A Triumph After Ten Years: Mikalai Vaskaboinikau Wins EPT Cyprus Super High Roller
This week, the European Poker Tour (EPT) Cyprus hosted a spectacular $50,000-entry Super High Roller event that attracted elite players and showcased high-stakes competition. With a staggering prize pool of $2,279,970, all eyes were on the final table as seasoned professionals vied for glory. In an exciting culmination, Belarussian player Mikalai Vaskaboinikau emerged victorious, marking his first EPT trophy after a decade-long pursuit.
Final Table Results
This year’s EPT Cyprus Super High Roller featured a competitive final table, with some of the biggest names in poker battling it out for the title. The final results were as follows:
| Position | Player | Country | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Mikalai Vaskaboinikau | Belarus | $601,397* |
| 2nd | Artur Martirosian | Russia | $495,815* |
| 3rd | Adrian Mateos | Spain | $555,758* |
| 4th | Roman Hrabec | Czechia | $262,200 |
| 5th | Alexander Zubov | Russia | $205,200 |
| 6th | Jamil Wakil | Canada | $159,600 |
(*Note: Some prizes have been adjusted due to deal discussions during the event.)
The Money Bubble Bursts
The competition kicked off with 47 entries, ensuring only six players would cash in this high-stakes tournament. The pressure intensified as the players fought to secure their spots in the money, leading to a gripping bubble situation. Thomas Eychenne, a French player, was the unfortunate bubble boy as he went all-in with pocket queens, only to be outdrawn by Artur Martirosian’s ace-king on a heart-wrenching board that ultimately ended his tournament run.
As Eychenne exited without a payout, the remaining six players quickly settled into the money. Among them, Canadian player Jamil Wakil was the first to leave the final table, cashing in for $159,600 after being eliminated by Alexander Zubov’s flush.
The Short Stack Drama: Zubov Falls Next
With five players remaining, Alexander Zubov was next to exit, falling victim to Adrian Mateos’ pocket fives. Zubov’s attempt to steal the pot went awry, culminating in his all-in with Jack-Four against Mateos’ strong hand, leading to a fifth-place payout of $205,200. As the stakes rose and the blinds increased, the dynamic of the table shifted in a way that would soon have significant ramifications for the chip leaders.
The Chip Lead Shifts
Adrian Mateos initially made a strong showing, holding a significant lead but quickly found himself engaged in a high-stakes pot with Roman Hrabec. As the game progressed, Hrabec would ultimately find himself on the short end of the stick, finishing in fourth place after losing with Ace-Ten to Vaskaboinikau’s pocket eights.
With three players left competing for a share of the $1.6 million left in play, discussions surrounding a potential deal began to unfold under the guidance of tournament director Toby Stone.
The Deal Decides It
During the deal discussions, Mikalai Vaskaboinikau was leading the chip counts, which allowed him to secure the coveted Golden Shard trophy as part of the agreements between players. The final payouts were determined as follows: Vaskaboinikau pocketed $542,120, Adrian Mateos took home $555,758, and Artur Martirosian ended with $495,815.
As the final battles ensued, it became clear that the quest for the trophy motivated Vaskaboinikau more than anything else. After Mateos was eliminated in third place, Vaskaboinikau faced off against Martirosian in a nail-biting heads-up round.
A Moment of Glory
With the final hand, Martirosian pushed all-in holding Ace-Deuce, only to be met with Vaskaboinikau’s pocket fours. The Belarussian’s pair held strong, clenching his victory with a total prize of $601,397, along with the ultimate trophy.
Reflecting on his win, Vaskaboinikau revealed, “For every father, if he gets success in something he feels proud. His family feels proud for him.” He emphasized the emotional significance of achieving this lifelong ambition, stating, "This is the main target for me in poker, competition and to win trophies."
Conclusion
Mikalai Vaskaboinikau’s triumph at the EPT Cyprus Super High Roller reflects not just his skill but also the arduous journey he has traveled over the last decade. With his newfound trophy, he can not only relax but also share the story of his remarkable journey with his children. In a game often defined by the financial stakes, Vaskaboinikau’s focus on the trophy over money serves as a reminder of the passion that drives players in the world of professional poker. With this victory, he has etched his name into the annals of EPT history – a moment not only for the books but also for the heart.
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