September 3, 2024
In an exhilarating finale at the PokerStars European Poker Tour (EPT) Barcelona, Berthold Winz emerged victorious in the €2,200 High Roller event of the Estrellas Poker Tour (ESPT), clinching his second EPT trophy and a career-best €600,000. Hosted at Casino Barcelona, the tournament concluded with Winz outlasting a competitive field, including a final heads-up battle against Ronald Steinmetz.
Going into the tournament, Winz was not the most obvious contender for the title. With just over $150,000 in career earnings and a previous best of €24,400 from the EPT Barcelona Main Event in 2014, his victory here marks a significant milestone in his poker career. His win last year in the €1,050 No-Limit Hold'em Hyper Turbo Freezeout event at EPT Barcelona hinted at his potential, which he has now fully realized.
The ESPT High Roller was nothing short of spectacular, drawing 2,064 players across two starting flights and amassing a prize pool of €3,962,000. By Day 3, only 26 hopefuls remained, all vying for the top prize.
Winz's journey on the final day was marked by strategic plays and key eliminations, including Mitchell Garshofsky and Rania Nasreddine, setting the tone for his eventual win. Notable players like Cherish Andrews and Weiran Pu also made deep runs but fell short of the final table.
The final table was a battleground where Winz, starting in the middle of the pack, quickly ascended to the top after eliminating several players. Despite the tough competition from players like Cedric Schwaederle, Christophe Pommier, and Anton Kraous, Winz maintained his lead, showcasing his skill and determination.
Entering the heads-up duel with a significant chip advantage, Winz's aggressive playstyle paid off. Steinmetz, in a desperate move, bluffed on the river only to be outplayed by Winz, who had a straight. The tournament concluded shortly after, with Winz securing his victory and the coveted €600,000 prize.
Berthold Winz's remarkable win at the PokerStars Estrellas Poker Tour High Roller is a testament to his skill and perseverance. As the poker world turns its attention to the EPT Main Event and other high-profile tournaments, Winz's triumph in Barcelona will undoubtedly be a highlight of this season's tour.
Stay tuned for more updates and coverage from the PokerStars European Poker Tour, where the world's best players continue to battle it out for glory and substantial prize pools.