Elias Gutierrez Triumphs at the 2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour Cyprus
In the picturesque setting of Cyprus, renowned for its sun-soaked beaches and vibrant nightlife, the atmosphere at the Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa heated up for a different reason: the high-stakes action of poker. Among the notable players, Elias Gutierrez, a PokerStars Ambassador, kept his composure amidst the pressure, ultimately claiming his second high roller title during the 2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour (EPT) Cyprus. This pivotal moment not only solidified his status on the international poker stage but also significantly boosted his career earnings.
The Road to Victory
Earlier in the series, Gutierrez demonstrated his exceptional skill by clinching victory in the $25,000 Super High Roller Warm Up, a triumph that secured him a staggering $417,570. Hot on the heels of this success, he followed up with a win in the $25,000 Super High Roller Second Chance, where he garnered an additional $390,200 and earned yet another coveted Spadie trophy. This remarkable performance raised Gutierrez’s total earnings during the series to over $800,000, marking a significant milestone as he surpassed the $1 million mark in his lifetime earnings and climbed into the top 25 on Spain’s all-time money list.
The competition for the $25,000 Super High Roller Second Chance was fierce, with only 50 entries vying for a portion of the enormous $1,200,500 prize pool. Gutierrez outperformed the field, defeating fellow competitor Teun Mulder in a brief heads-up match that lasted just one level.
Final Table Results
The final table was a showcase of poker prowess, featuring some of the most recognized names in the game. The results were as follows:
| 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 |
Winner’s Reaction
Reflecting on his victory, Gutierrez conveyed a blend of pride and relief. In his comments to PokerNews, he shared, "The last heads-up was a lot more difficult, mainly because I wanted to win so much." He contrasted his feel during this heads-up to his previous win, stating that while he initially held a significant chip lead in the last match, it had vanished, causing him considerable mental distress.
Today, however, Gutierrez emphasized a more measured approach: "I tried to relax and think clearly about what I was doing… I was much more mentally prepared." This readiness proved crucial as he navigated through the tense moments of heads-up play.
Final Day’s Action
The action on the final day was thrilling, with twenty-five survivors from Day 1 joined by twelve more late registrants. Notably, several high-profile players, including fellow PokerStars Ambassador Sam Grafton, fell short of making it into the money. The competition intensified as the action unfolded, culminating in Roman Hrabec earning the unfortunate title of bubble boy after being knocked out just before the cash.
Once the bubble burst, the eliminations occurred rapidly. Simone Andrian was next to depart, followed by Ognyan Dimov and Kayhan Mokri, both succumbing to increasing blinds and dwindling chips. Samuel Mullur, who started the final table with a strong chip lead, suffered a setback that saw him eliminated in fourth place, just out of the money, when he jammed his short stack with ace-three against Gutierrez’s ace-jack.
Heads-Up Showdown
When the heads-up began, Gutierrez held a commanding five-to-one chip lead over Mulder. Unlike Gutierrez’s previous heads-up experience, this encounter concluded swiftly. With all eyes on the table, Gutierrez pushed his advantage, and after several tense hands, he managed to secure the championship by valuing his top pair against Mulder’s second pair.
As the final chips were counted, the outcome was clear: Elias Gutierrez emerged as the $25,000 Super High Roller Second Chance champion, adding another prestigious title to his growing collection.
Looking Forward
The thrilling conclusion of this event wraps up a remarkable chapter in Gutierrez’s poker career, showcasing his strategic brilliance and resilience. As the 2024 PokerStars EPT Cyprus continues, poker enthusiasts can look forward to more electrifying action, with Gutierrez poised to defend his title and further establish his legacy in the world of high-stakes poker. Stay tuned for more coverage as this event unfolds, featuring not only the returning champions but also upcoming contenders eager to make their mark.
