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12:35am: Alexandru Papazian wins EPT Grand Final high roller (€ 1,197,000), Alexandros Kolonias (€ 805,900)Level 32 - Blinds 125,000/250,000 (ante 25,000)
Oh the irony. Alexandros Kolonias had got it in bad once or twice and doubled as much as survive, but if he got it in ahead he couldn't hold up.
Alexandru Papazian shoved from the button with A♠4♥ and Kolonias called all-in for around 1,900,000 with 9♣9♥. The 3♠4♦2♣ board left Papazian's enthusiastic rail calling for a five. The J♣ turn was a blank however the A♦ river gave Papazian the most efficient hand, the title and the trophy!
Papazian's fans embraced him and so they celebrated wildly! Stay here for a recap of the way this fascinating final day unfolded. --NW
12:30am: Huge doubles for Papazias gives him dominant chip leadLevel 32 - Blinds 125,000/25,000 (25,000 ante)
Alexandru Papazias limped, and Alexandros Kolonias put him all-in. The Romanian had 4.93 million and thought for approximately 20 seconds before announcing the call.
Papazias - A♦6♣Kolonias - K♠Q♦
It was an even call from Papazias who ahead, and it was a good better flop because it came the A♣4♦5♠, followed by the 8♦ and the 3♥.
Papazias now has 9.9 million, while Kolonias has 1.6 million. --JS
12:10am: Short stackedLevel 32 - Blinds 125,000/250,000 (ante 25,000)
For the record some four hours after heads up play began the common stack is now 20 big blinds. Players just had a request for a brief break denied. Possibly on humanitarian grounds.
| 32 | 125,000 | 250,000 | 25,000 |
11:55pm: We're about to achieve SaturdayLevel 31 - Blinds 100,000/200,000 (ante 25,000)
It's beginning to feel somewhat weird here. The tournament room is deserted, things at the moment are being packed away, and yet the last remaining high rollers play on as though this were a day warm up.
Another all-in. This one from Kolonias worth 2.71 with J♥8♥. Papazian called with A♥7♠. However the poker Gods don't seem to be done with this season. They delivered a board that ran: T♦6♠K♦J♣2♠. That left most of the people here speechless.
We play on. Kolonias doubles to 5,470,000 whilst Papazian is right down to 6,080,000 -- SB
11:45pm: Papazian holding firmLevel 31 - Blinds 100,000/200,000 (ante 25,000)
There's been some backward and forward between the 2 but Papazian continues to be holding an organization grip at the chip lead. He's got 8,100,000 to the 3,000,000 of Alexandros Kolonias. --NW
| 31 | 100,000 | 200,000 | 25,000 |
11:25pm: Alexandros Kolonias doubles upLevel 30 - Blinds 80,000/160,000 (ante 20,000)
Down to under ten big blinds Alexandros Kolonias shoved twice and got a walk to climb to 1,740,000. When he shoved that over the road he got a call.
Kolonias showed K♣8♥ and Alexandru Papazian hoped to seal the deal courtesy of Q♣J♥.
The 6♠3♦4♦3♣A♥ board doubled Kolonias to 3,500,000 and drops Papazian to around 7,800,000. --NW
11:15pm: An excessive amount of now for Kolonias?Level 30 - Blinds 80,000/160,000 (ante 20,000)
It was arguably the largest pot of the tournament, unquestionably essentially the most dramatic.
On a flop of K♣8♦6♥ Papazian bet 350,000 which was called. The turn was the J♣ which Papazian bet at again, 900,000 this time. Again this was called. Now the K♦ at the river. Papazian carried on with a raffle of 1.3 million. Then over to Kolonais.
He tanked for roughly five minutes. Throughout there has been silence from the crowd, and from both players, save the cricket rattle of riffled chips, a valid that carried around the now empty Salles des Etoile, marking the passing of time as Kolonias considered learn how to act.
Then the riffling stopped.
Kolonias had a chip in his hand able to toss into the center. He hesitated, and for a second time stood still and there has been silence. Would he throw it in? He did.
Papazian turned over J♠9♦. It took a beat for Kolonias to understand he was beaten. Papazian knew all of it along, and taunted Kolonias, flicking the fingers on each hand as though to mention "gimme". Kolonias was unimpressed, however it may now be too late. He's right down to 1.45 million. Papazian on greater than 10 million. - SB
10:55pm: Papazian scoops a large oneLevel 30 - Blinds 80,000/160,000 (ante 20,000)
Alexandru Papazian is back within the chip lead after winning a 4,200,000 chip pot at the first hand back from the break.
He three-bet to 800,000 from the large blind and Alexandros Kolonias flat called. The pot swelled further at the 7♣A♠3♥ flop with Kolonias calling a 450,000 chip c-bet from Papazian.
The J♥ turn checked through and the 9♦ rounded off the board. Papazian fired out 1,200,000 and Kolonias tank-called. The Romanian rolled over K♦J♠ to climb to 7,220,000 whilst Kolonias is all the way down to 4,330,000. --NW
| 30 | 80,000 | 160,000 | 20,000 |
10:50pm: New levelLevel 30 - Blinds 80,000/160,000 (ante 20,000)
We play on into level 30. Kolonias has 6,430,000 to Papazian's 5,120,000.
10:35pm: Kolonias makes a large callLevel 29 - Blinds 60,000/120,000 (ante 20,000)
The stacks have flip-flopped another time with Alexandros Kolonias now enjoying a 6,000,000 to 5,150,000 chip lead. That he has it's right down to a super call.
In the hand in question Kolonias opened to 240,000 at the button, Alexandru Papazian three-bet to 725,000 and Kolonias called.
The Greek player then called bets of 400,000 and 1,200,000 at the Q♣6♥4♠8♥ board before both players checked the river. Papazian showed J♦5♥ whilst Kolonias had called down with 7♦6♦. --NW
10:15pm: And Papazian's back within the lead...Level 29 - Blinds 60,000/120,000 (ante 20,000)
Time for the old 'bad dog handler' joke. Yep nobody can hold onto a lead. Alexandru Papazian is back on top. His ascent back to first place came courtesy of a hand where he check-raised a 3♥A♠3♠ flop to 600,000. Alexandros Kolonias had 200,000 within the middle already and installed the extra.
