The Thrilling Kickoff of the €3,000 EPT Mystery Bounty in Prague
Today marks an exciting new chapter in the poker world as the PokerStars European Poker Tour (EPT) kicks off its second Mystery Bounty event at the stunning Hilton Prague. With a buy-in of €3,000, the tournament is poised to attract a strong field of players eager to delve into the mystery of bounties and chase after impressive jackpots. The play will commence at 2 p.m. local time, promising a day filled with tension and excitement.
A Look Back: Last Year’s Champion
The inaugural Mystery Bounty event last year saw Gab Yong Kim emerge as the champion, taking home a staggering €214,674 for his efforts. Kim not only captured the title but also secured €40,000 in bounty prizes, bringing his total winnings for the tournament to an impressive €254,674. The head-to-head battle concluded with a deal between Kim and Andrej Tekel, who claimed €198,278 with €12,000 originating from the bounty pool.
Since then, Kim has shown his prowess in the poker arena, making a notable appearance in Prague this year, where he recorded two cashes: a 73rd place finish in the €1,100 Eureka Main Event totaling €7,220, and a 128th place finish in the €2,200 Eureka High Roller, earning €4,980.
Final Table Highlights from Last Year
The excitement at the final table from last year was palpable as players fought for the top positions:
| Place | Player | Country | Payout | Bounties | Total Prize (EUR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gab Yong Kim | South Korea | €214,674* | €40,000 | €254,674 |
| 2 | Andrej Tekel | Austria | €186,278* | €12,000 | €198,278 |
| 3 | Ioannis Oikonomidis | Malta | €110,110 | €59,000 | €169,110 |
| 4 | Pavlos Xanthopoulos | Greece | €84,690 | €24,000 | €108,690 |
| 5 | Ioannis Poullos | Greece | €65,150 | €17,000 | €82,150 |
| 6 | Henri Kasper | Estonia | €50,120 | €50,120 | |
| 7 | Aleksandar Tomovic | Serbia | €38,560 | €2,000 | €40,560 |
| 8 | Igor Pihela Jr | Estonia | €29,660 | €6,000 | €35,660 |
*Denotes heads-up deal
Last year, players also had the opportunity to win bounties that added to the thrill of the tournament. Iurii Senchylo, Mats Nylander, and Jelle Moene each snagged top bounties valued at €50,000. Meanwhile, Oikonomidis stood out by not only capturing two €25,000 bounties but also finishing third overall, bringing his total earnings to €169,110.
The Excitement of This Year’s Tournament
This year’s Mystery Bounty tournament promises to deliver the same electrifying atmosphere and thrilling action. With blinds beginning at 100/200 and a 200 big blind ante, players will experience 40-minute levels that allow for strategic planning and aggressive gameplay. Day 1 features unlimited re-entries, enhancing the competitive spirit as players take their shot at glory.
Registration will remain open until the start of play tomorrow, allowing latecomers to join the excitement, while €1,000 of each player’s buy-in contributes to the enticing bounty prize pool. The day’s play is scheduled to cover 12 levels, interspersed with 20-minute breaks after Level 3 and Level 6, along with a more extended 75-minute break after Level 9.
Keeping You Updated
As the Action unfolds in Prague, be sure to stay connected with PokerNews for real-time updates, insights, and highlights from the tournament. With the beautiful backdrop of Czechia’s capital and the thrill of poker at its finest, the €3,000 EPT Mystery Bounty promises to be a memorable event for all involved. Whether you’re in the heart of the action or following from afar, the allure of challenge, camaraderie, and cash is unparalleled in this world-renowned tournament.
Stay tuned for continued coverage, and may the best players prevail!
