Elias Gutierrez: Rising Star of Spanish Poker Shines at EPT Cyprus
In a remarkable display of skill and determination, Spanish poker professional Elias Gutierrez has made headlines by clinching two significant high roller titles during an exhilarating week at the European Poker Tour (EPT) in Northern Cyprus. In doing so, Gutierrez not only bagged over $800,000 in winnings but also transformed his poker career, moving from relative obscurity to being one of Spain’s most formidable players.
A Stellar Performance at EPT Cyprus
The backdrop for Gutierrez’s triumph was the Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa, where the stakes were undeniably high. The EPT Cyprus hosted a $25,000 Second Chance High Roller event, attracting top talent from around the globe. A total of 50 entries resulted in a staggering prize pool of over $1.2 million, rewarding only the top seven players with a payout.
Gutierrez emerged as the star of the event, topping the final table and taking home a first-place prize of $390,200, which elevated his total live tournament earnings to an impressive $1.3 million. This monumental win further solidified his position within the top 25 players on the All-Time Money List for Spain, as per The Hendon Mob rankings.
High Roller Final Table Results
To provide a snapshot of the competition, here are the final table results from the EPT Cyprus $25,000 Second Chance High Roller:
| Position | Player | Country | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Elias Gutierrez | Spain | $390,200 |
| 2nd | Teun Mulder | Netherlands | $258,100 |
| 3rd | Hassan Nashar | Gambia | $174,100 |
| 4th | Samuel Mullur | Austria | $132,100 |
| 5th | Kayhan Mokri | Norway | $102,000 |
| 6th | Ognyan Dimov | Bulgaria | $81,000 |
| 7th | Simone Andrian | Italy | $63,000 |
The Bubble Bursts
The excitement was palpable as the tournament commenced. The first key moment came when Roman Hrabec faced a crucial all-in situation with eight-six against Teun Mulder’s pocket sixes. When the board revealed J-T-4-6-7, Hrabec was eliminated, causing the bubble to burst and allowing the remaining players to enter the money.
Simone Andrian was the unfortunate first casualty at the final table. He made a well-judged call with pocket queens but was eventually outmatched by Mulder’s ace-ten, which hit a favorable flop of A-J-7. Despite an impressive run, Andrian left with $63,000, securing seventh place.
The Downfall of Contenders
From left to right, the action continued to unfold. Shortly after, Bulgarian player Ognyan Dimov pushed all-in with ace-eight but met his fate against Mulder’s pocket fives. The runout failed to help Dimov and he completed his tournament in sixth place for $81,000.
As the field narrowed, Kayhan Mokri’s time in the spotlight ended in fifth place with a payout of $102,000. His kings couldn’t hold against Gutierrez’s ace-nine, which turned into a pair on the board. Austrian player Samuel Mullur, who was once in the lead during four-handed play, couldn’t fend off Gutierrez either, sending him home in fourth place with $132,100 after their showdown ended poorly for Mullur with ace-three against Gutierrez’s ace-jack.
The Final Three and the Climax
The final three competitors included Elias Gutierrez, Teun Mulder, and Hassan Nashar. Nashar entered the fray with ace-queen, putting him in a commanding position against Gutierrez’s ace-four. However, the river would turn the tide, sending Nashar packing with a payout of $174,100 after a board that severely favored Gutierrez’s holdings.
As heads-up play commenced, Gutierrez dominated with a chip lead of 10.22 million against Mulder’s 2.27 million. The final hand solidified Gutierrez’s status as champion, where he found a jack-six on a board of J-5-3-4-3. With Mulder’s attempt to bluff catch falling short, Gutierrez’s hand sealed the deal, awarding him the coveted ‘Spadie’ trophy.
Conclusion: A Bright Future Ahead
Elias Gutierrez is not just a champion; he’s a celebrated content creator, known in the online community as ‘ZeroPoker’ and proudly representing PokerStars. His phenomenal week in Northern Cyprus has not only enriched his bank account but has also etched his name among the greats of Spanish poker. The future appears bright for Gutierrez, and with his remarkable skills and newfound prominence, he’s sure to remain a force to be reckoned with in the unpredictable and thrilling world of poker.
