Celebrating a Champion: Ognyan Dimov’s Historic Win at EPT Cyprus 2024
A Breakthrough Moment
It was nine years ago that Ognyan Dimov made a name for himself in poker, rising to fame after clinching victory at the European Poker Tour Deauville Main Event. With a big trophy in hand, the Bulgarian player has since transitioned to a staple of the high-stakes circuit, competing fiercely against the best players in the game. However, one coveted accolade eluded him for nearly a decade: the elusive spadie trophy. Today, the poker world witnessed a remarkable turn of events as Dimov became the champion of the $20,000 No-Limit Hold’em event at EPT Cyprus, forever changing his status in the poker realm.
The Final Showdown
Dimov’s journey to victory was illuminated by a sense of fulfillment. After a heads-up agreement with compatriot Kayhan Mokri, which honored the Independent Chip Model (ICM), Dimov pocketed a commendable $253,876, while Mokri walked away with $260,800. "But I didn’t have the spadie, so now I’m pretty happy,” Dimov shared candidly, reflecting on a long-awaited milestone in his poker career.
Final Table Results
As excitement built throughout the tournament, fans witnessed intense competition, culminating in a dramatic final table showdown. Here are the results from the EPT Cyprus $20,000 No-Limit Hold’em final table:
| 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 |
Dimov’s Rise in the Poker World
Prior to this monumental win, Dimov had already secured his reputation as a formidable player on the high roller circuit, with significant victories, including a successful run in the $25,000 High Roller at the PCA in February 2023 and a staggering $30,000 Triton Series event win in Monaco last October, where he claimed over $1,000,000. Alongside his recent success, Dimov holds a WSOP bracelet, bringing his total live tournament earnings to $6.2 million, positioning him fourth on Bulgaria’s all-time leaderboard.
Reflecting on his journey, Dimov expressed, “I enjoy the feeling of competing with the best and just grinding, playing whatever is next on the schedule,” highlighting both his passion and determination.
A Thrilling Tournament Recap
The EPT Cyprus marked its inaugural high buy-in event with a compelling turnout of 47 players, resulting in a substantial prize pool of $902,776. Notably, prominent players such as Adrian Mateos, Dimitar Danchev, and Artur Martirosian unfortunately fell short of making the money.
Hassan Nashar initially set the energy ablaze by grabbing the chip lead in spectacular fashion. However, like a rollercoaster, Nashar’s fortune soon reversed, leading to his departure from the tournament before reaching the money.
As the tournament unfolded, Mehdi Chaoui found himself as the bubble boy, and Markkos Ladev entered the nine-handed final table as the chip leader, setting the stage for an exhilarating conclusion.
The Road to Victory
On day two, the poker tension heightened as Juan Pardo and Aleksejs Ponakovs showcased their skills, with Pardo eliminating players and rising through the ranks. An extraordinary series of hands saw Dimov gradually ascend to the top, including a critical moment where he doubled up with kings against Mokri’s ace-eight.
As the players dwindled, Dimov established himself as a top contender. After intense exchanges, he eliminated opponents such as Ponakovs and Pardo, finally entering heads-up play against Mokri.
The Final Duel
Armed with a chip lead of 2,500,000 to 2,200,000, the two agreed to an amicable chop. However, the ultimate goal remained: the spadie trophy. In a climactic flip, Dimov’s ace-high triumph over Mokri’s eight-high sent ripples through the poker community, marking his return to the winner’s circle at the EPT.
Conclusion
Ognyan Dimov’s victory at EPT Cyprus not only adds a significant trophy to his accolades but represents the culmination of years of hard work and perseverance. After a nearly decade-long wait, Dimov’s achievement is a testament to his skill and determination, ensuring his legacy in the world of poker will continue to shine bright. The once-lone trophy from Deauville now stands proudly alongside the sought-after spadie, heralding a new chapter in Dimov’s illustrious career.
