Onyx High Roller Series: Alex Kulev Dominates the $10K Opener, Takes Home $384,150!

The tournament drew a total of 207 entries, creating a prize pool of $1,945,800, nearly hitting the $2 million guarantee. Thirty-one top players made it to the second and final day, securing themselves a payout. Yet, everyone was aiming for the six-figure prizes at the top.

Entering the final table as the chipleader, Alex Kulev eventually claimed the winner's trophy. His path to victory wasn't easy though. Three players dominated the table: Kulev, Russian player Damir Gabdullin, and another Bulgarian on the final table, Fahredin Mustafov. Together, they orchestrated all eliminations and deservedly secured the top three spots in the tournament.

You can watch the entire final table, including key moments, on the official Onyx Live YouTube channel:

Heads-up Deal and a Phenomenal Call

Gabdullin entered the final heads-up against Kulev with a 3:2 chip lead. However, both players quickly agreed on an ICM deal, ensuring nearly identical payouts, while playing on for the trophy and an extra $70,000 for the winner.

The pivotal moment of the finale was Kulev's incredible call. On the turn J c 5 h 4 s 6 s, Gabdullin fired a massive bet and went all-in on the river 2 h. After several minutes of thought, Kulev called with a pair of fours A d 4 d, perfectly reading Gabdullin's bluff with K h 8 h. This moment launched him into the lead, which he never relinquished.

In the tournament's final hand, Kulev flopped two pairs and easily called Gabdullin's all-in. 

After his triumph, Kulev expressed his delight, especially as his parents watched the entire final table. “I'm thrilled to be here and to have won this tournament. Every victory means a lot to me. It's a signal that I'm on the right track as a player. When I play, I always play to win, and today it all worked out,” Kulev said after the tournament.

Final Table Results of $10,000 NLH Opener:

*heads-up deal

Sources: Onyx Club, YouTube, Flickr