The Onyx High Roller in Northern Cyprus has been a spectacle of big names, bold plays, and historic wins. The highlight of the series so far has been the $51,000 Onyx SHRS NLH Championship, where Austrian pro Daniel Rezaei captured the biggest title of his career after a deal with British star David Nicholson.
The single-day tournament drew 100 entries and crushed its $5 million guarantee at the Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa. With players voting to keep the action intense and confined to one marathon day, poker fans were treated to a breathtaking display of endurance and skill.
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The Final Table Drama In Onyx High Roller
The final table was stacked with elite talent from across the globe. French poker influencer Johan ‘Yoh Viral’ Guilbert exited in seventh place for $230,000, while Canadian rising star Jamil Wakil once again proved his consistency with a third-place finish worth $585,000. Remarkably, Wakil has now cashed over $1.6 million in just six results without yet claiming a trophy.
British grinder David Nicholson, affectionately known as Lil Dave, held a commanding 2:1 chip lead heads-up against Rezaei. Yet fatigue and mutual respect led to a practical decision: the two agreed on a deal that locked up the majority of the prize pool, leaving $55,000 and the prestigious trophy to play for.
The final hand came down to a bold shove from Nicholson with Q♠8♣, met by Rezaei’s courageous call holding A♥3♦. The ace-high held, and the Austrian secured his career-defining victory.
Rezaei on the Grind: “It Was a Marathon”
After nearly 15 hours of continuous play across 29 levels, exhaustion was evident. Rezaei admitted that the grueling nature of the tournament factored heavily into the decision to deal.
“One day tournament, 29 levels, 15 hours of play – it was a marathon,” Rezaei said. “By the time we got heads-up, we were both so tired that we agreed to a deal mainly for that reason. I even asked David if he really wanted to play for the full amount at six in the morning, and he was fine to make a fair deal. I appreciate that.”
The Austrian champion also praised the Onyx Club’s unique poker atmosphere:
“No stalling, no gimmicks, no sunglasses or scarves. It makes the game more enjoyable. They are creating a place where professionals and businessmen alike can just play and enjoy poker.”
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Onyx High Roller $51,000 SHRS NLH Championship Final Table Results
| Place | Player | Country | Prize |
| 1st | Daniel Rezaei | Austria | $1,043,530* |
| 2nd | David Nicholson | United Kingdom | $1,101,570* |
| 3rd | Jamil Wakil | Canada | $585,000 |
| 4th | Armin Ghojehvand | United Kingdom | $445,000 |
| 5th | Manuel Fritz | Austria | $360,000 |
| 6th | Aram Oganyan | United States | $290,000 |
| 7th | Johan Guilbert | France | $230,000 |
| 8th | ‘Loopoo’ | France | $180,000 |
| 9th | Markkos Ladev | Estonia | $140,000 |
A Win for Onyx High Roller and the Poker Community
The 2025 Onyx SHRS is quickly becoming one of the most prestigious series in global poker, rivaling iconic stops such as Monte Carlo and Las Vegas. Its blend of elite competition and player-friendly policies — such as faster play and a ban on unnecessary distractions — is striking a chord with both seasoned professionals and wealthy recreational players.
For Rezaei, this title not only marks a career-high payout but also cements his reputation as one of Austria’s brightest poker stars.
FAQs
1. Who won the 2025 Onyx $51K High Roller Championship?
Austrian pro Daniel Rezaei won the event, securing over $1 million and the championship trophy after a deal with David Nicholson.
2. How much was the prize pool?
The tournament had a guaranteed $5,000,000 prize pool, generated from 100 entries at $51,000 each.
3. Why did Rezaei and Nicholson agree to a deal?
After nearly 15 hours of play, both players were fatigued and decided to lock in payouts while leaving $55,000 and the trophy to play for.
4. Who were the other notable finalists?
- Jamil Wakil (Canada) – 3rd place, $585,000
- Johan Guilbert (France) – 7th place, $230,000
- Armin Ghojehvand (UK) – 4th place, $445,000
5. What makes the Onyx SHRS unique?
The series is praised for its fast-paced, gimmick-free environment — no stalling, no excessive tanking, and no distractions — making it a refreshing experience for both professionals and high-stakes amateurs.
Content Courtesy: Pokerstrategy.com