EPT Prague 2025: Bogdanov Shines with Second Title, Main Event Kicks Off

Bogdanov Claims Second Title at EPT Prague 2025
 

Bulgarian pro Yulian Bogdanov accomplished a rare feat at EPT by winning two titles in a single festival. Early in EPT Prague, he triumphed in the €10,200 Mystery Bounty and followed it up with a title in the prestigious €1,650 PS Open Main Event.

Bogdanov topped a massive field of 3,024 entries, taking home €398,135 along with the PS Golden Shard trophy. Thanks to a 3-way deal, Poland’s Adrian Ziemichod walked away with the biggest payday, while Bulgarian success was further highlighted by Ivan Poroliev securing third place.

Despite the final trio agreeing on a split, the battle for the title was fierce. Ultimately, it was Bogdanov who knocked out his fellow countryman with two pair on the board, overcoming the low fours held by his opponent. In the heads-up, Ziemichod briefly caught up to Bogdanov, but a few hands later, the tide turned. In the decisive hand, Ziemichod’s 7 c 7 h fell short against Bogdanov’s J s J h.

Bogdanov, who surpassed $3.5 million in live earnings, called the PS Open title the most important of his career. “I’m thrilled with this trophy. It’s my biggest achievement yet. I can’t believe it’s true. I’m very happy,” Bogdanov shared post-victory.

* 3-way deal

EPT Main Event Champions Struggle
 

The EPT Prague 2025 Main Event kicked off in grand fashion with the traditional €5,300 buy-in. Day 1A saw 409 entries with 124 players advancing to the next stage at the Hilton Prague Hotel.

Germany’s Fabian Bartuschk led the field, closely followed by Italy’s Enrico Camosci, who already claimed a title in the €20,000 NL Hold’em event and is eyeing further success.

Local player Vítězslav Čech secured the third position, bringing joy to the Czech audience, alongside Patrik Jaroš, who made it into the top 10 stacks.

However, past EPT Main Event winners struggled, with only Tomasz Brzezinski, Aleksandr Shevliakov, and Davidi Kitai advancing to Day 2.

EPT Main Event: Top 10 Stacks after Day 1A:

Norwegian Duo Dominates Prestigious High Roller
 

In the €10,200 Pot Limit Omaha 6-Max event, 36 players created 49 entries, with the prizepool reaching a commendable €475,300. The competition was fierce, featuring well-known names from the Omaha scene.

Norwegian pro Joachim Haraldstad emerged victorious, claiming his second EPT trophy and €154,400. Fellow Norwegian Espen Myrmo added to the country's success, finishing in second place.

Haraldstad secured the most significant title of his career to date and still has opportunities for additional high placements at EPT Prague. Just a day before his victory, he finished 7th in the €5,200 PLO event.

Italian Stia Grabs First EPT Title
 

The €5,200 Omaha event drew a total of 115 entries, creating an impressive prizepool of €557,750. Italian player Alain Stia emerged victorious, earning €143,100 for his performance. In the final heads-up, he overcame Finland’s Sampo Ryynänen. It was a great day for Italy, as fellow countryman Youness Barakat took third place.

The final table had a Scandinavian feel, given the strong presence of players from Northern Europe.

Kai Lehto Dominates Massive PS Open Cup
 

Among the largest side events of the entire EPT Prague festival was the €825 PS Open Cup. The total number of entries soared to 2,140, creating an impressive prizepool of €1,540,800.

Finn Kai Lehto triumphed, taking home the trophy and €162,000 for his outstanding performance. His victory followed a four-player deal, ensuring six-figure payouts for all. For Grummitt, Falco, and Pano, this marked a substantial increase in their career earnings.

Lehto, who recently surpassed a million in career winnings, secured his first EPT victory. This year, he also claimed a title at the Irish Poker Open, marking the best year of his career.

Sources: PS Live, The Hendon Mob, Flickr