Diogo Coelho Emerges Victorious in the $2,200 Eureka High Roller at EPT Cyprus
In the thrilling world of competitive poker, moments of triumph and disappointment often unfold at breakneck speed. Such was the case at the recent $2,200 Eureka High Roller event during the 2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour (EPT) Cyprus held at the luxurious Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa. After an exhausting 16 hours on Day 2, players and spectators alike were captivated as the action extended into an unexpected third day.
A Stunning Comeback
The tournament, which attracted a remarkable 1,374 entries and generated a staggering $2,610,600 prize pool, concluded with Diogo Coelho of Portugal emerging as the champion. Coelho’s victory was notable not only for the financial reward but also for the resilience he displayed. Having faced a disappointing exit in 10th place at the 2024 WSOP Main Event—just short of the final table and with $800,000 on the line—Coelho made a dramatic return to the felt in Cyprus.
It took Coelho less than two hours on Day 3 to cement his status as the tournament’s top player, ultimately defeating Michele Guerrini from Italy heads-up. After a strategic deal that divided the prize pool, Coelho walked away with $357,048, adding to his burgeoning poker résumé.
Final Table Highlights
The final table encapsulated the intensity and excitement synonymous with high-stakes poker. The dynamic shifted rapidly as the competition narrowed down to the final four players.
- Ibrahim Ghassan, despite his short stack, was the first to exit on Day 3, finishing in fourth place.
- Mukhtor Nasiradinov, who began the day holding the chip lead, ultimately succumbed to Guerrini’s strategic prowess, securing third place.
Final Table Results
| Place | Player | Country | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Diogo Coelho | Portugal | $357,048* |
| 2 | Michele Guerrini | Italy | $328,592* |
| 3 | Mukhtor Nasiradinov | Russian Federation | $187,410 |
| 4 | Ibrahim Ghassan | Lebanon | $144,610 |
| 5 | Ali Emre Ozcan | Turkey | $110,900 |
| 6 | Roman Timergazin | Russian Federation | $85,310 |
| 7 | Gediminas Uselis | Lithuania | $65,630 |
| 8 | Leonid Logunov | Russian Federation | $50,490 |
*Denotes heads-up deal.
The Road to Victory: Coelho’s Tenacity
After facing dire circumstances on Day 2—being down to less than two big blinds—Coelho demonstrated extraordinary tenacity. Reflecting on that precarious moment, he recalled, "It is a situation where we lost a little bit of hope, but we still do whatever we can to make sure we come back." And come back he did, riding a wave of momentum to seize his second EPT trophy, having previously claimed victory at the $10,300 High Roller at the inaugural EPT Paris.
Upon winning, Coelho expressed his elation, stating, "It feels amazing. I never expect to win a trophy like this." His triumph was not merely a product of skill but also of mental resilience and an unyielding belief in his ability to turn the game around.
Day 3 Action: An Intense Finale
As the suspense built on Day 3, Ghassan quickly found himself eliminated after merely ten minutes of play, followed by Coelho briefly becoming the shortest stack. However, a pivotal double-up through Guerrini reignited Coelho’s chances.
For Nasiradinov, whom many expected to contend for the title, the day ended in disappointment. Losing critical chips to Guerrini relegated him to third place. The heads-up battle then commenced with Guerrini enjoying a sizeable lead but the tides soon turned in Coelho’s favor. The duo agreed to a deal that allowed them to split the prize pool based on their chip counts, with $20,000 and the trophy still on the line.
As the final hand unfolded, Coelho’s ace-seven faced off against Guerrini’s king-eight. Coelho paired his ace, solidifying his victory and capping off a remarkable comeback.
A Glorious Future Ahead
With the trophy securely in his hands and an impressive payout in his pocket, Diogo Coelho is far from resting on his laurels. The champion intends to reinvest part of his winnings in pursuit of continued success, eyeing the Main Event as his next target, albeit after indulging in a well-deserved break.
In the highs and lows of poker, Coelho’s story stands as a testament to the spirit of competition, resilience, and the thrill that defines the game. His victory in Cyprus not only honors his skills and determination but also illustrates the unpredictable nature of poker, where every chip, stack, and hand can change the course of a player’s destiny.
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