The live poker scene in Europe has finally reopened, with the largest poker venue in the region announcing a series of major tournaments for the next two months. King’s Resort in Rozvadov is bringing live action back to life, starting off with a €2,500 Pot-Limit Omaha High Roller which took place on June 20-21. It was the first major live event to be held on European soil since the coronavirus lockdown, and it was won by poker veteran Roger Hairabedian.
The two-day affair attracted a total of 60 entries, awarding €128,250 in total prize money. The two-time World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet winner emerged on top, outclassing German poker pro Christian Stratmeyer heads-up to walk away with €40,401 in first prize.
Final Table Recap
The PLO tournament attracted some of the best in the game, including Jan-Peter Jachtmann who led the chips during Day 1. Unfortunately, the WSOP PLO bracelet winner was unable to extend his dominance through to the final table after losing a hand against Stratmeyer. King’s regular “The Talk” became the bubble boy, busting in eighth place and walking away empty-handed.
The seven-handed final table began with Hairabedian as the chip leader. The French pro showcased his exemplary PLO skills at the table, sending five of his six opponents out of the game. Ossama Khamis was the first player to bust after running with queens into the kings of Hairabedian. The German player finished seventh, earning €6,733 for his efforts. Austrian poker pro Jonas Kronwitter also ended his bid early, landing in sixth place for €8,336.
Stratmeyer then eliminated Andreas Bremmer, who ran with top two into his fellow German’s top set. Bremmer walked away with €10,901 in fifth-place winnings.
After that, Hairabedian went on a knock-out streak, finishing off his remaining competitors one by one. He rivered the nuts against Austria’s Harry Casagrande to end his bid in fourth place for €14,107. Belgium’s Eric Lescot became the next victim, falling in third place for €18,596. The action was now down to two players – Hairabedian and Stratmeyer.
Stratmeyer was behind in chips when heads-up action started, but he was able to narrow the gap after scoring a double. However, Hairabedian managed to reinforce his dominance after getting a full house on the river against his German opponent’s trips. That hand gave Hairabedian a significant lead, and he went further by finding kings, flopping a wrap, and eventually turning the nut straight to make his victory official. Stratmeyer collected €29,176 for finishing as runner-up.
The PLO tournament is just the first of the many major action happening at King’s Casino over the next few weeks. On July 1-6, the poker room will host the Balkan Poker Circuit, a €200,000-guaranteed tournament which features affordable buy-ins. The action continues with the Bounty Hunter Days on July 9-12 and the Benelux Classics on July 15-20.
Kings Casino Has Lot Of Poker Action
They will be followed by two more tournaments, the German Poker Tour on July 23-27, and the Deutsche Poker Tour which is set to take place on July 30-August 2.
Some of these upcoming tournaments will award a ticket to the World Series of Poker Europe (WSOPE) Main Event, which means that the European leg of the world’s longest-running poker festival is still on the cards, despite the postponement of the flagship tournament which was originally scheduled to take place this summer at The Rio in Las Vegas.
Update on King’s Operations
If you wish to be at King’s to participate in these live events, be aware that the establishment will implement regular disinfection of chips and cards as a safety measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19, but you will not be obliged to wear a face mask. Only the casino’s personnel are required to wear protective face masks and face shields. The resort is also fully functional, meaning you can book your accommodation at the hotel, and enjoy their world-class restaurant and buffet.
Cash games are running 24/7, and other games on the casino floor are also available, like blackjack, roulette, and slots. However if you feel unwell, you are advised to contact the casino staff immediately.