A Champion’s Journey Begins
As the final card hit the felt at Casino di Campione, a roar erupted from the rail. Adrian State, a seasoned Romanian poker player, had just achieved a career-defining moment. With a deep breath and a victorious fist pump, he locked eyes with his last opponent, Giorgio Soceanu. The battle had been long, the stakes immense, but in the end, it was Adrian State who was crowned the first-ever PokerStars Open Champion, taking home €363,000 (~N8D 3.2 crore).
This wasn’t just another poker victory. It was a landmark moment for European poker, proving that the demand for high-stakes live tournaments was stronger than ever.
The Birth of a Record-Breaking Tournament
The PokerStars Open (PSO) Campione was expected to be a major event, but no one anticipated just how massive it would become. The tournament boasted a €1,100 buy-in and a €1 million guarantee, yet it drew an incredible 2,423 entries, smashing expectations and generating a staggering €2,326,080 prize pool.
The event was a testament to the resurgence of live poker in Europe, with players from across the continent flocking to Italy’s famed Casino di Campione for their shot at glory.
Adrian State’s Path to Victory
For Adrian State, this wasn’t just about winning money—it was about etching his name in poker history.
- Day 1: He navigated a massive field, avoiding early elimination while slowly building his stack.
- Day 2: The competition tightened, with top European grinders battling for position. State remained composed, playing an aggressive yet calculated game.
- Final Day: Entering the last 26 players, he faced relentless competition but strategically picked his spots, eliminating key rivals to make it to heads-up play.
His final opponent, Giorgio Soceanu from Italy, had been dominant throughout the event, but State’s patience and experience proved decisive. After an intense heads-up duel, he secured the win, making him the first-ever PokerStars Open champion.
Final Table Results
The final table was stacked with talent, featuring a mix of seasoned pros and rising stars. Here’s how the payouts shaped up:
1️⃣ Adrian State (Romania) – €363,000 (~N8D 3.2 crore)
2️⃣ Giorgio Soceanu (Italy) – €225,200 (~N8D 2 crore)
3️⃣ Barnaba Perone (Italy) – €160,880 (~N8D 1.4 crore)
4️⃣ Manel Montalban (Spain) – €123,760 (~N8D 1.1 crore)
5️⃣ Salvatore Russo (Italy) – €95,190 (~N8D 84 lakh)
6️⃣ Jakub Sterba (Czechia) – €73,210 (~N8D 65 lakh)
7️⃣ Gaspare Sposato (Italy) – €56,330 (~N8D 50 lakh)
8️⃣ Andreas Putz (Austria) – €43,340 (~N8D 38 lakh)
Why PokerStars Open Campione Was a Game-Changer
This event wasn’t just about the prize pool—it marked a major shift in the European poker landscape. Here’s why it was so significant:
✅ Live Poker is Thriving Again – The massive turnout proves that live tournaments are making a strong comeback post-pandemic. Players are eager to experience the adrenaline of in-person poker.
✅ Big Prize Pools, Bigger Fields – The €1 million guarantee was easily crushed, showing that mid-to-high stakes players are ready to travel and compete.
✅ PokerStars’ Commitment to Live Poker – This event cements PokerStars’ return to organizing major live tournaments, something many had hoped for after the rise of online play during lockdowns.
What’s Next for European Poker?
With the PokerStars Open Campione exceeding expectations, all eyes are now on upcoming events. The next European Poker Tour (EPT) Monte Carlo stop (April 30 – May 4) is expected to draw even bigger fields, given the momentum generated by PSO.
For players, this means more opportunities, bigger payouts, and a renewed excitement for live poker tournaments.
Final Thoughts: A New Chapter for Poker in Europe
Adrian State’s victory at the PokerStars Open Campione is more than just a personal milestone—it’s a signal that European poker is thriving once again. With record-breaking turnouts, massive prize pools, and an electric atmosphere, live poker is officially back.
For poker players across the globe, this is just the beginning of an exciting new era.
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