Atanas Malinov Triumphs in FPS Main Event at EPT Monte Carlo; Ankit Ahuja Finishes 23rd

The 2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour Monte Carlo witnessed a display of exceptional skill and determination as Bulgaria’s Atanas Malinov emerged victorious in the fiercely contested FPS €1,100 Main Event hosted at the stunning Sporting Monte-Carlo.

Entering the final day with a commanding chip lead, Malinov showcased remarkable composure and strategic acumen, leveraging his massive chip lead to systematically dismantle all his five opponents, securing not only the prestigious title but also a substantial prize of €303,190.

A seasoned contender in the European poker circuit, Malinov’s triumph adds to his impressive track record, which includes a commendable sixth place finish for €52,050  at Eureka Prague 2014.

Recap of FPS Main Event at 2024 EPT Monte Carlo

The FPS Main Event at EPT Monte Carlo attracted an impressive 2,096 entries, generating a €2,012,160 prize pool which was shared by 314 players. Some notables to cash were EPT Berlin 2012 winner Davidi Kitai (37th – €5,730), PokerStars Ambassadors Felix Schneiders (62nd – €4,330), Lasse Jagd Lauritsen (216th – €2,150), and Simon Wiciak (268th – €1,850).

Also Read: EPT MONTE CARLO 2024: ANTOINE LABAT WINS MYSTERY BOUNTY, INDIA’S ANKIT AHUJA…

India’s Ankit Ahuja showcased exceptional skill and determination throughout the tournament, representing Team India with pride. He was the only Indian to make it to Day 3 and started the day with 11th in chips among 31 players. After a series of setbacks, his stack came down to just 2.5 big blinds. Despite a valiant effort, Ahuja’s journey finally concluded after his pocket aces were cracked by Atanas Malinov’s queen-nine. The latter won the hand with two pairs, ending Ahuja’s main event run in 23rd place. Ahuja earned €8,720 (INR 7.78 Lakhs) for his efforts. 

FPS €1,100 Main Event Final Table Recap

It took four starting flights and two more days of play to whittle the field down to a final table of six. Malinov started the final table with the chip lead and faced formidable opponents such as Guillaume Nolet and Gabi Livshitz. Local Nice-resident Remy Murcia couldn’t spin his 14 bigs and was the first to exit the table after running into Marco Gambini’s flopped top two pair.

He was followed by Israeli chess international master Livshitz, who doubled with aces before the break but then found himself all-in and at risk against Malinov.

Guillaume Nolet faced a series of setbacks before becoming the next victim of Malinov. The latter jammed as the big stack with Jh 6h and Nolet shoved his remaining stack with Ah Jd. Malinov hit a full house and Nolet was ousted in fourth place.  A few hands later, Malinov jammed with 4c 4h and Marco Gambini called with Ac 9s. Malinov rivered a set to bust Gambini in third place. 

The climactic heads-up battle saw Malinov facing off against Virgile Turchi, with the former ultimately emerging victorious. A couple of quick double-ups helped the Frenchman to gain the momentum, but Malinov then quickly regained control.On the final hand, Malinov shoved on the button with 10s 7s and Turchi called with Kc 7h. The board ran out 8c 6h 10d 4c 6c, giving Malinov the pot as well as the title. Turchi was eliminated in second place for €189,220.

FPS €1,100 Main Event Final Table Payouts

Source: PokerNews/PokerStarsLive

Image Credit: PokerNews/PokerStarsLive