Mikalai Vaskaboinikau outlasts some of the best players to take the title
The EPT Cyprus $50K Super High Roller saw some of poker’s biggest names compete for the top prize, but it was Mikalai Vaskaboinikau who emerged victorious, taking home $601,397 and the Golden Shard trophy. Despite strong performances, Adrian Mateos and Roman Hrabec fell short, with Vaskaboinikau outlasting them in an exciting final-table showdown.
Mateos, a Spanish poker superstar, came to the final table as the chip leader but encountered tough resistance. One pivotal moment saw Hrabec successfully bluff Mateos off a strong hand, giving the Czech player a brief lifeline. However, Hrabec couldn’t maintain momentum and was eventually knocked out in fourth place by Vaskaboinikau, losing a crucial flip with ace-ten against Vaskaboinikau’s pocket eights.
Vaskaboinikau continued his rise after eliminating Hrabec, landing key hands that positioned him to challenge Artur Martirosian and Mateos for the top spot. One decisive hand saw Vaskaboinikau double up through Martirosian with king-high against pocket queens, shifting the momentum in his favor. The trio then discussed a deal, with Vaskaboinikau securing $542,120, Martirosian $495,815, and Mateos locking up $555,758, leaving an additional $59,277 to compete for.
Martirosian briefly regained the lead in heads-up play after surviving an all-in with ace-jack, but Vaskaboinikau struck back. In a dramatic turn, Vaskaboinikau hit a running flush to beat Martirosian’s pocket aces, securing a commanding lead. Vaskaboinikau’s pocket fours called Martirosian’s final all-in move with ace-deuce, and when no ace appeared, Vaskaboinikau claimed the title.
Vaskaboinikau’s win marked a significant moment in his poker career, adding a coveted EPT title to his list of achievements.
