Elias Gutierrez: Conquering EPT Cyprus with Two High Roller Titles
In the radiant sun of Cyprus, one name emerged as a beacon of poker prowess—Elias Gutierrez. This PokerStars Ambassador maintained his composure amid the heat to clinch his second high roller title at the 2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour (EPT) Cyprus. Just earlier in the week, from the prestigious Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa, Gutierrez took home an impressive $417,570 after triumphing in the $25,000 Super High Roller Warm Up event, a feat that set the stage for his continued success.
A Remarkable Follow-Up Victory
Days after his initial victory, Gutierrez showcased his incredible skill yet again, emerging as the champion of the $25,000 Super High Roller Second Chance. This thrilling event saw him secure a further $390,200, adding another Spadie trophy to his collection. His impressive winnings not only brought his series earnings to over $800,000 but also marked a significant milestone in his career, pushing his lifetime earnings beyond $1 million and positioning him amongst the top 25 on Spain’s all-time money list.
The Final Table Battle
The final table of the $25,000 Super High Roller Second Chance featured a competitive field with 50 entries, resulting in a $1,200,500 prize pool. Gutierrez faced formidable opponents, including the Netherlands’ Teun Mulder. The heads-up duel concluded swiftly, spanning only one level, with Gutierrez reigning supreme. Here is a breakdown of the final table 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 |
Gutierrez’s Reflections on Victory
When reflecting on his win, Gutierrez expressed that the final moments were much more intense than his previous heads-up encounter, especially due to his heightened desire to win. "My first win was more difficult. The heads-up was very up and down… I started with a huge chip lead, but my opponent turned it around, and I suffered mentally because I really wanted to win," Gutierrez noted during an interview with PokerNews.
Understanding the mental game was crucial for Gutierrez. He shared how he prepared differently this time around, saying, "Today, I entered heads-up better. I tried to relax and think clearly about what I was doing and what was going on."
The Final Day’s Thrilling Action
The final day of the tournament was packed with intense poker action. After a rigorous Day 1 with eight levels, twenty-five players advanced, joined by twelve late registrants. Notable eliminations occurred before the money bubble, including PokerStars Ambassador Sam Grafton, who was knocked out by Kayhan Mokri in the second level. Other notable players like Boris Angelov, Martin Zamani, and Steve O’Dwyer also fell short of the money.
The unfortunate bubble boy was Roman Hrabec, who was forced all-in with a suited eight-six but couldn’t overcome Mulder’s set. Once the bubble burst, it was a rapid succession of exits, with Simone Andrian’s pocket queens falling to Mulder’s ace-ten shortly after, leading to Andrian’s elimination in seventh place.
The Climax of Competition
Despite coming to the final table with a commanding chip lead, Samuel Mullur found his strong position deteriorate as the tournament progressed. After a rough series of runouts, Mullur would ultimately finish fourth, just shy of the podium. Meanwhile, Hassan Nashar, a dynamic presence throughout the competition, met a devastating fate when his strong hand succumbed to Gutierrez’s miraculous turn, sending him home in third.
As heads-up play began, Gutierrez held a dominant five-to-one chip advantage over Mulder. Swiftly, he ended the match, shoving the river with top pair, prompting Mulder to call with second pair—an ending that solidified Gutierrez’s title as the $25,000 Super High Roller Second Chance champion.
Closing Thoughts and Future Prospects
Elias Gutierrez’s back-to-back victories at EPT Cyprus not only cement his status as one of the top players in the poker world but also highlight his strategic mindset and adaptability in high-pressure situations. With his impressive results, poker enthusiasts will undoubtedly keep a close watch on Gutierrez as he continues to compete in future tournaments at the EPT and beyond. As the EPT Cyprus winds down, the excitement and anticipation for upcoming events remain palpable, promising more thrilling poker action.
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