On the 7♣ turn Papazian bet 800,000 and that was enough to earn him the pot. He's as much as 6,150,000, Kolonias has slipped to 5,000,000. --NW
9:55pm: Swingy heads-up battleLevel 29 - Blinds 60,000/120,000 (ante 20,000)
This heads-up battle continues to swing from side to side and Alexandros Kolonias has just vaulted into the lead.
In the hand that took him there he called Alexandru Papazian's pre-flop raise of 300,000 and the 2 players saw a Q♥K♣A♣ flop hit the felt.
The Greek player checked to Papazian, he bet 200,000 and Kolonias check-raised to 600,000 straight. Call from Papazian. There has been no betting action at the 9♦ turn but Kolonias came out firing at the J♣ river. He bet 1,000,000 and Papazian folded.
It's roughly 7,425,000 plays 4,125,000 now. --NW
| 29 | 60,000 | 120,000 | 20,000 |
9:45pm: Papazian gets some backLevel 28 - Blinds 50,000/100,000 (ante 10,000)
Alexandru Papazian has, once again, put some daylight between himself and Alexandros Kolonias as he just won a 2,500,000 chip pot.
The Romanian opened to 250,000 at the button and called after Kolonias three-bet to 750,000. At the A♦4♦J♣ flop Kolonias c-bet 500,000 and Papazian stuck around. Both the 2♠ turn and 2♥ river were checked through, Kolonias opened 9♠7♠ for just nine high, whilst Papazian revealed 5♥5♣ to take the pot.
He' s as much as 6,800,000 and Kolonias is right down to 4,800,000. --NW
9:40pm: All-in - called!Level 28 - Blinds 50,000/100,000 (ante 10,000)
After Papazian won a large pot moments earlier, it was followed by a hand that doubled up Kolonias.
It began with a gap bet of 250,000 from Papazian which was raised to 750,000 by Kolonias. Papazian then went all in together with his K♦Q♠ which was called by Kolonias with A♠K♥.
The board ran T♣2♦T♠J♥6♥.
A double up for Kolonias who was all in for 2.9 million. The heads-up stacks at the moment are relatively even. - SB
9:20pm: Play continuesLevel 28 - Blinds 50,000/100,000 (ante 10,000)
Play continues with 24 minutes left on this level.
8:15pm: Dinner break
Following that second double-up by Alexandros Kolonias, the 2 players had a snappy discussion and decided to take a one-hour dinner break. Listed below are their counts for after they return. --MH
Alexandru Papazian - 7,390,000Alexandros Kolonias - 4,160,000
8:12pm: A second double for KoloniasLevel 28 - Blinds 50,000/100,000 (ante 10,000)
The third hand of heads-up saw Alexandru Papazian opened for 200,000 from the button, Alexandros Kolonias jam all-in for his last 2 million-plus, and after somewhat of thought Papazian call.
Papazian: Q♦J♦Kolonias: K♥T♦
The A♣T♥5♦ flop gave Kolonias a couple and Papazian a gutshot to Broadway, but both the 3♥ turn and 9♣ river were blanks and Kolonias doubled again.
Kolonias is as much as almost 4.2 million after that while Papazian slips to 7.3 million. --MH
Alexandros v. Alexandru
8:08pm: Papazian gets some backLevel 28 - Blinds 50,000/100,000 (ante 10,000)
Hand #2 of heads-up saw action in addition. Alexandros Kolonias began things with a raise to 200,000 from the button, Alexandru Papazian three-bet to 600,000, and Kolonias called.
The flop came 3♠A♣J♥ and when Papazian led for 350,000, Kolonias folded.
Kolonias has about 2.08 million now and Papazian slightly below 9.5 million. --MH
Papazian still on top
8:06pm: Kokonias doublesLevel 28 - Blinds 50,000/100,000 (ante 10,000)
On the primary hand of heads-up play, Alexandru Papazian open-shoved from the button and Alexandros Kolonias called in no time. Papazian had 9♦7♣ while Kononias was ahead with K♣T♦. The board ran out 6♥Q♠J♥J♣2♠, and Kolonias doubled as much as just over 2.75 million while Papazian still has 9.75 million. --MH
8:04pm: Heads-up begins!Level 28 - Blinds 50,000/100,000 (ante 10,000)
The first hand of heads-up play is being dealt, with Alexandru Papazian enjoying a large result in begin the duel with 10.15 million to the 1.35 million of Alexandros Kolonias. --MH
8pm: Rafael Da Silva Moraes eliminated in third place (€568,200)Level 28 - Blinds 50,000/100,000 (ante 10,000)
We're heads-up and it's Rafael Da Silva Moraes who's been eliminated in third place. He min-raised at the button and Alexandru Papazian called from the large blind.
On the 7♠3♦Q♦ flop Da Silva Moraes bet 200,000, Papazian set him all-in and Da Silva Moraes called all-in for 1,250,000 total.
Papazian opened Q♠J♦ whist Da Silva Moraes had Q♣8♣. His fans began shouting for an eight but it surely didn't arrive at the 6♠ turn or 2♥ river. --NW
Rafael Da Silva Moraes - 3rd place
7:54pm: Papazian takes oneLevel 28 - Blinds 50,000/100,000 (ante 10,000)
There were no flops for the primary few hands of the level, then finally came a hand that saw Alexandru Papazian raise to 200,000 from the button and Alexandros Kolonias call from the large blind.
The flop came J♣K♥Q♥, and after Kolonias checked, Papazian continued for 175,000 and Kolonias called. Both checked the 7♣ turn, then after the 4♦ river Kolonias checked, Papazian bet 500,000, and Kolonias let his hand go.
Papazian is up over 8 million now while Kolonias is at 1.75 million and Rafael Da Silva Moraes also has about 1.75 million. --MH
7:35pm: Three players, one trophyLevel 28 - Blinds 50,000/100,000 (ante 10,000)
The three players are back and with Papazian well in front a brand new level is underway. This level will last only 50 minutes. --MH
| 28 | 50,000 | 100,000 | 10,000 |
7:20pm: Zvi Stern eliminated in in 4th place (€460,700)Level 27 - Blinds 40,000/80,000 (10,000 ante)
And then there have been three. Zvi Stern was chip leader for many of yesterday and carried that pole position into today, but his tournament was cut short.
