Ognyan Dimov Secures His First EPT Title at EPT Cyprus
In the world of professional poker, the triumphs can be both exhilarating and elusive. For Ognyan Dimov, a talented Bulgarian player, the journey to EPT glory has been a long and winding road filled with high-stakes tournaments, intense competition, and near-misses. After nine years since his initial breakout victory at the European Poker Tour (EPT) Deauville Main Event, Dimov finally added a coveted title to his collection. On an unforgettable day at EPT Cyprus, he emerged as the champion of the $20,000 No-Limit Hold’em event, a feat that brought him immense satisfaction and a fresh new title to his resume.
A Long-Awaited Victory
Dimov’s celebration was palpable as he reflected on the years that had passed since his initial victory. “But I didn’t have the spadie, so now I’m pretty happy,” he quipped, referring to the trophy—often symbolized as the ‘spade’—that signifies a major tournament win. After agreeing to an ICM chop with Norway’s Kayhan Mokri, Dimov took home $253,876, while Mokri earned $260,800. The prominence of Dimov’s win not only lights up his career but also adds another chapter to the legacy of Bulgarian poker.
Final Table Results
The competition at the EPT Cyprus was fierce, with 47 of poker’s most skilled athletes participating, leading to a staggering prize pool of $902,776. Here’s how the final standings shaped up:
| Place | Player | Country | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ognyan Dimov | Bulgaria | $253,876 |
| 2 | Kayhan Mokri | Norway | $260,800 |
| 3 | Aleksejs Ponakovs | Latvia | $139,900 |
| 4 | Juan Pardo | Spain | $103,800 |
| 5 | Markkos Ladev | Estonia | $81,200 |
| 6 | Ren Lin | China | $63,200 |
The Road to Victory
Throughout the tournament, Dimov displayed grit and resilience. He had already established himself on the high roller circuit, having significant wins including a $25,000 High Roller at the PCA earlier this year and a remarkable victory at the Triton Series in Monaco last October, where he bagged over $1 million. In addition, he’s claimed a WSOP bracelet, cementing his reputation as a formidable opponent.
At the start of the final table, it was Markkos Ladev who took the early lead, but the dynamics shifted rapidly. Noteworthy was the early elevation of Kayhan Mokri, whose impressive play propelled him into contention for the title. As the blinds escalated, each hand became more crucial, leading to pivotal eliminations.
The final moments were a thrilling culmination of skill and strategy. It was a fierce heads-up battle between Mokri and Dimov. Despite Mokri holding the initial edge, the two players decided to chop the remaining prize pool while keeping the trophy as the true battleground. In a dramatic showdown, Dimov’s ace-high overcame Mokri’s inferior hand, securing him the championship that had tantalizingly eluded him for nearly a decade.
Reflections from the Champion
After the match, Dimov reflected on his journey, acknowledging the importance of perseverance: “I enjoy the feeling of competing with the best and just grinding, playing whatever is next on the schedule.” His comments resonate with many aspiring poker professionals who grapple not just with the competition but with the psychological barriers that come with high-pressure tournament settings.
Dimov’s victory at the EPT Cyprus does not just signify his personal achievement; it represents a milestone for Bulgarian poker on a global stage, placing him fourth in the country’s all-time earnings leaderboard with a staggering total of $6.2 million in live tournament earnings.
Tournament Highlights
The tournament not only featured Dimov’s victory but also showcased high drama with multiple players fighting hard to make it into the money. Notable exits included past EPT champions such as Adrian Mateos, Dimitar Danchev, and Artur Martirosian, all of whom encountered challenges navigating the packed field.
As the dust settled on the tournament, Ognyan Dimov emerged with the prestigious spade trophy, finally adding it alongside his EPT Deauville Main Event trophy. This moment serves as a reminder that in poker, as in life, persistence and focus pave the way to success.
The Conclusion of EPT Cyprus
With the conclusion of the $20,000 No-Limit Hold’em event, EPT Cyprus continues to be a significant stop in the calendar for poker enthusiasts. As competitors and fans await the next showdown across various tables in the stunning Merit Royal Diamond Hotel and Casino, the poker community looks forward to more exciting actions and stories like that of Ognyan Dimov. His journey underscores the spirit of the game, showing that, over time and with dedication, dreams can indeed come true.
The poker world watches closely as Dimov moves forward, keen to see what this newly crowned champion will achieve next. Stay tuned for more updates as EPT Cyprus unfolds!
