Inside the No Filter Poker Series: How Ylamaki Outplayed the Legends

In a thrilling finale that kept spectators on the edge of their seats, Finland’s Mikko Ylamaki claimed victory at the €3,500 No Limit Hold’em No Filter Legends of the Game event. The win came during the 2025 No Filter Poker Series Nordic & Baltic Championship Open, hosted at the Olympic Park Casino, and cemented Ylamaki’s status as one of the rising stars of European poker. Ylamaki battled through a field of 101 skilled entrants, including household poker legends like Michael Mizrachi, Scotty Nguyen, and Juha Helppi, all competing for a share of the €323,301 prize pool. After an intense five-hour final day, the Finnish player emerged as the last man standing, walking away with a trophy, lifelong bragging rights, and a €76,657 payday following a heads-up deal.

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From PLO Regular to No Limit Champion

For Ylamaki, the victory marks not just another notch on his poker belt but a true turning point in his career. Known primarily as a Pot Limit Omaha (PLO) specialist, he has spent most of his poker life navigating the variance-heavy world of four-card poker. But on this occasion, his calm precision and adaptability carried him to new heights in No Limit Hold’em. “This is my biggest win, and honestly, it feels a little unreal,” Ylamaki said shortly after the event. “The money is great, of course, but beating players I’ve admired for years feels even better.” The Finnish pro, ever humble, described himself as a “fun player” and made it clear that while Hold’em may have brought him glory this week, PLO remains his true passion. “When I play, it’s PLO 95% of the time,” he said with a grin. “But maybe I’ll jump straight into the PLO 5K next.”

A Star-Studded Final Table

The final table at Legends of the Game was one for the books. Among the remaining contenders were Tommi Lankinen, Pasi Sormunen, Antti Maki-Franti, and Duncan Horst, representing a mix of Finland’s local heroes and international challengers. The lineup reflected the deep talent pool that has made Nordic poker one of Europe’s most competitive circuits. The crowd favorite moment came when Ylamaki pulled off a stunning flush-over-flush hand against Sormunen, setting the tone for the final stretch of the tournament. From that point on, his composure never wavered, and every decision seemed to move him closer to the title.

The Road to the Title

Ylamaki entered the final day near the bottom of the chip counts, ranked ninth out of thirteen players. Many might have counted him out early, but the Finn had other plans. A critical double-up against Felix Seelentag gave him breathing room, and a perfectly timed flush hand catapulted him to the top of the leaderboard. When the final heads-up battle began, Pasi Sormunen held a slight lead. The two countrymen struck a deal, ensuring fair payouts before dueling for the remaining €14,000 and the coveted trophy. The match began in Sormunen’s favor, but momentum quickly shifted. Ylamaki’s calculated aggression paid off when he found trip queens, with Sormunen bluffing into him. Moments later, a one-card straight put him ahead, and a clutch river call sealed his opponent’s fate. When the final cards fell, the crowd erupted—Finland had another poker champion.

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A Celebration of Legends

The No Filter Poker Series is not just another stop on the poker calendar—it’s a celebration of the game’s greats. Founded by Mounir Tajiou, the series blends the competitive spirit of live poker with the camaraderie and nostalgia of legendary players who shaped the industry. For Ylamaki, sharing the table with icons like Michael Mizrachi and Scotty Nguyen was an experience he’ll never forget. “It was amazing to meet and play with so many champions,” he reflected. “These are moments I’ll always carry with me.” The event also drew attention for its friendly yet competitive atmosphere, proving once again that poker is as much about respect and legacy as it is about chips and cards.

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What’s Next for Ylamaki?

While Ylamaki may be modest about his win, his victory has put him firmly on the map. With his career-best cash now surpassing his 2024 Kings of Tallinn triumph, fans are eager to see whether he’ll pursue larger live events or continue dominating the Nordic PLO circuit. As the No Filter Poker Series continues this week, Ylamaki hinted at joining more events. “We’ll see where the cards take me,” he said with a smile, already looking toward the next challenge.

For poker fans, this was more than just another tournament—it was a reminder of what makes live poker magical: the tension, the triumphs, and the unforgettable human stories written one hand at a time.

Courtesy: No Filter Poker Series