It was just another sunny afternoon in Cyprus—at least, until one of the most shocking hands of poker in recent memory played out at the Merit Poker MPP 2025. A hand so absurd, so brutal, and so unforgettable that it instantly became the talk of the international poker community.
Imagine this: You’re deep in a high-stakes $5,300 MPP Main Event, grinding your way through the later stages of Day 2. You’ve just flopped the nut flush—the kind of hand that gets your heart racing and your stack soaring. But by the river, you’re reaching for your chips with joy… only to realize that your opponent was holding the straight flush all along. That’s exactly what happened when French pro Laurent Polito clashed with Bulgaria’s Vasil Medarov in what may go down as one of the most brutal coolers of the 2025 poker season.
The Setup: $5,300 MPP Main Event, Merit Royal Diamond Casino
Hosted at the luxurious Merit Royal Diamond Casino in Northern Cyprus, the $5,300 MPP Main Event was drawing top-tier players from across Europe and beyond. With over 1,000 entries and a prize pool that was skyrocketing past expectations, the tournament was already electric.
But it was during Level 17 (5,000/10,000/10,000) that lightning struck.
The Hand That Shook the Room
Here’s how the infamous hand went down:
- Medarov, in the cutoff, opened the action with a raise holding 9♦8♦.
- Polito, on the button, looked down at A♦3♦—a strong suited ace—and made the call.
- The flop came down Q♦J♦4♦.
It was one of those dream flops for Polito—he had flopped the nut flush with A♦3♦, a hand that dominates nearly everything else. Little did he know, Medarov had flopped an even rarer monster—a straight flush draw.
- The turn? 2♣—no threat.
- The river? 10♦.
Boom. The worst possible card for Polito. It gave Medarov the straight flush—8♦9♦ completing Q♦J♦10♦9♦8♦—while still making Polito feel like he held the best hand on the table.
When the chips went in, Medarov coolly turned over the second nuts. Polito’s face said it all. His A-high flush, usually unbeatable, was crushed.
A Half-Million Dollar Cooler
The pot ballooned to an astronomical $500,000+, one of the largest seen in recent MPP history.
Medarov, who had a strong showing at last year’s EPT Cyprus, didn’t need to say much. The cards spoke volumes. As for Polito—a multiple-time WSOP Circuit ring winner and a respected veteran on the French poker circuit—it was a devastating blow in a tournament where momentum is everything.
How Rare Is This Hand?
From a statistical perspective, this was a true one-in-a-million situation. Flopping the nut flush is already rare, but to lose to a straight flush—especially in position, at this stage of a high-stakes live event—is the kind of thing that only happens in poker’s darkest dreams.
To put it in context:
- The odds of flopping a flush: 0.84%
- The odds of flopping a straight flush: 0.02%
- The odds of flopping the nut flush and losing to a straight flush by the river? Almost too low to calculate.
Social Media Reacts
The clip of the hand quickly went viral, as poker fans around the world shared the footage from the Merit Poker live stream. It’s rare for the poker community to agree on anything—but this time, everyone was united in shock and sympathy.
Top players like Fedor Holz and Maria Ho chimed in, calling it one of the “sickest coolers of the year.” Forums lit up with comments ranging from “I’d quit poker” to “That’s why I love this game.”
Who Are the Players?
Laurent Polito
- Nationality: France
- Notable Wins: Multiple WSOPC Rings
- Career Earnings: Over $2.5 Million
- Known For: Deep runs in EPT events, steady play, and a calm demeanor
Polito is no stranger to the swings of poker, but this one will likely sting for a while. He had been building his stack steadily, reading the field well—until this cold deck stopped him in his tracks.
Vasil Medarov
- Nationality: Bulgaria
- Rising star with several strong finishes on the European circuit
- Style: Aggressive, fearless, and strategic
- Previous Highlights: Deep run in EPT Cyprus 2024
For Medarov, this win could be the momentum boost that propels him into the final table spotlight. While luck played its part, his pre-flop aggression and ability to capitalize on opportunity can’t be ignored.
Poker in Europe Is Thriving
Events like MPP at Merit Royal Diamond are further proof that poker in Europe is booming. The Mediterranean venues, high buy-ins, professional broadcasts, and diverse player pools are drawing players from all over the world.
Cyprus, in particular, is becoming a hotbed for international poker. With the backdrop of ocean views and world-class hospitality, it’s not hard to see why top professionals and recreational players alike are flocking there.
Final Thoughts: When the Best Hand Isn’t Good Enough
Poker has always been a game of skill battling luck. What happened at MPP 2025 was a brutal reminder that even when you play perfectly, you’re never fully in control.
For Laurent Polito, it was a tough pill to swallow. But for the audience, it was a moment of pure poker drama—one that will be replayed, debated, and remembered for years to come.
And as the Merit Poker MPP 2025 rolls on, one thing is clear: no one is safe from the madness of the deck.
FAQs
What is a nut flush in poker?
The nut flush is the highest possible flush available on the board, typically involving the ace of the suit.
What is a straight flush?
A straight flush is a poker hand containing five cards in sequence, all of the same suit. It beats a regular flush and almost every other hand—only losing to a royal flush.
Where was the Merit Poker MPP 2025 held?
It took place at the Merit Royal Diamond Casino in Northern Cyprus, a premier destination for poker in Europe.
Who won the hand between Polito and Medarov?
Vasil Medarov won the hand with a straight flush against Laurent Polito’s nut flush, taking down a pot of over $500,000.
Credit: Adapted from reporting by PokerNews
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