Ryan Mandara Shines at EPT Cyprus: A New Chapter in His Poker Journey
In a thrilling culmination of skill and strategy at the 2024 European Poker Tour (EPT) Cyprus, Ryan Mandara achieved the most significant payday of his poker career on October 20th. He emerged victorious from a competitive field of 456 entries in the $10,300 buy-in no-limit hold’em high roller, taking home a whopping $709,285. This achievement not only marks a milestone in Mandara’s professional journey but also positions him firmly in the spotlight of the poker community.
Mandara’s Journey in Poker
Before this momentous win, Mandara’s top score had been $257,321, which he earned as the champion of the 2018 Irish Poker Open main event. His latest victory has propelled his career earnings to an impressive $1,562,093. The evolution of Mandara’s poker journey reflects not just a triumph of luck but also his dedication and unwavering commitment to mastering the game.
Securing Player of the Year Points
In addition to his substantial winnings, Mandara accrued 1,800 Card Player Player of the Year points for this victory. This was only his second POY-qualified finish of the year, with his first being a $1,045 buy-in hyper turbo event earlier in the festival. With a total of 1,842 points, he has now entered the ranks of the top 200 in the 2024 Player of the Year standings, presented by Global Poker.
The Event Breakdown: A High-Stakes Showdown
The high roller event at EPT Cyprus was a grand affair, disbursing over $4.4 million in total prize money to its top 63 finishers. Among notable players who cashed were two-time bracelet winners Alexandre Reard (55th) and Aleksejs Ponakovs (51st), as well as other elite competitors like Jessica Teusl and Patrick Leonard. This mix of talent illustrates the high stakes and competitive nature of the tournament.
The final table featured illustrious poker personalities, culminating in an exciting heads-up showdown between Mandara and Poland’s Sebastian Malec. However, before reaching that point, Mandara eliminated notable players like Jelle Moene (3rd, $386,200) and Stoyan Madanzhiev (4th, $297,000).
The Heads-Up Battle and Final Hand
After negotiating a deal, Mandara and Malec agreed to secure $697,115 and $676,785, respectively, while leaving $32,500 and the trophy still in contention. When heads-up play resumed, Malec held a slight chip lead with 12,200,000 to Mandara’s 10,600,000.
The defining moment of the match came when Mandara won a significant pot with a hand of pocket kings and fives, dominating Malec’s pocket queens. Shortly after, Malec risked his tournament life with a K-9 against Mandara’s 10-10. The board ultimately sealed Malec’s fate as it revealed 8-6-3-8-4, leading to his elimination. This marks Malec’s second-largest cash, boosting his career earnings to over $2.8 million after his previously remarkable win at the 2016 EPT Barcelona main event.
Final Table Payouts
The final table resulted in remarkable payouts for all participants, showcasing the lucrative nature of high-stakes poker:
| Place | Player | Earnings | POY Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ryan Mandara | $709,285 | 1800 |
| 2 | Sebastian Malec | $697,115 | 1500 |
| 3 | Jelle Moene | $386,200 | 1200 |
| 4 | Stoyan Madanzhiev | $297,000 | 900 |
| 5 | Lev Margolin | $228,500 | 750 |
| 6 | Adrian Cazacu | $175,800 | 600 |
| 7 | Daniel Myers | $135,200 | 450 |
| 8 | Niklas Astedt | $110,900 | 300 |
| 9 | Steve O’Dwyer | $92,400 | 150 |
Conclusion
Ryan Mandara’s victory at the EPT Cyprus marks a pivotal moment in his poker career. His journey exemplifies resilience, skill, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in the high-stakes world of professional poker. As he continues to build upon this success, poker enthusiasts and fellow players alike will undoubtedly keep a watchful eye on his future endeavors in the game.
With Mandara stepping into the limelight of high-stakes poker, the stage is set for exciting developments ahead in his already impressive career.
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