Ryan Mandara Shines at the 2024 EPT High Roller in Cyprus
The glitz and glamour of high-stakes poker were on full display at the 2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour (EPT) held in Cyprus. Amongst a formidable field of 456 high rollers, it was the United Kingdom’s own Ryan Mandara who emerged victorious, claiming the $709,285 top prize and the illustrious PokerStars trophy. This event showcases not just the thrill of competition but also the allure of poker’s elite circles.
The Event and Venue
The tournament unfolded at the luxurious Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa, a fitting backdrop for such an elite gathering. The anticipation was palpable as participants representing various countries convened to test their skills in a battle of nerve, strategy, and luck. The $10,300 EPT High Roller is designed to challenge even the best in the game, offering substantial prize pools and elite-level competition.
Dominating the Final Table
Mandara’s path to victory was marked by dominant performance and calculated gameplay. He navigated through the final table with ruthless efficiency, eliminating six of his eight opponents. Impressively, Mandara secured his title in record time, dispatching his final opponent, Poland’s Sebastian Malec, in just three hands during heads-up play.
Final Table Results
The final standings of the table showcased the talent present:
| Place | Player | Country | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ryan Mandara | United Kingdom | $709,285* |
| 2 | Sebastian Malec | Poland | $697,115* |
| 3 | Jelle Moene | Netherlands | $386,200 |
| 4 | Stoyan Madanzhiev | Bulgaria | $297,000 |
| 5 | Lev Margolin | Israel | $228,500 |
| 6 | Adrian Cazacu | Romania | $175,800 |
| 7 | Daniel Myers | United Kingdom | $135,200 |
| 8 | Niklas Astedt | Sweden | $110,900 |
| 9 | Steve O’Dwyer | Ireland | $92,400 |
(* denotes heads-up deal)
The Winner’s Reaction
In the aftermath of his dramatic victory, Mandara reflected on the emotional and competitive journey of the tournament. “I’m good, a bit in shock still,” he expressed in an exclusive interview with PokerNews. His journey through Day 1 started with adversity, as he quickly dropped to 20,000 chips, but by Day 2, he showcased resilience, finishing with 375,000 chips. His luck turned favorable which contributed to his impressive final performance.
Mandara acknowledged the psychological weight of competing for substantial sums, stating, “I try not to make it affect decisions, but sometimes it does. I try my best not to let it affect me.” This win significantly enhanced his career earnings, more than doubling his previous best score, a testament to his evolving mastery of the game.
The Final Day’s Action
As Day 3 commenced, 24 players remained in contention, with Steve O’Dwyer holding the chip lead. However, the field soon thinned out, revealing that at any moment, fortunes could shift dramatically. Notable eliminations included Diogo Coelho, Andras Nemeth, and Juan Pardo, all of whom fell short of the final table. The ultimate bubble burst for Manuel Fritz, who faced a showdown against Jelle Moene that left him in tenth place.
The Momentum Shift
Early in the final table, the dynamic changed quickly. Malec started with a commanding lead but faced setbacks when his ace-queen fell to Stoyan Madanzhiev’s pocket eights in a key preflop clash. Mandara seized this opportunity and began to build momentum, ultimately establishing dominance without losing significant ground to his competitors.
Heads-Up and Victory
The atmosphere thickened as heads-up play began between Mandara and Malec. An ICM deal was swiftly arranged, guaranteeing a sizeable payout for both players while leaving a significant portion of the prize pool and the trophy still to dispute. Just as spectators braced for a lengthy duel, Mandara ended the match in record time, winning two quick hands to clinch his title decisively.
Looking Ahead
Ryan Mandara’s victory not only cements his status among the elite poker players but also signals his intent to continue competing on the world stage. Following his triumph, he expressed excitement about participating in upcoming events, specifically hinting at a possible defense of his title in Prague from December 4-15.
Mandara’s journey in poker is a testament to perseverance, skill, and the ever-present element of luck intrinsic to the game. With this victory under his belt, fans and competitors alike will eagerly follow his next moves in the high-stakes arena of poker.
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