Diogo Coelho Triumphs at the 2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour (EPT) Cyprus
The world of live poker is abuzz with excitement as the 2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour (EPT) Cyprus unfolds at the luxurious Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa in Northern Cyprus. This year’s event has showcased incredible talent and intense competition, culminating in a thrilling victory for Portugal’s Diogo Coelho, who clinched his second EPT title in the hotly contested $2,200 Eureka High Roller event, defeating a star-studded field of 1,374 entries.
A Grueling Battle
Coelho’s victory was no easy feat. The tournament spanned a grueling three days, with Day 2 stretching into an exhaustive 16-hour session. Coelho entered Day 3 facing three formidable opponents after a tough battle the previous day, during which he experienced a precarious moment, teetering on the edge of elimination with fewer than two big blinds. Reflecting on that moment, Coelho stated, “It was a situation where we lost a little bit of hope. But we still do whatever we can to make sure we come back.” With steadfast determination and skill, Coelho not only survived but thrived, ultimately securing a remarkable payday of $357,048 after a heads-up deal with Italy’s Michele Guerrini, who walked away with $328,592.
The Road to Victory
This victory is particularly poignant for Coelho, marking the end of a 20-month title drought and reaffirming his status as one of the top players in poker today. Since 2023, he has been a dominant force in high-stakes tournaments, accumulating over $2.20 million in live earnings and claiming 7th place on Portugal’s all-time money list. His accomplishments carry significant weight, with his largest win coming from the EPT Paris High Roller in 2023, where he earned a staggering $857,037.
Coelho’s impressive trajectory showcases both talent and resilience. His thrilling run at the 2024 WSOP Main Event, where he finished tenth for an additional $800,000, demonstrates his consistent ability to compete at the highest levels.
Final Table Action
The Eureka High Roller event was particularly notable for its sheer talent, attracting 1,374 entrants and creating a total prize pool of $2,610,600. After a tense Day 2, which saw Santiago Nadal bubble out just before the final table, the surviving players returned with everything to play for. Notable names making deep runs included Patrick Leonard, Fintan Hand, and Mateusz Szymanski.
The final table kicked off with immediate action, with Kostadin Kostadinov becoming the first casualty. After an explosive hand, Kostadinov’s pocket aces fell victim to Guerrini’s pocket kings, which miraculously turned into a backdoor straight.
The dramatic eliminations continued, with players such as Roman Timergazin and Ali Emre Ozcan meeting the same fate as the competition intensified. Additionally, the chip counts at the final table illustrated just how close the competition was, leading to a thrilling finale.
Final Table Chip Counts
- Mukhtor Nasiradinov – 12,425,000
- Michele Guerrini – 12,025,000
- Diogo Coelho – 10,625,000
- Ibrahim Ghassan – 6,225,000
A Tense Conclusion
As the final day unfolded, the stakes rose even higher, with all players gunning for the coveted trophy and the substantial prize purse. Ibrahim Ghassan fell early in Day 3, leading to fierce competition between Coelho, Guerrini, and Nasiradinov. However, it was Coelho who turned the tide during heads-up play against Guerrini, overcoming an initial disadvantage.
The two competitors agreed to a deal based on chip counts, leaving $20,000 and the trophy up for grabs. Once play resumed, Coelho’s momentum proved unstoppable, leading to a defining moment when he secured top pair on the final hand, defeating Guerrini’s all-in and earning the coveted title of Eureka High Roller champion.
Final Results Recap
The final table concluded in dramatic style, with the payouts for the top finishers as follows:
- Diogo Coelho – $357,048*
- Michele Guerrini – $328,592*
- Mukhtor Nasiradinov – $187,410
- Ibrahim Ghassan – $144,610
- Ali Emre Ozcan – $110,900
- Roman Timergazin – $85,310
- Gediminas Uselis – $65,630
- Leonid Logunov – $50,490
(*denotes a heads-up deal)
In conclusion, the 2024 EPT Cyprus has been a thrilling chapter in the world of poker, showcasing the resilience, skill, and strategic prowess of its players. Diogo Coelho’s impressive comeback and victory have undoubtedly set the stage for what promises to be an exciting continued journey through the PokerStars European Poker Tour. Stay tuned for updates as we bring you more riveting stories and highlights from this prestigious event.
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