At the European Poker Tour (EPT) Cyprus, hosted at the Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa, Mikalai Vaskaboinikau has gained yet another achievement to his poker record. Already under public notice for his exceptional performance this year. The Belarusian businessman grabbed his second EPT trophy by winning the $10,200 No-Limit Hold’em tournament. This victory follows one week from his triumph in the $50,000 Super High Roller, where he won an amazing $ 601,397.
Mikalai Vaskaboinikau’s Winning Year
Starting with a big triumph in a Triton event, where he collected $4,737,000. More than half of his total live tournament earnings—Mikalai Vaskaboinikau had an outstanding year. His performance at the EPT Cyprus confirms even more his competitiveness in the poker scene. As he considered his successes, Vaskaboinikau said, “These prizes are where you get proud of yourself, right?! I mentioned [previously in the series], we have two kids, and the third is coming, hence I need the third trophy – and I already have it here!
Final Day Action: A Turbo-Paced Contest
Attracting 87 entrants, the $10,200 No-Limit Hold’em event generated an award pool of $843,900. Starting with a turbo structure in place, the action was quick and forceful from the off. Day 2 started with 57 players fighting for the top 11 paid slots. With at least ten players eliminated in the first stage.
Among the early chip leaders, Ren Lin dominated the field with his forceful approach. Vaskaboinikau, meantime, was methodically building his stack, establishing himself as a rival. Farid Jattin, the Day 1 chip leader, kept his advantage at first, but Vaskaboinikau prevailed with an ace-king hand that held up Aren Bezhanyan.
The Money Rounds Start and the Bubble Bursts
The tempo slowed and the strain grew as the event neared the money bubble. With a bold hero call that eliminated Gregoire Auzoux, Adrian Mateos—known for his deft play—showcased why he’s among the finest in the world. Mateos’s streak came to an end, though, when Vaskaboinikau defeated him, maintaining his own stack in good shape as the tournament moved into the money divisions.
By winning a pivotal race against Tomas Jozonis with an ace-king hand that beat Jozonis’s queens, Krasimir Neychev was vital in breaking the bubble. The eliminations proceeded fast once the bubble cleared the path. Mateos left the money first, then other competitors as the field shrank to the final table.
Mikalai Vaskaboinikau Dominated the Final Table
Mikalai Vaskaboinikau, Lin, and Neychev ranked highest among the final table players. Every one of them locked important eliminations that drove them to the top of the rankings. Lin’s aggressive play helped him knock down Jattin, whose all-in effort was called off by Lin’s superior hand.
Vaskaboinikau made a crucial action by winning a large pot against Lin with a flush, with just three players left. Not too long after, he won another pivotal flip, wiping off Lin in third place and guaranteeing a heads-up fight with Neychev.
Deal struck: Mikalai Vaskaboinikau claims the trophy
Vaskaboinikau offered Neychev a deal right away after Lin was kicked out. With each player getting home $195,500, he was ready to divide the prize money equally even though he had a significant chip advantage. His sole requirements were that he be crowned the champion and get the much-desired PokerStars spade trophy. Happy with the terms, Neychev signed the contract, therefore enabling Mikalai Vaskaboinikau to be named the champion.
When thinking back on the victory, Vaskaboinikau said, “It feels fantastic! No trophies ten years ago; now, two in a row. The poker gods were rather friendly to me; occasionally all the luck comes together!
Final Results: Examining Things Closer
The outcomes of the $10,200 No-Limit Hold’em tournament show the great degree of competitiveness and the significant payouts involved. The final is broken down here payouts:
| Place | Player | Country | Prize |
| 1 | Mikalai Vaskaboinikau | Belarus | $195,500* |
| 2 | Krasimir Neychev | Bulgaria | $195,500* |
| 3 | Ren Lin | China | $109,500 |
| 4 | Farid Jattin | Colombia | $84,300 |
| 5 | Julien Sitbon | France | $64,800 |
| 6 | Viktor Ustimov | Russia | $51,500 |
| 7 | Nikita Kuznetsov | Russia | $41,200 |
| 8 | Hassan Nashar | Gambia | $33,000 |
| 9 | Kully Sidhu | UK | $26,400 |
| 10 | Fahredin Mustafov | Bulgaria | $21,100 |
| 11 | Adrian Mateos | Spain | $21,100 |
An unforgettable series for Vaskaboinikau
For Vaskaboinikau, the EPT Cyprus has shown to be a series to remember. His two medals in such a small period of time are evidence of his talent, will, and perhaps lucky nature. This double win is particularly nice for a player who spent years without collecting significant trophies. Now proudly displayed in his house, the PokerStars Spade trophies will act as a reminder of a great run and a celebration of both his poker skill and a fresh chapter in his personal life.
An Eventful Day at EPT Cyprus
The $10,200 No- Limit Hold’em tournament at the European Poker Tour Cyprus offered an interesting climax. It was a fitting end to a series that combined some of the top players from around the world given high-stakes rivalry, gifted individuals, and exciting games.
For Vaskaboinikau, it was a week of dreams come true as he not only fulfilled his need for a third trophy—symbolic of his third child on the way—but also established his position in the poker scene with two back-to-back wins. Looking ahead, his ongoing performance makes him a player to keep an eye on in next high-stakes events.
Congratulation on his outstanding performance at the EPT Cyprus, Mikalai Vaskaboinikau. Having his trophies on show, he can proudly look back at this run knowing that his will and abilities produced an amazing chapter in his poker career.
