Elias Gutierrez Claims Second High Roller Title at 2024 PokerStars EPT Cyprus
In the sun-drenched paradise of Cyprus, where the temperature soared, PokerStars Ambassador Elias Gutierrez managed to keep his cool, clinching his second high roller title in a week during the 2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour Cyprus. This event, held at the magnificent Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa, featured an intense field of elite players, all vying for a share of the enormous prize pool.
A Stellar Week for Gutierrez
Earlier in the event, Gutierrez showcased his exceptional poker skills by winning the $25,000 Super High Roller Warm Up, which earned him an impressive $417,570. Not long after, he triumphed in the $25,000 Super High Roller Second Chance, adding another $390,200 to his bankroll along with a coveted Spadie trophy. This whirlwind of success propelled Gutierrez’s earnings during the series to over $800,000, pushing his lifetime earnings past the $1 million mark and establishing him firmly within the top 25 of Spain’s all-time money list.
Navigating the Field
The final event that led to Gutierrez’s second title had a competitive field of 50 entries. This fierce competition culminated in an astounding combined prize pool of $1,200,500. Gutierrez faced off against seasoned professionals, including the formidable Teun Mulder, against whom he wrapped up a brief heads-up duel that lasted just one level. Their matchup highlighted Gutierrez’s strategic gameplay and mental fortitude, elements crucial for success in high-stakes poker.
Final Table Results
The culmination of the event saw an electrifying final table, which yielded the following results:
| Place | Player | Country | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Elias Gutierrez | Spain | $390,200 |
| 2 | Teun Mulder | Netherlands | $258,100 |
| 3 | Hassan Nashar | Gambia | $174,100 |
| 4 | Samuel Mullur | Austria | $132,100 |
| 5 | Kayhan Mokri | Norway | $102,000 |
| 6 | Ognyan Dimov | Bulgaria | $81,000 |
| 7 | Simone Andrian | Italy | $63,000 |
Reflections from the Champion
In an interview with PokerNews, a visibly elated Gutierrez reflected on the challenges he faced during the heads-up segment of the tournament. He admitted that while his previous victory was filled with emotional ups and downs, this latest win came with a sense of mental clarity.
“My first win was more difficult,” he noted. “I started with a huge chip lead, but my opponent turned it around. I suffered mentally because I really wanted to win.”
In contrast, he felt much more prepared this time around. "I tried to relax and think clearly about what I was doing and what was going on. I went back to the game a lot more mentally prepared," he shared.
The Final Day’s Drama
The event itself unfolded over a thrilling series of poker hands, with a total of twenty-five survivors from Day 1, joined by twelve late registrants on the final day. By the time the money was nearing, several key players had fallen short, including PokerStars Ambassador Sam Grafton and Day 1 chip leader Albert Daher, who exited the tournament heartbreakingly close to the final table.
The bubble boy, Roman Hrabec, had a bittersweet exit after going all-in with eight-six suited, only to find himself defeated by Mulder’s set. Once the stakes had risen, the tournament quickly narrowed down as players like Simone Andrian and Hassan Nashar faced similarly unkind fates, inching closer to glorified positions but falling just short.
A Rapid Conclusion
The heads-up match between Gutierrez and Mulder was notably swift. From Gutierrez’s commanding five-to-one chip lead at the start, it didn’t take long for him to secure his victory. He executed a decisive move, shoving all-in with top pair on the river, forcing Mulder to call with a second pair, thereby securing his title of champion of the $25,000 Super High Roller Second Chance.
As Gutierrez celebrates his remarkable achievement and prepares for upcoming events, his triumph at the 2024 PokerStars EPT Cyprus reaffirmed his status as a rising star in the competitive world of professional poker. With many more tournaments lined up, spectators and fans alike are eager to see what heights Gutierrez will reach next.
Stay tuned for more updates from the poker world as this exhilarating season continues at EPT Cyprus!