He was the fast stack on the table and moved all-in at the button for 930,000. Alexandru Papazian raised it as much as 1.935 million, and Rafael Da Silva Moraes looked frustrated. He was probably planning on calling Stern, but wouldn't tangle with Papazian and folded.
Papazian had Q♣Q♥ and Stern would wish an Ace together with his A♦7♣. However, the board ran out 2♥J♠J♣6♦4♠ and he made his exit. --JS
Zvi Stern - 4th place
7:15pm: Papazian has 60% of the chips in playLevel 27 - Blinds 40,000/80,000 (ante 10,000)
Alexandru Papazian is definitely and really in command of the general four as he's as much as 7,000,000 after taking a pot from Rafael Da Silva Moraes. It was a blind on blind hand with Papazian raising to 220,000 from the small blind and Da Silva Moraes defending from the large blind.
On the 7♦9♠4♠ flop Papazian check-called a raffle of 275,000 and the T♠ fell at the turn. Again Papazian checked, Da Silva Moraes bet again, this time 625,000 and Papazian again smooth called.
The 4♥ completed the board and both players checked it down, Da Silva Moraes opened 6♠3♠ for a flush but Papazian had got there at the river with Q♦T♥. After that hand Da Silva Moraes slips to 1,680,000. --NW
6:55pm: Eddy Maksoud eliminated in 5th place (€364,500)Level 27 - Blinds 40,000/80,000 (10,000 ante)
We've lost another player, and Alexandru Papazian has re-taken the chip lead as a result of it.
Eddy Maksoud is the person who's left us. He moved all-in from the cut-off for 440,000 and Papazian just called at the button. It folded to Alexandros Kolonias within the big blind, and he came along to look a flop too.
The K♦A♦7♣ hit the felt and both checked, but at the T♦ turn Papazian led for 400,000 when it was checked to him. The Greek player gave up his hand, and the hands were revealed:
Maksoud - A♣2♠Papazian - A♥T♣
Maksoud saw the bad news as he was drawing dead. An inconsequential Q♦ hit the river and Papazian scooped the chips (he has 4.46 million now) while Maksoud went to assemble his €364,500. --JS
Eddy Maksoud - 5th place
6:40pm: Rafael Da Silva Moraes doubles through Eddy MaksoudLevel 27 - Blinds 40,000/80,000 (ante 10,000)
There were a variety of cries of "vamos" on the end of this hand as Rafael Da Silva Moraes doubled as much as the delight of his rail.
Pre-flop the Brazilian raised to 160,000 from under-the-gun and Eddy Maksoud defended from the large blind. The J♦4♦4♣ flop was checked through and the 4♠ fell at the turn. Maksoud bet 175,000 and Da Silva Moraes smooth called.
The 2♠ completed the board and that is where the fireworks went off. Maksoud bet out 500,000, Da Silva Moraes jammed for 810,000 total and Maksoud called the additional. The Brazilian opened A♦A♠ for fours filled with aces, whilst Maksoud showed Q♠J♣ for an inferior full house.
After that hand Da Silva Moraes is as much as 2,350,000 whilst Maksoud is right down to 510,000. --NW
6:25pm: Updated chip counts; 5 remainLevel 27 - Blinds 40,000/80,000 (ante 10,000)
Play moves into Level 27 with five players left and the Romanian, Alexandru Papazian, leading the way in which. --MH
| Alexandru Papazian | Romania | 4,150,000 |
| Alexandros Kolonias | Greece | 3,250,000 |
| Eddy Maksoud | Lebanon | 1,600,000 |
| Zvi Stern | Israel | 1,310,000 |
| Rafael Da Silva Moraes | Brazil | 1,180,000 |
| 27 | 40,000 | 80,000 | 10,000 |
6:15pm: Papazian's check doesn't pay offLevel 26 - Blinds 30,000/60,000 (10,000 ante)
Sometimes checking the most efficient hand can induce your opponent to commit chips they otherwise don't have. But then again, sometimes you simply need to bet your big hands if you wish to get paid.
That's what Alexandru Papazian was just reminded. Alexandros Kolonias opened to 120,000 from the cut-off and both Zvi Stern and Papazian called from the button and large blind respectively.
The 2♦6♦5♠ flop fell and Papazian checked to Kolonias who continued for 150,000. That removed Stern, however the Romanian came along to look the 2♠ turn. Papazian check-called a bigger bet of 400,000.
That brought us to the K♠ river, and Papazian checked. Kolonias checked it back, and Papazian sighed; he hoped Kolonias would put more chips in so he could call along with his A♠9♠ nut flush. Kolonias mucked and is right down to 3.6 million, while Papazian has 3.45 million. --JS
6:05pm: Anthony Zinno eliminated in 6th place (€ 276,750)Level 26 - Blinds 30,000/60,000 (ante 10,000)
After doubling up Rafael Da Silva Morae there has been to be no comeback for Anthony Zinno. He'd got in all-in once and chopped however the second time he moved in and was called was to be his last.
He open shoved for 330,000 with Q♦J♥ and Alexandros Kolonias re-raised to isolate. It was soon clear why because the Greek player opened Q♣Q♠.
The 7♦A♦6♣T♣4♣ board kept things entertaining but Zinno didn't hit his gutshot at the river. He wished the table good luck as he went on his way. --NW
6:03pm: Preflop skirmishesLevel 26 - Blinds 30,000/60,000 (ante 10,000)
Rafael Da Silva Moraes and Alexandru Papazian just battled over a few pots preflop, with each casting off one.
In the first, Papazian opened from the cutoff, then Da Silva Moraes reraised to 375,000 from the button. It folded back to Papazian who thought a bit, then set out a tall stack of blacks (100K chips), and Da Silva released his hand.
On the following one, Papazian raised to 150,000, then Da Silva Moraes three-bet all-in for exactly 1 million. It folded back to Papazian who appeared like he desired to call, but within the ended decided against doing so.
Papazian has just over 2 million now while Da Silva Moraes has about 1.3 million. --MH
5:55pm: Kolonias continues to buildLevel 26 - Blinds 30,000/60,000 (ante 10,000)
It's been an excellent level for Alexandros Kolonias and he's now as much as 3,775,000 after winning a pot against Alexandru Papazian.
