Uninterrupted Scandinavian Dominance
The current series at the Hilton Tallinn Park and Olympic Park Casino is marked by a compelling fact. Every gold ring awarded so far remains in Scandinavian hands.
The Finnish hegemony at the onset of the festival by Antti Perttula and Sami Säämänen was further augmented by their compatriot Luka Sorainen in the High Roller. Norway's victories came courtesy of Vilde Ekren in the Ladies event and Tarjei Forus in PLO, while Mehdi Yazdanpanah proudly waved the Swedish flag.
The Nordic poker school is clearly outshining its competition in Tallinn.
Sorainen Takes Down the Series' Most Expensive Event
Among the standout events was Event #7: €5K High Roller, featuring the highest buy-in on the schedule. A star-studded field saw 42 entries, generating a prize pool of €195,552.
In an all-Finnish heads-up conclusion, Luka Sorainen emerged victorious, claiming a €66,762 prize after defeating compatriot Mikael Haapaniemi. Renowned players Aliaksandr Shylko and Vladas Tamasauskas also secured spots in the money.
Final Table Results of Event #7: €5,000 NLH High Roller
|
Position |
Player |
Country |
Prize |
|
1. |
Luka Sorainen |
Finland |
€66,762 |
|
2. |
Mikael Haapaniemi |
Finland |
€42,540 |
|
3. |
Noah Rogers |
Norway |
€28,550 |
|
4. |
Casimir Seire |
Finland |
€20,220 |
|
5. |
Aliaksandr Shylko |
Belarus |
€15,160 |
|
6. |
Piotr Sztenkiel |
Poland |
€12,070 |
|
7. |
Vladas Tamasauskas |
Lithuania |
€10,250 |
The Norwegian King of Four and Five Cards
PLO specialists gathered for Event #6: €1,100 PLO 4/5, a tournament combining 4-card and 5-card variations. It attracted 198 entries, pushing the prize pool to €188,100.
Norwegian Tarjei Forus clinched the ring and €43,930, defeating Finnish rival Rasmus Ekström in heads-up play.
Final Table Results of Event #6: €1,100 PLO4/5
|
Position |
Player |
Country |
Prize |
|
1. |
Tarjei Forus |
Norway |
€43,930 |
|
2. |
Rasmus Ekström |
Finland |
€28,370 |
|
3. |
Vladislavs Petrovs |
Latvia |
€18,930 |
|
4. |
Pasi Sormunen |
Finland |
€13,030 |
|
5. |
Pyry Kyroejoki |
Finland |
€9,250 |
|
6. |
Ranno Sootla |
Estonia |
€6,790 |
|
7. |
Etienne Bargibant |
France |
€5,160 |
Swedish Comeback in Heads-Up
Event #3: €555 No-Limit Hold'em saw a massive turnout with 677 entries, building a prize pool of $321,575.
Swedish player Mehdi Yazdanpanah delivered an incredible comeback in the final. Facing Estonia's Mairo Tori, he was on the brink of elimination with just 10 big blinds, but a miraculous river saved him and ultimately turned the match in his favor.
Alongside the ring, he captured a career-high win of €59,465.
Final Table Results of Event #3: €555 NLH
|
Position |
Player |
Country |
Prize |
|
1. |
Mehdi Yazdanpanah |
Sweden |
€59,465 |
|
2. |
Mairo Tori |
Estonia |
€39,330 |
|
3. |
Arasch Mirzai |
Sweden |
€26,830 |
|
4. |
Darius Neagoe |
Romania |
€18,670 |
|
5. |
Gonzalo Soriano |
Spain |
€13,250 |
|
6. |
Magnus Pukk |
Estonia |
€9,600 |
|
7. |
Janne Ojala |
Finland |
€7,100 |
|
8. |
Sigitas Raila |
Lithuania |
€5,370 |
|
9. |
Juan Duenas |
Spain |
€4,140 |
For more information, visit PokerPro, which is providing comprehensive live reporting from the entire event.
Sources: WSOP Live, Poker_pro