€12,300 PokerStars Cuatro Knockout: A Bounty Tournament with a Twist
The €12,300 PokerStars Cuatro Knockout has made a significant mark on the European poker scene since its inception. Introduced during the 2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour (EPT) in Barcelona, this unique tournament format combines traditional poker elements with an innovative bounty system. Now, for the first time, it is being held in the stunning setting of the Hilton Prague, capturing the attention of poker enthusiasts and professional players alike.
An Intriguing Tournament Format
The Cuatro Knockout is not just another poker tournament; it adds an exciting twist to the bounty format. When the competition reaches its final 25%, each of the remaining players receives a bounty token valued at €12,000—just €300 less than the tournament’s full buy-in. This innovative approach ensures that bounties significantly influence the overall prize pool, increasing the stakes and making each hand more thrilling as players vie for both elimination and survival.
Previous Champion Highlights
The inaugural event in Barcelona witnessed some outstanding performances. The poker legend Steve O’Dwyer emerged victorious, taking home a grand prize of €163,720 while simultaneously securing four bounties totaling €48,000. Following closely in second place was Byron Kaverman, who earned €107,400 and snatched one leading bounty of €12,000. Santhosh Suvarna rounded out the top three, collecting €77,900 and matching O’Dwyer’s bounty haul.
Final Results from EPT Barcelona
| Place | Player | Country | Prize | Bounties |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Steve O’Dwyer | Ireland | €163,720 | €48,000 |
| 2 | Byron Kaverman | United States | €107,400 | €12,000 |
| 3 | Santhosh Suvarna | India | €77,900 | €48,000 |
| 4 | David Coleman | United States | €59,100 | €12,000 |
| 5 | Ottomar Ladva | Estonia | €45,700 | €24,000 |
| 6 | Joakim Andersson | Sweden | €34,900 | €12,000 |
| 7 | Fabiano Kovalski | Brazil | €26,900 | €12,000 |
| 8 | Martin Zamani | United States | €21,500 | €0 |
The tournament attracted a competitive field with 62 entries, generating an impressive prize pool of €537,120. Following Barcelona, the Cuatro Knockout was staged again at the EPT Cyprus, where another talented player, Aren Bezhanyan, took down the title, earning €151,840.
Final Results from EPT Cyprus
| Place | Player | Country | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aren Bezhanyan | Armenia | €151,840 |
| 2 | Aleksandr Chernikov | Russia | €100,400 |
| 3 | Biao Ding | China | €67,700 |
| 4 | Casimir Seire | Finland | €51,400 |
| 5 | Boris Kolev | Bulgaria | €39,700 |
| 6 | Aliaksei Boika | Belarus | €31,500 |
| 7 | Atanas Malinovi | Bulgaria | €24,500 |
Tournament Structure and Registration Details
The current Cuatro Knockout in Prague features a well-thought-out structure designed to enhance the players’ experience. Registration remains open until the conclusion of Level 10, allowing latecomers a chance to jump into the action.
Key Tournament Features:
- Start Time: 2:00 PM local time
- Starting Stack: 100,000 chips
- Blinds: Begin at 500/1,000 with a 1,000 big blind ante, offering players a full 100 big blinds.
- Level Duration: 30 minutes
- Time Banks: Players receive 15 seconds for initial decisions and 30 seconds for subsequent actions, with the option to obtain additional time banks through re-entries.
- Breaks: A 15-minute break after Levels 3 and 6, with a longer 60-minute dinner break post-Level 10.
Looking Ahead
As the tournament unfolds at the Hilton Prague, players are set to enjoy a vibrant atmosphere amid one of Europe’s most historical cities. With compelling stories, fierce competition, and the allure of significant prizes, the €12,300 PokerStars Cuatro Knockout is an event that promises drama and excitement.
Stay tuned to PokerNews for regular updates and coverage as more action unfolds at this notable poker extravaganza in Prague!