Papazian raised to 150,000 from middle position and Kolonias defended his big blind. The Romanian fired out bets of 75,000 and 180,000 respectively at the flop and switch of a 3♣8♠3♥4♠J♠ board before giving up at the river.
Kolonias confidently turned over 5♥5♠ and it was good, Papazian drops to 1,800,000. --NW
5:42pm: Da Silva Moraes doubles through ZinnoLevel 26 - Blinds 30,000/60,000 (ante 10,000)
Rafael Da Silva Moraes open pushed his last 790,000 within the middle from the hijack seat, then Anthony Zinno didn't waste an excessive amount of time before reshoving his stack all-in from one seat over, and everybody else skedaddled.
Da Silva Moraes had A♥T♥ and was behind Zinno's A♦J♠, however the flop came T♠A♠5♥ to swing the advantage suddenly to the Brazilian. The turn was the 6♠ and river the 8♦, and Da Silva Moraes survives with 1.65 million. Meanwhile Zinno is all the way down to just 415,000. --MH
5:35pm: Kolonias takes some from SternLevel 26 - Blinds 30,000/60,000 (ante 10,000)
A fun hand to start out the level, during which Alexandros Kolonias limped from the small blind after which called when Zvi Stern made it 180,000 to play.
The flop fell 7♥K♦2♥, nobody bet and the 9♦ hit the turn. Kolonias fired out 80,000 and Stern smooth called. The 4♥ landed at the river and Kolonias check-called a raffle of 105,000. Stern had Q♠Q♦ but have been rivered as Kolonias showed 7♣4♣. --NW
5:30pm: Updated chip counts; 6 remainLevel 26 - Blinds 30,000/60,000 (ante 10,000)
Players are back from break and a brand new level is underway, with Alexandros Kolonias currently leading the best way. Updated counts below. --MH
| Alexandros Kolonias | Greece | 2,835,000 |
| Alexandru Papazian | Romania | 2,690,000 |
| Eddy Maksoud | Lebanon | 2,160,000 |
| Zvi Stern | Israel | 1,780,000 |
| Anthony Zinno | USA | 1,265,000 |
| Rafael Da Silva Moraes | Brazil | 820,000 |
| 26 | 30,000 | 60,000 | 10,000 |
5:15pm: Zinno bluff picked off by KoloniasLevel 25 - Blinds 25,000/50,000 (5,000 ante)
Alexandros Kolonias opened to 100,000 and Alexandru Papazian called from the button. Anthony Zinno defended his big blind and the 3 saw a flop.
It came the 6♠4♥J♠ and it checked to Papazian, who took a 150,000 stab on the pot. Zinno then raised it to 375,000, Kolonias called and Papazian folded.
The turn was the 4♦ and now the bet from Zinno was smaller at 275,000. It was called.
The 8♦ hit the river and Zinno's bet got smaller still - 145,000. Kolonias thought for a little bit while, continually asking how much the bet was as though he couldn't believe it was so small.
He eventually made the decision and had the winner with the A♣J♣ for high pair, while Zinno showed the 3♠5♠ for a busted straight draw. He's right down to 1.265 million, while Kolonias is as much as 2.83 million.
Players at the moment are on a 10-minute break. --JS
5:10pm: End of level 25Players are actually on a fifteen minute break.
5:06pm: Papazian shows the bluffLevel 25 - Blinds 25,000/50,000 (ante 5,000)
From under-the-gun Alexandru Papazian opened to 125,000. Up to now so standard. It folded round to Eddy Maksoud and he three-bet to 330,000 total. Papazian wasn't done along with his hand though, he four-bet to 580,000 and Maksoud folded.
As he took the pot Papazian showed first the Q♥ after which the 5♥ and smiled as he did so. --NW
5:02pm: Stern doubles through Da Silva MoraesLevel 25 - Blinds 25,000/50,000 (ante 5,000)
Following a gap raise by Rafael Da Silva Moraes from the cutoff, it folded to Zvi Stern within the big blind who jammed his last 885,000. Upon getting a count the Brazilian called the Israeli's shove, turning over K♥Q♥ while Stern had J♣J♦. The board ran out 5♣T♠9♠T♣3♥, and Stern survived.
Stern is back as much as 1.83 million, while Da Silva Moraes falls to 880,000. --MH
4:55pm: Alexandros Kolonias doubles through Alexandru PapazianLevel 25 - Blinds 25,000/50,000 (ante 5,000)
The all-ins just carry on coming!
Alexandros Kolonias was the most recent to chance his arm, he moved all-in for 1,060,000 from the hijack with T♦T♣ and Alexandru Papazian made the decision with A♥K♥.
The 6♣6♠4♦8♥J♣ board favoured the pair and Kolonias doubles to 2,200,000 whilst Papazian is all the way down to 1,980,000. --NW
4:45pm: Max Silver eliminated in 7th place (€202,050)Level 25 - Blinds 25,000/50,000 (ante 5,000)
From chip leader to out in precisely a couple of hands; Max Silver have been eliminated in 7th place.#
He had just 105,000 when it was folded to him, and he slid 100,000 into the center. The dealer mistakenly thought this was a shove and put out an all-in triangle, but Silver sent it back and pointed at his 5,000 chip behind.
It got to Zvi Stern and he went into the tank - something that we've come to expect by now. The clock was called on him again and he would eventually fold. Alexandru Papazian called from the massive blind, though.
Silver was ahead with the Q♦J♦ against the 4♦6♠, but all cards were live so anything could happen. The flop came the 4♠J♣8♥ cementing Silver's lead, but it surely also paired the Romanian. The 9♦ was a secure turn, however the 6♣ river gave Papazian two-pair and sent Silver packing.
It was a really perfect run for the Brit who'll collect €202,050. --JS
4:40pm: Eddy Maksoud doubles through Max SilverLevel 25 - Blinds 25,000/50,000 (ante 5,000)
Huge pot!
Eddy Maksoud opened 110,000 from the hijack, Alexandru Papazian three-bet to 255,000 from the cutoff and Max Silver got an eye fixed at the stack of Maksoud (1,295,000) before moving all-in for 1,420,000.
It folded round to Maksoud, he tanked after which shoved and there has been no insta-muck from Papazian, could this be a three-way all-in? No. He tanked for a few minutes, got counts of both stacks after which folded.
