Poker Player Kayhan Mokri defeats fellow poker pro Ossi Ketola in a record-setting $4 million heads-up battle at the Onyx Super High Roller Series in Cyprus.
The Onyx Super High Roller Series in Cyprus is living up to its reputation as one of the boldest poker events of the year. Fans expected jaw-dropping plays, but few imagined witnessing the biggest televised heads-up poker clash ever — a $2 million buy-in duel that created a $4 million swing.
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Clash of Titans: Mokri vs. Ketola
Norway’s Kayhan Mokri and Finland’s Ossi Ketola squared off in a high-pressure heads-up showdown at $10,000/$20,000 blinds. Over five hours of intense action, the two poker heavyweights battled for what would become the largest televised non-tournament pot in history.
The early momentum belonged to Ketola. He surged to a commanding 3:1 chip lead, stacking over $3 million within the first hour. His aggressive style and ability to consistently outflop his opponent made him appear unstoppable.
But in high-stakes poker, one cooler can flip everything upside down.
The Cooler That Changed It All
With nearly $300,000 in the pot, the board ran out Q♠ K♠ 5♥ 8♦. Ketola, holding A♠ K♦, looked destined to win a monster hand. Mokri, with K♥ 7♦, appeared crushed — until the river brought the 7♥, giving him two pair.
After a massive $600,000 river bet and a quick call, Mokri scooped a jaw-dropping $1.95 million pot, stunning both Ketola and the live audience. From that point, the momentum shifted.
Grinding Down the Finnish Star
Although Ketola managed a few recoveries, Mokri’s relentless style slowly wore him down. The final hand sealed the story in dramatic fashion. Both players flopped two pair on A♦ 6♦ 4♥, but Mokri’s A♠ 6♠ had Ketola’s 6♣ 4♣ crushed.
The turn brought the 6♦, cementing Mokri’s victory and sending Ketola packing after losing the $4 million heads-up battle.
Ketola’s Frustration and Demand for Rematch
Despite the crushing loss, Ketola wasn’t ready to back down. He immediately challenged Mokri to a $5 million rematch on the spot. Mokri, however, declined, citing an early flight out of Cyprus.
Frustrated, Ketola reportedly told his rival:
“Like who? They’re all p*****s.”
Still burning from defeat, the Finnish grinder even sought new action, asking if Paul Phua or other regulars were available for battle.
What’s Next at the Onyx Super High Roller Series
The series, hosted at the Merit Royal Diamond, continues with its $51,000 Championship event running until August 21, 2025. Fans can expect more fireworks as the stakes remain sky-high.
Adding even more excitement, the Onyx Club has confirmed an upcoming $1 million buy-in cash game, to be livestreamed globally, promising another spectacle for poker enthusiasts.
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FAQs
Q1: Who won the $4 million heads-up match at the Onyx Series?
A1: Norway’s Kayhan Mokri defeated Finland’s Ossi Ketola, scooping the record-breaking $4 million pot.
Q2: How long did the heads-up match last?
A2: The two players battled for more than five hours before Mokri secured victory.
Q3: Did Ketola get his $5 million rematch?
A3: No, Mokri declined the rematch offer due to travel plans, leaving Ketola visibly frustrated.
Q4: What’s next for the Onyx Super High Roller Series?
A4: The $51,000 Championship event continues, and a $1 million buy-in cash game will soon be livestreamed for fans.
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Content Courtesy: POKERNEWS