A Prolific Comeback on Day 3
It took an extra session, but Grzegorz Kozieja, the skilled poker player and coach from Poland, staged a remarkable comeback on Day 3 of the €2,200 Eureka High Roller at the 2023 PokerStars European Poker Tour (EPT) in Prague. Overcoming a 2:1 chip deficit, Kozieja emerged victorious in heads-up play against Safwane Bahri, clinching the top prize of €474,510 and the coveted trophy.
Immediate Dive into Main Event Action
With little time to savor his triumph, Kozieja wasted no time and dove straight into Day 1b of the €5,300 Main Event, displaying an insatiable appetite for poker success and another potential substantial payday.
Notable Final Table Contenders
Joining Kozieja in the limelight were seasoned players Bruno Volkmann and Jason Wheeler, securing third and fourth place, respectively, in the Eureka High Roller. Their presence added a layer of competition and experience to the final stages of the tournament.
Tournament Overview
The EPT Prague Eureka High Roller attracted a competitive field with 1,478 entries, accumulating a substantial prize pool of €2,837,760. The top 221 players cashed in, with recognized EPT champions like Giuliano Bendinelli and Simon Brandstrom making their mark in the paid places.
Final Table Results
The final table showcased a diverse international lineup, and the payout structure reflected the intensity of the competition. The €2,200 Eureka High Roller final table results highlighted the skill and determination of the top contenders:
| Place | Player | Country | Prize (EUR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Grzegorz Kozieja | Poland | €474,510 |
| 2 | Safwane Bahri | France | €292,520 |
| 3 | Bruno Volkmann | Brazil | €208,940 |
| 4 | Jason Wheeler | United States | €160,730 |
| 5 | Dan Larsen | Denmark | €123,640 |
| 6 | Sokratis Linaras | Greece | €95,120 |
| 7 | Vasileios Chatzilazarou | Cyprus | €73,160 |
| 8 | Pablo Brito Silva | Brazil | €56,300 |
Action of the Day
The final day saw notable action, with Jason Wheeler making an early exit, and Bruno Volkmann’s roller-coaster journey ending in third place. Wheeler’s jamming of jack-five against Volkmann’s kings marked the first casualty, but it was Wheeler’s tenth six-figure live cash, inching him closer to the $5 million milestone in live earnings.
Kozieja’s Grand Finale
Despite a challenging heads-up battle, Grzegorz Kozieja’s strategic prowess shone through. Momentum shifted in his favor, culminating in a triumphant victory. Kozieja’s rail celebrated as he secured his first major live tournament win, significantly boosting his live earnings to $74,052. On the other side, Bahri’s valiant effort earned him the €292,520 runners-up prize, providing solace in defeat.
In conclusion, the 2023 EPT Prague Eureka High Roller delivered a riveting poker spectacle, with Kozieja etching his name in the annals of live tournament victories. The Main Event awaits, promising more thrills and spills on the vibrant poker stage.