Silver was first to show, he had T♣T♥ and it might be a race as Maksoud opened A♣K♠. The K♥3♠6♣5♣4♥ board meant Maksoud doubled to around 3,000,000 whilst Silver is all the way down to just 130,000. --NW
4:30pm: Vamos! Da Silva Moraes doubles through SilverLevel 25 - Blinds 25,000/50,000 (5,000 ante)
There were huge cheers of 'vamos!' coming from the ever-increasing Brazilian rail, as Rafael Da Silva Moraes has just doubled up.
Max Silver jammed from the small blind with the K♥8♠ and Moraes made the decision from the massive with the A♠T♠. He had 780,000 on the time.
The J♣6♠K♠ flop gave Silver the lead, however the Q♣ turn gave Moraes the straight and that is the reason when the celebrating started. The 6♦ hit the river and the chips went to Moraes, who now has 1.595 million. --JS
4:20pm: Two small blind shoves in a rowLevel 25 - Blinds 25,000/50,000 (5,000 ante)
First Zvi Stern moved all-in for 765,000 over Alexandru Papazian's under-the-gun open to 125,000 and got a fold; then Eddy Maksoud did the similar over Anthony Zinno's 125,000 bet. --JS
4:15pm: Papazian takes the chip leadLevel 25 - Blinds 25,000/50,000 (ante 5,000)
A hand just played out between the highest two stacks and it's meant a switcheroo on the top of the chip counts.
Alexandru Papazian opened to 125,000 from middle position and called after Max Silver had three-bet to315,000 from the hijack. The 6♦Q♦6♠ flop was checked through and the A♦ fell at the turn. Silver bet 275,000 and Papazian matched the bet.
The 5♠ river was checked through and Papazian's A♥9♥ was good, he's as much as 3,100,000, Silver is right down to 2,400,000. --NW
| 25 | 25,000 | 50,000 | 5,000 |
4:05pm: Imad Derwiche eliminated in 8th place (€147,710)Level 24 - Blinds 20,000/40,000 (5,000 ante)
The incredible back-to-back final table run of Imad Derwiche has sadly come to an end, as we've lost the entertaining Frenchman in 8th place.
Anthony Zinno played executioner, opening to 100,000 from the cut-off which Derwiche then jammed over for 325,000. Zinno made the decision with A♠Q♠ and was up against the J♥J♠ of Derwiche.
The flop brought a sweat because the T♦5♠9♠ gave Zinno a flush draw to compliment his two over cards. The turn came the 4♥, and the river the A♣ to pair Zinno. Dancing Derwiche is now gone, while Zinno is now playing 2.13 million. --JS
4pm: Saar Wilf eliminated in 9th place (€122,250)Level 24 - Blinds 20,000/40,000 (ante 5,000)
From late position Saar Wilf announced he was all-in, Anthony Zinno requested a count - it was 700,000 at the nose - after which he too requested the triangle. Everyone else folded and it was time for showdown.
Wilf: A♥J♠Zinno: A♦Q♠
The Q♥6♦6♠ flop was pretty disastrous for Wilf and indeed another player on the table audibly said: 'gg'. The 9♦ turn and Q♣ river didn't earn Wilf a reprieve and he's bubbled the official final table. Zinno is now as much as 1,715,000. --NW
Ready to join PokerStars? Click here to get an account.3:54pm: Good start for PapazianLevel 24 - Blinds 20,000/40,000 (5,000 ante)
The final table has kicked off and it's Alexandru Papazian who's off and running.
Zvi Stern opened to 95,000 at the button and Papazian came along out of the large blind. The 2 saw a K♠8♦T♠ flop fall and Papazian check-called an 80,000 bet, which led us to the Q♥ turn.
Papazian checked yet again and Stern fired another barrel, this time worth 205,000. That was called and both players checked the 9♣ river, which brought four to a straight.
Neither had it though as Papazian turned over his K♦3♠ for high pair and Stern mucked. --JS
3:49pm: Miss you CharlieLevel 24 - Blinds 20,000/40,000 (ante 5,000)
Imad Derwiche is within the one seat, that is the seat closest to the rail. The Frenchman came second on this event last year, losing to Charlie Carrel heads-up. As mentioned below Carrel is at the rail and Derwiche turned to him and said: "I miss you Charlie, I WOULD LIKE you here Charlie."
To which Carrel resposnded, "ANOTHER PERSON should double you up, it was always me last year." --NW
3:44pm: Small but talented railLevel 24 - Blinds 20,000/40,000 (5,000 ante)
There's just a handful of individuals railing this high roller final table - mainly because it's positioned right within the corner of the room - but there is a lot of talent behind the bar.
Last year's winner Charlie Carrel and Ben Heath are here railing Max Silver, while Joao Pires Simao is here to support Rafael Da Silva Moraes to win. --JS
3:37pm: Meet the overall nineLevel 24 - Blinds 15,000/30,000 (ante 5,000)
The nine remaining players have redrawn to sit down around a single table -- not quite yet the official final table of eight. Mad Silver still leads while last year's EPT12 Grand Final €25K High Roller runner-up Imad Derwiche is the quick stack.
See below for current chip counts, then examine all of the final nine as we await the tournament to restart. --MH
| Max Silver | UK | 2,725,000 |
| Zvi Stern | Israel | 1,485,000 |
| Eddy Maksoud | Lebanon | 1,010,000 |
| Anthony Zinno | USA | 1,120,000 |
| Alexandros Kolonias | Greece | 1,445,000 |
| Rafael Da Silva Moraes | Brazil | 790,000 |
| Alexandru Papazian | Romania | 1,710,000 |
| Saar Wilf | Israel | 800,000 |
| Imad Derwiche | France | 465,000 |
Seat 1: Imad Derwiche, France, 465,000
Derwiche returns to the general table of the €25K EPT Grand Final for a second-straight year here in Monaco, with the Frenchman this time hoping to do one better than his runner-up finish to Charlie Carrell a year ago. Derwiche earned a fab €750,000 for that finish, an amount representing about two-thirds of his career tournament earnings of $1.23 million.
