Georgios Skarparis showcased his poker prowess with a stunning victory in the $2,200 Warm Up event at the 2025 Merit Poker Western Series. Held at the iconic Crystal Cove Hotel and Casino, the event concluded in just five levels of high-stakes action, with Skarparis dominating the final table to claim the coveted title. His triumph brought him a career-defining payday of $180,200, secured after a three-way deal with Konstantin Kvashin and Danielle Noja.
Crossing the $1 Million Milestone
This win not only crowned Skarparis as the champion but also propelled his lifetime live tournament earnings past the $1,000,000 mark, as recorded by The Hendon Mob. Reflecting on this milestone, Skarparis said, “I feel great, and it’s a fantastic start to the year. Reaching seven figures was a goal, but now it’s time to aim for $2 million!”
The victory also elevated him to fifth place on Cyprus’ all-time money list, a feat he holds dear given the tight-knit community of Cypriot pros. “We always chase each other in good competitive spirit,” he shared, acknowledging the significance of his achievement.
Masterclass at the Final Table
Skarparis delivered a tactical masterclass at the final table. Taking the chip lead early, he capitalized on his advantage, leveraging pressure against opponents mindful of ICM (Independent Chip Model) implications. “I started putting pressure on the others early when we were nine-handed because I knew they were thinking about ICM,” he explained.
His pivotal moment came against Zhen Chen, one of the few players who could have challenged him. Skarparis eliminated Chen in a decisive hand, holding trip kings against Chen’s queen-nine suited. With over 80% of the chips in play after that hand, Skarparis’ path to victory became inevitable.
“I think I knocked everybody out from seven left,” he added, a testament to his aggressive and calculated play.
Plans for the Future
Following his victory, Skarparis revealed his plans for the coming months. “Next up is Cambodia, then probably Taiwan, and then back home to Cyprus. After that, maybe Ireland,” he shared. His ambitious schedule highlights his determination to build on his recent success.
Highlights from the Final Table
The action-packed final table saw Mario Fata’s dramatic survival early on, only for him to fall short soon after. Aliaksandr Hirs was the first to exit after his king-ten failed to overcome ace-six. Skarparis steadily eliminated opponents, including Grigorii Rodin, whose ace-queen couldn’t hold against Skarparis’ pocket tens. By the time play was down to three, Skarparis and the other finalists paused to negotiate a deal.
While the specifics remain undisclosed, the agreement awarded Skarparis the trophy and the lion’s share of the prize pool, cementing his place in Merit Poker history.
A Stellar Start to 2025
With his latest title and a growing wave of confidence, Georgios Skarparis is poised for an exciting year in poker. His performance at the Merit Poker Western Series not only adds to his legacy but also sets the tone for what promises to be a monumental year ahead.