the $10,200 No-Limit Hold’em event. Among the contenders, Mikalai Vaskaboinikau stood out as a player determined to seize the opportunity for glory, not just for the monetary prize, but for the coveted trophy that signifies mastery and success in the poker world.
A Year to Remember
2023 has proven to be a break-out year for Vaskaboinikau, a veteran player who originally hails from Belarus. Earlier in May, he achieved a significant milestone by winning a Triton event, clinching $4,737,000—a sum that exceeds half of his lifetime tournament earnings. This monumental win was not just a flash in the pan; it marked the beginning of what would become a stellar streak of performances.
At the Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa, Vaskaboinikau built on this momentum by claiming his first PokerStars trophy in the series—the $50,000 Super High Roller, which netted him an impressive $601,397. Fast forward to the final table of the $10,200 No-Limit Hold’em, and he was once again on the hunt for another title.
Climbing to the Final Table
With 87 entries and a prize pool of $843,900, the turbo format of the tournament ensured fast-paced action. The first level saw multiple players eliminated in quick succession, setting the stage for intense competition. While players like Ren Lin showcased aggression early on, it wasn’t long before Vaskaboinikau also amassed a dominating chip stack.
As the bubble burst and the money began to flow, Vaskaboinikau maneuvered through the final table, toppling competitors including the formidable Adrian Mateos and Farid Jattin. The stakes were high, but Vaskaboinikau’s experience and strategic prowess shone through as he secured his position at the top.
The Thrilling Heads-Up Duel
Once Ren Lin was eliminated in third place, the stage was set for heads-up action between Vaskaboinikau and Bulgaria’s Krasimir Neychev. With a significant chip lead, Vaskaboinikau could have pushed for a larger portion of the prize. Instead, he opted for a display of sportsmanship—proposing a 50-50 split of the prize money, provided he was crowned the champion and awarded the trophy.
"These trophies are where you get proud of yourself, right?!" he later remarked in joy. Neychev agreed, and they both walked away with $195,500 each, while Vaskaboinikau officially won his first PokerStars Spade trophy.
Celebrating the Victory
After his stunning win, Vaskaboinikau reflected on the significance of this moment. "It feels amazing! For ten years, no trophies, and now two in a row," he exclaimed, embodying the thrill of a player who has finally found his rhythm. The victory also holds personal significance for Vaskaboinikau, who mentioned that he needed the third trophy, as his family was expecting another child.
His success did not just add another title to his name; it encapsulated a journey that many players dream of—a combination of skill, strategy, and a touch of luck coming together at the right time.
Final Table Results
At the end of the tournament, the final results were as follows:
| Place | Player | Country | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mikalai Vaskaboinikau | Belarus | $195,500* |
| 2 | Krasimir Neychev | Bulgaria | $195,500* |
| 3 | Ren Lin | China | $109,500 |
| 4 | Farid Jattin | Colombia | $84,300 |
| 5 | Julien Sitbon | France | $64,800 |
| 6 | Viktor Ustimov | Russia | $51,500 |
| 7 | Nikita Kuznetsov | Russia | $41,200 |
| 8 | Hassan Nashar | Gambia | $33,000 |
| 9 | Kully Sidhu | UK | $26,400 |
| 10 | Fahredin Mustafov | Bulgaria | $21,100 |
*Represents a heads-up deal.
Conclusion
As Mikalai Vaskaboinikau continues to blaze his trail on the professional poker circuit, his recent success at EPT Cyprus exemplifies not just skill, but a commendable sportsmanship and respect for the game. With three trophies now in his collection and more possibly on the horizon, his journey has just begun, and fans of the game are eagerly watching to see where his talent will take him next. Congratulations to Vaskaboinikau—a player who has proven that hard work and dedication pays off, both on and off the felt.