Seat 2: Alexandros Kolonias, Greece, 1,445,000
Greek player Kolonias has only a few live scores on his tournament résumé, the most important previous coming within the $25K High Roller on the 2015 PCA where he finished 39th. His only other recorded final table was in a €1K event in a Greek Poker Cup series in Loutraki, so he'll hope to make a primary one here. Meanwhile online he's racked up a variety of accomplishments, including earning a SCOOP title in 2014 in a $530+R six-handed NLHE event.
Seat 3: Zvi Stern, Israel, 1,485,000
Stern is a 37-year-old poker pro from Israel best known for his November Nine appearance in last fall's 2015 World Series of Poker Main Event where he ultimately finished fifth for a $1,911,423 prize. That represents the majority of his just over $2 million in career tourney earnings, ok for second all-time among Israeli players behind his fellow November Niner Amir Lehavot.
Seat 4: Eddy Maksoud, Lebanon, 1,010,000
The Lebanese Maksoud cashed ordinarily Event this week (finishing 113th), pushing his career lifetime earnings over the $530K-mark. His biggest career score came from winning the 2013 Merit Winterfest in Kyrenia, good for $135,850.
Seat 5: Alexandru Papazian, Romania, 1,710,000
Hailing from Romania, Papazian has earned a bit under $200K lifetime in tournaments thus far, including a few cashes here in Monaco. Last week he made the cash within the €10K High Roller where he finished 19th, and has already ensured a deeper run and larger payday on this one, regardless of where he finishes.
Seat 6: Max Silver, UK, 2,725,000
British pro Silver has a UKIPT Dublin title under his belt, numerous WSOP and EPT cashes, and greater than $2.3 million in total tournament earnings since 2010. The 25-year-old made the cash once or twice here in Monaco in this festival, including a profit the primary Event where he finished 146th. Two near-misses in high rollers, though, mean he'll be at liberty to assert a kind of eye-popping prizes up top here, particularly the €1,197,000 one awaiting the winner.
Seat 7: Saar Wilf, Israel, 800,000
With greater than $570,000 in tournament winnings, the Israeli Wilf was racking up scores since 2009. His best career score previously was for €145,000 after finishing sixth within the EPT8 Barcelona Main Event. He has one cash here in Monaco at this festival, having made the cash within the FPS High Roller (where he took 37th).
Seat 8: Rafael Da Silva Moraes, Brazil, 790,000
The lone South American left, Rafael Da Silva Moraes had a breakout year in 2015 earning three cashes on the WSOP, then three more in Brazilian Series of Poker events including a third-place finish within the BSOP High Roller in Sao Paulo in July. Moraes also has a lot of online scores at GM VALTER on PokerStars, among them an excellent Tuesday win in 2014.
Seat 9: Anthony Zinno, USA, 1,120,000
With this final-table showing, Boston poker pro Zinno continues a run of wonderful finishes stretching back greater than a year, a time through which he's picked up at least three World Poker Tour titles, a WSOP bracelet, and another €5K event title at EPT12 Malta. He also final-tabled the €10K High Roller here last week, taking sixth, so as to add to his greater than $5.5 million lifetime in tournaments. - MH
3:23pm: Ivan Deyra eliminated in 10th place (€ 103,570)Level 24 - Blinds 20,000/40,000 (ante 5,000)
We're all the way down to the unofficial final table of nine and its Ivan Deyra that's gone in tenth.
Max Silver opened to 85,000, Deyra committed half his stack from the massive blind (285,000), Silver shoved and Deyra called off his remaining chips.
Silver: J♠J♥Deyra: 6♣6♥
The 5♥4♠3♣ flop gave Deyra and open-ended straight draw and Silver just chuckled and nodded. It's never easy! The Q♣ turn and A♥ river were blanks though and Deyra shook hands along with his opponents before leaving.
They'll now be a brief break whilst they combine to 1 table of nine. --NW
3:20pm: Papazian doubles through SternLevel 24 - Blinds 20,000/40,000 (5,000 ante)
Alexandru told us before he was the quick stack, but not anymore as he's just doubled up.
Zvi Stern opened to 85,000 under the gun and Papazian shoved at the button for 815,000. Stern tanked once again, standing up and taking a pant on his e-cigarette. He eventually placed a stack of 100K chips within the middle to name and the cards were flipped.
Papazian had the A♥Q♣ while Stern had the 9♦9♣. Papazian and Maksoud had a chuckle, as they couldn't believe it took Stern that long to name with the nines.
The flop came the Q♥J♥3♦ to position Papazian in front, and he'd hold directly to the lead at the 5♥ turn and 6♠ river. Papazian now has 1.7 million, while Stern has 1.575 million. --JS
3:17pm: To the MaxLevel 24 - Blinds 15,000/30,000 (ante 5,000)
Max Silver is putting the pressure on his five-handed table now that he has the chip advantage.
Just now he opened from the button, watched Alexandros Kokonias three-bet to 270,000 from the small blind, then shoved all-in to force a fold from the Greek player.
He raised the following one from the cutoff to earn the blinds and antes as well, and now he's up as regards to 2.7 million. --MH
Ready to enroll in PokerStars? Click here to get an account.3:15pm: Deyra doubledLevel 24 - Blinds 20,000/40,000 (5,000 ante)
After Ivan Deyra opened for 85,000 Mac Silver lumped in a single million chips, which he'd done on several occasions pre-flop because the black chips were introduced. Deyra moved all-in, which Silver called.
Silver A♦6♦Deyra A♥K♦
Silver tried to get some good ju-ju going, putting his six within the middle to encourage it's twin to seem. Actually he did this all through however the board, for him anyway, remained barren, coming because it did 9♣2♥9♠5♥T♥.
Silver drops a short time Deyra is as much as 1.7 million. -- SB
3:10pm: Maksoud shoves and gets a Stern foldLevel 24 - Blinds 20,000/40,000 (5,000 ante)
It folded to Zvi Stern within the small blind and he made a gigantic raise to 265,000 - greater than six times the massive blind. Eddy Maksoud should have loved the look of these chips because he moved all-in from the massive blind for 975,000 total.
Stern took off his shades and headphones, continually rubbing his palm over his face. He stood up in an try to somehow clear his mind and make the verdict easier; and here's when Alexandru Papazian called the clock. "I'm short stack presently"! was his understandable reason.
