$2,200 Eureka High Roller Event | 2024 PokerStars EPT Cyprus

Diogo Coelho Triumphant at the Eureka High Roller: A Recap of the EPT Cyprus $2,200 Event

After a grueling 16-hour Day 2, four players returned for an unexpected third day at the stunning Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa, where the spotlight shone brightly on the $2,200 Eureka High Roller event as part of the 2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour (EPT) in Cyprus. With a staggering prize pool of $2,610,600 at stake, anticipation hung thick in the air, and within just two hours, the tournament concluded with Portuguese poker ace Diogo Coelho seizing victory over a competitive field of 1,374 entries.

The Final Duel

Coelho faced off against Italy’s Michele Guerrini in a heads-up battle that brought forth not just skill, but also strategy. Before the final showdown commenced, both players agreed to a deal, allowing Coelho to pocket $357,048 for his triumph while Guerrini walked away with a commendable $328,592. As the action unfolded, it was the short-stacked Ibrahim Ghassan who was the first casualty of the day, falling in fourth place, while the start-of-day chipleader, Mukhtor Nasiradinov, had to settle for third place after a valiant effort.

Final Table Results

Here is how the final table unfolded:

*Denotes heads-up deal

Coelho’s Path to Victory

This achievement marked Coelho’s second EPT trophy, having claimed his first victory earlier at the $10,300 High Roller during the inaugural EPT Paris. Reflecting on his journey, Coelho shared, "It feels amazing. I never expect to win a trophy like this." He elaborated on the challenges he faced, notably being reduced to fewer than two big blinds midway through Day 2 after a critical misvaluation of his hand which ultimately tested his resilience.

Nevertheless, Coelho’s tenacity didn’t falter; he strategized and made a significant comeback to snatch the coveted trophy, cementing his legacy in the poker community.

Day 3 Action Highlights

As the final day commenced, Ghassan found himself as the shortest stack and was eliminated shortly after the action resumed. Coelho briefly held the same title but managed to double through Guerrini, setting the stage for an electrifying three-handed dynamic.

Nasiradinov’s decline was swift, and after a significant flip against Guerrini, he exited in third place, paving the way for the intense heads-up duel. The pair paused to negotiate a deal based on their chip counts, leaving only $20,000 on the table to be contested along with the trophy.

In the end, Coelho turned the tide in his favor, capturing key pots to dwarf Guerrini’s stack. The winning hand came when Coelho’s ace-seven triumphed over Guerrini’s king-eight, securing his title in grand fashion.

Moving Forward

With the trophy in his hands and a sizeable payout to his name, Coelho expressed enthusiasm for reinvesting a portion of his winnings into the Main Event of the EPT. "At least $5,300 of that would be reinvested," he confirmed, displaying his commitment to further success in the arena.

As the curtains draw on PokerNews’ coverage of the $2,200 Eureka High Roller, the excitement at the EPT Cyprus continues. Fans and players alike await to see if Coelho can replicate his triumphant high roller success in the prestigious Main Event.

Conclusion

Diogo Coelho’s remarkable feat at the Eureka High Roller is a true testament to his skill, resilience, and strategic acumen. As the poker landscape continues to evolve, his journey serves as an inspiration for emerging players and a reminder of the thrills and challenges that lie within the game of poker. Be sure to stay tuned to PokerNews for ongoing coverage of the remaining EPT Cyprus events and watch for more electrifying stories from the heart of the poker world.