Andras Nemeth Clinches Fifth EPT Title in the €10,200 in Prague

The Hilton Prague came alive on December 4, 2024, as poker enthusiasts from around the globe gathered for the final PokerStars European Poker Tour (EPT) stop of the year. This 12-day extravaganza features 68 thrilling events, offering players a chance to compete for massive prizes before the holiday season. Among the many highlights was the €10,200 Mystery Bounty, where Hungary’s Andras Nemeth stole the spotlight, securing his fifth EPT title and a combined payout of €132,980, which included €65,000 in bounties.

Nemeth, renowned for his strategic brilliance, delivered yet another masterclass in poker, navigating a challenging field of 42 entrants with poise and precision. After two days of intense competition, his triumph in this high-stakes event added another prestigious title to his already glittering poker career.

Day 2: Nemeth’s Masterful Performance

Entering Day 2 as the chip leader, Nemeth showcased exceptional gameplay against a stacked field, but his path to victory was far from easy. The event reached its dramatic crescendo during the heads-up battle against Michail Manolakis from Greece. The clash was intense, with the chip lead changing hands multiple times as both players demonstrated top-tier poker skills.

One pivotal moment occurred during three-handed play, when Nemeth made a gutsy hero call on the river that catapulted him into a commanding position. Reflecting on the hand, Nemeth explained:
“The hero call was a hand where I called it correctly after making a mistake a few hands earlier. It felt like a good theoretical call, and I believed my opponent could be bluffing at a reasonable frequency. Ace-high was beating all his bluffs, so I went for it.”

Manolakis wasn’t an easy opponent. After two key double-ups, he clawed back into the game and even managed to gain a 3:1 chip lead at one point. However, Nemeth’s composure and experience proved unshakable. By staying focused and methodical, he regained the momentum at a crucial moment, effectively dismantling Manolakis’ strategy to claim victory.

The €10,200 Mystery Bounty Tournament Breakdown

The tournament attracted 42 entries, generating a combined prize pool of €406,980, split between €196,980 for cash prizes and €210,000 for bounties. Action-packed from the start, the final table featured seasoned pros and rising stars battling for the top spot.

Final Table Chip Counts

1. Michail Manolakis – 1,100,000
2. Andras Nemeth – 903,000
3. Nikita Kuznetsov – 540,000
4. Elias Suhonen – 395,000
5. Candido Cappiello – 315,000
6. Morten Klein – 295,000
7. Maksim Vaskresenski – 280,000
8. Ilia Pavlov – 236,000
9. Niklas Astedt – 161,000

Here’s how the final table unfolded:

• Candido Cappiello was the first casualty, exiting in seventh place but securing a €10,000 bounty as a consolation prize.
• Nikita Kuznetsov delivered one of the most memorable plays, eliminating Niklas Astedt with pocket aces to move into contention. However, Kuznetsov’s run ended in third place when Nemeth’s pair of sixes prevailed in a crucial hand.
• Niklas Astedt, a 2024 WSOP Main Event finalist, exited in sixth place for €13,800 but redeemed himself by claiming the €40,000 mystery bounty.

The heads-up duel between Nemeth and Manolakis was a true test of endurance and skill. Just when it seemed like Manolakis had the upper hand, Nemeth scored a critical double-up. With renewed momentum, Nemeth expertly sniffed out a bluff from his opponent, setting the stage for the final hand.

The decisive hand came when Manolakis moved all-in with pocket tens, only to run into Nemeth’s ace-queen. The flop gave Manolakis top pair, but the turn and river delivered Nemeth a superior hand, clinching the title and bringing the thrilling event to a close.

Other Key Events at EPT Prague

While the €10,200 Mystery Bounty took center stage, the €12,300 Cuatro Knockout event also delivered plenty of excitement. Despite a smaller field of just 11 entries, the competition was fierce. Yauheni Tsiareshchanka emerged victorious, claiming €60,000 and all three €12,000 bounties after defeating Steve O’Dwyer heads-up.

Meanwhile, the €1,100 Eureka Main Event set a new record with 4,732 entries, generating a staggering prize pool of €4,542,720. Several Indian players, including Kanchan Sharma, Goonjan Mall, and Neel Joshi, participated in the event. Goonjan Mall managed to advance to Day 2 with 131,000 chips but ultimately finished in 44th place for €2,360 (₹2.11 Lakhs).

Final Table Results (EURO) (Including Bounties)

1. Andras Nemeth – €132,980 (€65,000 in bounties)
2. Michail Manolakis – €89,300 (€45,000 in bounties)
3. Nikita Kuznetsov – €70,500 (€40,000 in bounties)
4. Ilia Pavlov – €22,700
5. Morten Klein – €27,700 (€10,000 in bounties)
6. Niklas Astedt – €53,800 (€40,000 in bounties)

Nemeth’s Legacy and Future

Andras Nemeth’s fifth EPT title solidifies his position as one of poker’s all-time greats. With his remarkable ability to stay calm under pressure and make razor-sharp decisions, Nemeth continues to set an example for aspiring players.

As the 2024 PokerStars EPT Prague continues, all eyes are on the upcoming marquee events. Will we see another masterful performance like Nemeth’s, or will a new star emerge? One thing’s for sure—Prague is the place to be for poker’s biggest thrill-seekers.

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