Stern had 60 seconds to behave and it set out to 10 before he made the fold. Maksoud is as much as 1.25 million. --JS
3:04pm: Zinno gets aggressiveLevel 24 - Blinds 20,000/40,000 (5,000 ante)
Eddy Maksoud opened to 90,000 at the button and it folded to Anthony Zinno within the big blind. He thought for approximately half a minute before announcing "all-in." Maksoud quickly let his hand go, and when Alexandru Papazian asked Zinno how much he was playing the solution was 1.25 million. --JS
3pm: Silver doubles through MoraesLevel 24 - Blinds 15,000/30,000 (ante 5,000)
On the primary hand back from the break, Max Silver opened for 90,000 from the button, and it folded over to Rafael Da Silva Moraes. He checked what Silver had left, then announced he was reraising all-in. Silver got up from his seat, took a second to take a look at the opposite table and the tournament clock, then called off for 1.15 million total.
Moraes: 5♠5♥Silver: J♣J♥
The board came a boring 2♥7♣T♠4♥K♠, and Silver doubles into the chip lead with 2.34 million. Moraes suddenly becomes one of the vital short stacks with 690,000. --MH
Silver streaks to top
2:51pm: 10 left; Stern still smokin'Level 24 - Blinds 15,000/30,000 (ante 5,000)
Players are back and play has resumed, with Zvi Stern still the leader. Updated stacks below. --MH
| Zvi Stern | Israel | 2,050,000 |
| Rafael Da Silva Moraes | Brazil | 1,845,000 |
| Eddy Maksoud | Lebanon | 1,300,000 |
| Ivan Deyra | France | 1,230,000 |
| Max Silver | UK | 1,180,000 |
| Anthony Zinno | USA | 1,100,000 |
| Alexandros Kolonias | Greece | 830,000 |
| Alexandru Papazian | Romania | 680,000 |
| Saar Wilf | Israel | 675,000 |
| Imad Derwiche | France | 650,000 |
Where there's smoke, there's Stern
| 24 | 20,000 | 40,000 | 5,000 |
2:31pm: Break time
The remaining 10 players are actually taking their first 20-minute break of the day. --MH
2:22pm: Deyra bluffs Silver, showsLevel 23 - Blinds 15,000/30,000 (ante 5,000)
Ivan Deyra opened for 70,000 from the button and got two callers in Saar Wilf (small blind) and Max Silver (big blind). The flop came 2♠J♠4♥, and when checked to Deyra pushed out a big gamble of 111,000. Only Silver called. Those two checked the A♣ turn, then after Silver checked the 5♥ river, Deyra bet 170,000.
Silver tanked for a few minutes -- in which that Maksoud double-up occurred at the neighboring table (see below) -- then released his hand. Deyra showed his before collecting the pot, revealing he'd bluffed with 7♥6♦.
Deyra is as much as 1.27 million while Silver slips to 1.1 million with only a few minutes left before the break. --MH
Deyra steals one
2:12pm: Maksoud all-inLevel 23 - Blinds 15,000/30,000 (ante 5,000)
A vital double up for Eddy Maksoud who moved in behind a gap bet of 60,000 from Stern. Able to call was Papazian (Stern would fold pocket fives) with a decision worth 642,000.
Maksoud J♥9♥Papazian A♣K♥
The board ran out 9♣4♠4♦5♠8♦
The nine was enough. Maksoud back to 1.3 million while Papazian drops to across the 1 million mark. - SB
1:59pm: Deuce-four works for DerwicheLevel 23 - Blinds 15,000/30,000 (ante 5,000)
A short-stacked Imad Derwiche looked down at 4♠2♠ at the button and when folded to decided to fireside his last 213,000 in middle (about seven BBs), and he got one caller in Zvi Stern sitting within the big blind with K♣T♥.
The flop was great for Derwiche, coming 8♠6♠9♠ to present him a flush. The T♠ turn actually presented a couple of chopportunities for Stern, however the river was the 2♦ and Derwiche doubles back to about 460,000. Stern still leads with 2.05 million. --MH
Ready to join PokerStars? Click here to get an account.1:50pm: Papazian calls all-in at the turnLevel 23 - Blinds 15,000/30,000 (ante 5,000)
On a flop of A♣3♣Q♠ Alexandru Papazian bet 90,000 which was called by Zvi Stern, who was playing a large number of pots this afternoon. The turn was the 7♥. Again, a gamble from Papazian, 225,000 this time. Stern, thinking, announced he was all in. Papazian called."Okay, what do you have got"? he asked.
"Flush draw," answered Stern.
7♣6♣ for Stern3♠3♦ for Papazian.
It came right down to the river card, which landed 5♥. Papazian sighed with relief. He's as much as around 1.6 million while Stern drops a bit to 1.8 million. - SB
1:40pm: Zvi wins, thinks he missed betLevel 23 - Blinds 15,000/30,000 (ante 5,000)
Eddy Maksoud opened for 65,000 from under the gun, Zvi Stern defended his big blind, and the pair watched a flop come 6♥K♠9♠. Stern checked, Maksoud 75,000, and Stern called. The turn was the 6♦, and Stern checked yet again. Maksoud fired again -- 145,000 this time -- and Stern hung around.
The river was the J♥. Stern rapped the table, and when Maksoud checked behind Stern immediately spoke.
"Ah, I missed a bet," he said, showing his Q♣6♣ for trip sixes. Maksoud mucked, and Stern speculated that his opponent had a king and may have called a river bet.
"You would have called, right?"
Maksoud slips to 820,000 while leader Stern is as much as 2.54 million now. --MH
| 23 | 15,000 | 30,000 | 5,000 |
1:35pm: Kolonias takes on SilverLevel 22 - Blinds 12,000/24,000 (ante 4,000)
Max Silver and Alexandros Kolonias just played out a hand. On a flop of 4♠K♠A♣ Silver checked to Kolonias who bet 55,000. Called. Then at the 2♠ turn Silver checked called Kolonias's 150,000. At the Q♦ river Kolonias bet another 400,000. Silver paused for a while first, but then passed. Silver on 1.2 million while Kolonias moves as much as 1.38 million. -- SB
1:30pm: The fast versionLevel 22 - Blinds 12,000/24,000 (ante 4,000)
Saar Wilf made it 55,000 under the gun.
Rafael Da Silva Moraes raises to 207,000 within the small blind.
