Bulgaria’s Martin Tsvetanov triumphed in the record-breaking €1,100 Eureka Main Event at the 2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour (EPT) Prague, earning €449,034. The tournament, which attracted 4,732 entries and generated a €4,542,720 prize pool, concluded with Tsvetanov striking a heads-up deal with Austrian Gerald Karlic, who took home €396,086.

Final Table Highlights

Despite entering the final day as the chip leader, Tsvetanov faced numerous challenges. At one point during three-handed play, he was down to just ten big blinds. However, a series of crucial doubles and a well-timed ace versus Ricardo Caridade’s pocket queens propelled him back to the top. The heads-up battle against Karlic saw Tsvetanov cement his victory and claim an additional €19,034 and the trophy after the deal.

Player Reaction

Tsvetanov expressed his disbelief at the magnitude of his win. “I haven’t processed it yet,” he shared, reflecting on the ups and downs of the day. The Bulgarian player credited his mental preparation and focus, adding, “I just try to play my best and never give up. Being down to ten big blinds and coming back to win is surreal.”

Impact of the Victory

Tsvetanov’s €449,034 win obliterates his previous career tournament cashes of $134,000. This life-changing score has prompted him to consider playing higher-stakes tournaments in the future, though he plans to balance his poker aspirations with family responsibilities, especially with his second child on the way.

Final Table Summary

The 14-player final day featured rapid eliminations, including notable exits like Jack Sinclair and Konstantinos Nanos. Karlic and Caridade each held the chip lead at various points, but it was Tsvetanov’s resilience and timely aggression that ultimately defined the outcome.

With this victory, Tsvetanov has etched his name into EPT history and set a new benchmark for the €1,100 Eureka Main Event.

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