Seat 1: Mikalai Pobal, 35, Belarus, PokerStars qualifier - 4,740,000
PokerStars qualifier Mikalai Pobal is one of three Belarusian players who have lifted an EPT Main Event trophy. Former International Economic Relations student Pobal won his title back in 2012 at EPT9 Barcelona, topping a field of 1,082 players for €1,007,550. Since then, Pobal hasn't been as active on the live scene as online, halting professional play for around four years, reappearing on the live circuit to cash in two consecutive EPT Barcelona Main Events following his triumph.
Pobal says that he’s now “just enjoying the game,” and originally planned this trip to Prague to be a family holiday, after he won a Sunday package to the EPT on PokerStars. Having spent six days at the felt instead, he says he feels comfortable on the final. “My experience in Barcelona helps,” he said, “I am much calmer.”
More than seven years after his victory, Pobal now has a shot at becoming the first two-time male champion. That would be an incredible legacy for the 35-year-old from Minsk who is set to claim only his 16th live cash tomorrow (five of them won in EPT Main Events).
Mikalai Pobal’s Main Event run:
| Day | Chip Count | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Day 2 | 192,600 | 22 / 415 |
| Day 3 | 162,000 | 93 / 141 |
| Day 4 | 1,394,000 | 8 / 41 |
| Day 5 | 2,780,000 | 8 / 12 |
| Day 6 | 4,740,000 | 4 / 5 |