Wilf raised to 400,000.
Da Silva folded. -- SB
1:25pm: Moraes over SilverLevel 22 - Blinds 12,000/24,000 (ante 4,000)
Max Silver raised to 60,000 from the button and Rafael Da Silva Moraes called from the large blind. The latter then check-called a chance of 45,000 from Silver at the 8♠K♣8♥ flop, and another considered one of 100,000 following the T♣ turn.
Both then checked the 3♥ river, and when Moraes showed K♥T♥ for kings and tens, Silver mucked. Silver has 1.505 million now while Moraes has 1.08 million. --MH
1:10pm: More for SternLevel 22 - Blinds 12,000/24,000 (ante 4,000)
Another boost for Stern. He opened the pot for 50,000 which Anthony Zinno called within the small blind as did Imad Derwiche within the big. The flop came 9♣8♦4♦ which was checked to Stern who bet 65,000. Zinno passed but Derwiche kept up with a call.
The 2♣ turn card was checked for a Q♥ river card. Derwiche bet 100,000 which prompted Stern to take away his hood and sunglasses. Derwiche took off his glasses and grinned back.
Finally Stern called. His A♠8♠ was good. Derwiche's flush draw was broken. He showed J♦7♦.
Derwiche has roughly 500,000 behind, while Stern moves as much as just in need of 2 million. - SB
12:49pm: River ace saves WilfLevel 22 - Blinds 12,000/24,000 (ante 4,000)
Saar Wilf was just all-in and in peril for his last 370,000 with A♠8♦ versus Max Silver's K♠J♣.
The J♠6♥6♠ flop caused Wilf to face up in disgust, and he was already getting his phone out to take an image of the board because the 7♣ turn fell. Then came the river... the A♦! "Oooh!" said Wilf as he retook his seat, now behind a stack of as regards to 800,000. Silver is at about 1.54 million. --MH
Ready to join PokerStars? Click here to get an account.12:46pm: Thomas Miller eliminated in 11th place (€103,570)Level 22 - Blinds 12,000/24,000 (ante 4,000)
A flop of 3♦9♣T♣ and both Thomas Miller and Max Silver checked for a 7♥ turn. This was concerning the point things went big. Miller made it 74,000 to play which Silver called for the A♠ at the river. Here Miller announced he was all in.
Just to return a second, when Miller announced 70,000 Silver had to remove his headphone and consult the dealer. But there is something in regards to the words "all-in" which cut through even essentially the most belligerent music. He heard immediately.
But he wasn't sure proceed immediately. Instead he paused and went through his options. Finally he decided Miller was bluffing, and called. It was an ideal call.
Miller: 6♣4♣
Silver searched for a second, then with relief turned over 8♦8♥.
Down to 10 within the high roller. Silver as much as 1,850,000. "Groovy," he deadpanned. - SB
Thomas Miller - 11th place
12:45pm: Stern takes from PapazianLevel 22 - Blinds 12,000/24,000 (ante 4,000)
Zvi Stern raised from the button to 50,000 and Alexandru Papazian defended his big blind. The flop came A♥Q♥K♦ and both checked, then after the 8♠ turn Papazian check-called a raffle of 75,000 from Stern.
Both then checked the Q♦ river, Stern showed A♣9♦ which beat Papazian's J♦J♣, and the chip leader increased his stack to 1.85 million. Papazian is now at about 1 million. --MH
12:39pm: Ramin Hajiyev eliminated in 12th place (€92,250)Level 22 - Blinds 12,000/24,000 (ante 4,000)
It folded around to Ramin Hajiyev within the small blind who open-shoved his short stack of about 300,000, and Eddy Maksoud called very quickly from the following seat over.
Hajiyev had K♠Q♦ and a pair of overs versus Maksoud's T♥T♦, however the board came 3♣5♣2♥J♠6♥ and Hajiyev was eliminated in 12th. Maksoud now has about 1.2 million. --MH
Ramin Hajiyev - 12th place
12:37pm: Zinno takes from DerwicheLevel 22 - Blinds 12,000/24,000 (ante 4,000)
Early action saw Imad Derwiche defending his small blind versus an Anthony Zinno button raise, then continuing to stay around through a 6♣A♣J♥5♦T♦ board. The pot was up over 250,000 by then, and Derwiche at that time took a shot with an 85,000-chip bet. Zinno called it, though, and Derwiche responded with a nod while mucking his cards face down.
Zinno moves as much as 1.1 million while Derwiche now has about 540,000. --MH
12:30pm: Shuffle up and dealLevel 22 - Blinds 12,000/24,000 (ante 4,000)
The final 12 players are of their seats and the primary hands of the overall day of the €25K High Roller are being dealt. --MH
| 22 | 12,000 | 24,000 | 4,000 |
12pm: How things stand with 12 left
As we reported late last night, Zvi Stern had something of a really perfect poker day yesterday. He took hold of the chip lead early on and stayed there. He's going to lead on the restart, unbagging 1,638,000 chips when play resumes at 12:30pm. The 2 players closest to him are Max Silver (1,342,000) and Alexandros Kolonias (1,338,000).
Here's are the chip counts for the third and final day:
| Zvi Stern | Israel | 1,638,000 |
| Max Silver | UK | 1,342,000 |
| Alexandros Kolonias | Greece | 1,338,000 |
| Alexandru Papazian | Romania | 1,231,000 |
| Ivan Deyra | France | 1,160,000 |
| Rafael Da Silva Moraes | Brazil | 1,026,000 |
| Eddy Maksoud | Lebanon | 907,000 |
| Imad Derwiche | France | 840,000 |
| Anthony Zinno | USA | 816,000 |
| Saar Wilf | Israel | 509,000 |
| Thomas Miller | USA | 383,000 |
| Ramin Hajiyev | Azerbaijan | 366,000 |
Stern leads the dozen
Ready to enroll in PokerStars? Click here to get an account.Take a glance on the official website of the EPT, with tournament schedule, news and results.
Also the entire schedule information is at the EPT App, that's available on both Android or IOS.
PokerStars Blog reporting team at the EPT12 Grand Final main event: Stephen Bartley, Martin Harris. Photography by Rene Velli. Follow the PokerStars Blog on Twitter: @PokerStarsBlog
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