Marcelo Bonanata Crowned 2024 PokerStars EPT Cyprus Champion
After an exhilarating nine hours of gameplay on Day 2 of the 2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour Cyprus, Marcelo Bonanata from Uruguay has emerged victorious in the $10,200 Mystery Bounty event. His triumph marks a significant milestone, as he secured a total prize of $156,800, which included an impressive $57,500 in bounties. The victory not only showcases his poker prowess but also highlights his journey as a dedicated player within the poker circuit.
Final Table Dynamics: A Thrilling Battle
The final table turned out to be a rollercoaster of emotions and strategic gameplay, with Bonanata initially entering the fray from a middle stack position. Facing off against formidable opponents, he showed remarkable resilience and skill, ultimately defeating Aleksejs Ponakovs from Latvia in a gripping heads-up battle. While Ponakovs walked away with a commendable $129,000 — which included a substantial $50,000 bounty — Vladimir Korzinin from Estonia rounded out the top three finishers.
Despite Bonanata’s earlier cashes in EPT events since 2013, this victory represents a remarkable first for him, as it’s his first live tournament win outside of Uruguay and his maiden EPT title.
The $10,200 Mystery Bounty Final Table Results
| Place | Player | Country | Prize | Bounties | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marcelo Bonanata | Uruguay | $99,300 | $57,500 | $156,800 |
| 2 | Aleksejs Ponakovs | Latvia | $64,000 | $65,000 | $129,000 |
| 3 | Vladimir Korzinin | Estonia | $45,800 | $32,500 | $78,300 |
| 4 | Tom Vogelsang | Netherlands | $35,200 | $52,500 | $77,700 |
| 5 | Santhosh Suvarna | India | $27,100 | $7,500 | $34,600 |
| 6 | Yulian Bogdanov | Bulgaria | $21,500 | $75,000 | $96,500 |
| 7 | Manuel Fritz | Austria | $17,200 | $7,500 | $24,700 |
| 8 | Alexander Zubov | Russia | $13,800 | $17,500 | $31,300 |
| 9 | Valeriy Fokin | Russia | $11,000 | $0 | $11,000 |
The Mystery Bounty Format: A Unique Twist
This year’s event attracted 75 participants, generating a substantial $352,500 prize pool alongside a $375,000 bounty pool. The Mystery Bounty format, which is gaining popularity in the poker world, allows players to earn cash prizes not only based on their finishing position but also by eliminating opponents, creating a thrilling dynamic at the tables.
Bonanata’s journey to the final table was not without challenges. Following a day filled with competition, notable players like Dimitar Danchev, Patrick Leonard, and Adrian Mateos fell victim to the fast-paced action, exemplifying the fierce competition present throughout the tournament.
A Close Call: The Bubble Boy
Interestingly, the day was punctuated by drama as Ren Lin, the overall chip leader at one point, ended up as the bubble boy. After being put to the test with a short stack, Lin found himself dominated with a lower ace against Bonanata’s superior hand, leading to his exit just shy of the money.
Final Table Action: A Swift Decline
As the final table commenced, Korzinin held a commanding chip lead. However, as the hours progressed, the tides shifted drastically. Early eliminations saw Fokin, Zubov, and Fritz depart, paving the way for Bonanata to capitalize on advantageous spots.
Each player fought hard to secure their positions. As Bonanata began to chip up, strategic plays helped him clinch critical pots, allowing him to secure a more commanding position as the competition narrowed.
Heads-Up Duel: A Battle for Supremacy
In the exciting heads-up finale against Ponakovs, Bonanata initially held a slight edge. However, the seesaw battle saw Ponakovs take the lead momentarily before Bonanata staged a comeback, ultimately claiming victory. A decisive hand with pocket deuces secured the title for Bonanata, leaving Ponakovs to ponder the narrow misses in a highly competitive match.
Conclusion: A Champion’s Journey
Marcelo Bonanata’s victory at the 2024 PokerStars EPT Cyprus is a testament to his skill, perseverance, and strategic acumen in the fast-paced world of professional poker. As he adds this prestigious title to his resume, the poker community eagerly anticipates his future endeavors on the felt. With each hand played and each challenge faced, Bonanata’s journey within the poker realm continues to evolve, inspiring players and fans alike.
