Mikalai Vaskaboinikau Triumphs at the $10,200 No-Limit Hold’em Event
The excitement of the PokerStars European Poker Tour (EPT) Cyprus reached a fever pitch as the $10,200 No-Limit Hold’em event unfolded. Among the players vying for the coveted trophy, Mikalai Vaskaboinikau emerged as the star of the show, building on an impressive year and claiming a major victory.
A Year to Remember
Vaskaboinikau’s poker journey in 2023 has been nothing short of spectacular. Earlier this year, he secured a remarkable win at a Triton event, walking away with a staggering $4,737,000, which constituted more than half of his total live tournament earnings. This financial windfall only fueled his ambition as he entered the EPT Cyprus tournament held at the Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa.
His phenomenal run continued when he captured his first PokerStars Shard earlier in the series by winning the $50,000 Super High Roller for an impressive $601,397. With this momentum, Vaskaboinikau found himself once again at a final table, eager to add another trophy to his collection.
The Final Table Showdown
As the tournament progressed, the stakes grew higher, and the competition fierce. When Ren Lin was eliminated in third place, Vaskaboinikau found himself heads-up against Krasimir Neychev. Despite boasting a significant chip lead, Vaskaboinikau proposed a deal: a 50-50 split of the prize money on the condition that he would be declared the official winner. Neychev, likely appreciating the good sportsmanship, quickly accepted.
Both players walked away with $195,500 each, but Vaskaboinikau donned the champion’s mantle, proudly claiming his first PokerStars Spade. "I really wanted the trophy; this is my first Spade,” Vaskaboinikau expressed, emphasizing the emotional connection he has with tournament accolades. "These trophies are where you get proud of yourself, right?! I said earlier in the series, we have two kids, and the third is coming, so I need the third trophy— and I’ve got it already here!"
Final Day Action
The $10,200 No-Limit Hold’em event attracted 87 entries, creating a prize pool of $843,900. The turbo format ensured a frenzied pace, with numerous players eliminated in the opening stages. By the first break, many were left watching from the sidelines, with the action rapidly advancing toward the money bubble.
Vaskaboinikau was not merely a participant; he was a force to be reckoned with. He gained momentum right from the beginning, eliminating key competitors, including Aren Bezhanyan and Adrian Mateos—the latter marking the first elimination in the money. As the final table approached, it was evident that Vaskaboinikau, Lin, and Neychev were in prime positions to push for the top.
During final-table play, Vaskaboinikau maneuvered through his opponents with strategic play, culminating in a solid victory against Lin, whom he eliminated for $109,500.
Heads-Up Deal and Championship Joy
The decision to make a heads-up deal not only showcased Vaskaboinikau’s sportsmanship but also illustrated his strategic mindset—prioritizing the trophy over a higher cash incentive. His desire for the trophy stemmed from a long absence of accolades; after nearly a decade without any trophies, he was eager for recognition.
"It feels amazing! For ten years, no trophies, and now two in a row,” he exclaimed. “The poker gods were really nice to me, and sometimes all the luck comes together!" Vaskaboinikau’s dual wins at the EPT Cyprus represent a remarkable achievement for the online businessman, making a powerful statement in the world of professional poker.
Conclusion
Mikalai Vaskaboinikau’s triumph at the $10,200 No-Limit Hold’em event at the PokerStars EPT Cyprus not only adds to his impressive accolades but also marks a pivotal moment in his career. His focus on family, evident in his desire to match his tournament successes with his growing family, lends a heartfelt narrative to his poker journey.
As Vaskaboinikau returns home with his third trophy, he stands as a testament to the beauty of the game, where ambition, strategy, and good fortune can converge. His victories will not only occupy space on his mantelpiece; they will also serve as a source of inspiration for aspiring poker players around the world, reinforcing the notion that with dedication and skill, dreams indeed can come true.
